Chiefs vs. Titans: Top matchups to watch

Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) celebrates with quarterback Alex Smith (11) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) celebrates with quarterback Alex Smith (11) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) and defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (99) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) and defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (99) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Chiefs linebackers vs. Titans tackles

In perhaps  the toughest matchup for the Chiefs. Justin Houston and Dee Ford will take on Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin. So far this season the Titans have allowed 21 sacks at an adjusted sack rate of 5.5% by Football 0utsiders.

But last week against the Broncos the Titans line gave up only five pressures on the day. The Chiefs linebackers over the last four weeks have only mustered five sacks. In three games against teams that rank in the top five of pass protection the Chiefs have managed only four sacks combined.

If the Titans had a weak spot it’d be their interior offensive line. What the Chiefs will need to do is rely on their inside pass rush to push the pocket, and have the outside playing contain to keep Mariota in the pocket. If the Chiefs can get inside pressure it’ll force Mariota to make quick reads and throw into the defense leading the league in interceptions. If the outside can’t keep contain on the pocket, Mariota will use his athleticism to escape the inside pressure and take off or find an open receiver.

And lets not forget the Titans also have the No. 2 and No. 1 pass blocking running back and tight end making this matchup all the more difficult.

Marcus Mariota vs. Chiefs red zone defense

Mariota’s big story this year is that he has yet to throw a red zone interception in his career. This is a big reason why the Titans rank #2 in red zone scoring. With a punishing backfield and a quarterback who doesn’t turn it over. It is difficult to stop the Titans offense once it has made it

within the 20 yard line.

But here come the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have the most red zone takeaways in the NFL. Which is a big part of why the Chiefs rank fifth in red zone defense. They are a classic example of a “bend don’t break” defense.

Quarterback totals in the red zone against the Chiefs are: 203 yards, 13 touchdowns, four interceptions, four sacks, and two fumbles. Marcus Mariota so far this season is 233 yards, 18 TDs, 0 INTs, 0 sacks, 0 fumbles. Defenders have also only managed three pass deflections all season. It’s fair to say the Chiefs red zone defense will be tested on Sunday.