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Chiefs vs. Patriots: 3 key match-ups to watch

By David Thomas

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs shake hands after the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs 27-20. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs shake hands after the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs 27-20. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 20: Cornerback Steven Nelson
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 20: Cornerback Steven Nelson /

Cornerbacks vs. Tom Brady

This by far will be one of the most crucial matchups in deciding this game. With Steven Nelson gone for at least the first 6 games, the cornerback position against looks in flux. Currently it looks like Terrance Mitchell and Phillip Gaines will be the #2 and #3 corners. Mitchell has been injured all of the offseason and preseason, but returned to practice just over a week ago.

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Last season Mitchell was a boon to the Chiefs pass defense after picking him up last November. In his 279 snaps last season, Mitchell gave up just a 55.5 passer rating into his coverage area with quarterbacks completing just 42.9% of their passes by PFF. Against players like Antonio Brown, Amari Cooper, and Demaryius Thomas, Mitchell gave up just 38 yards on 11 targets. If Mitchell is able to pick up where he left off the Chiefs should be set across from Marcus Peters..

The biggest question comes at slot cornerback. Currently Gaines is listed as the #3 CB but D.J. White and Kenneth Acker may also get their shot in the slot. Gaines has often been injured and inconsistent so far in his career. But he is also the most experienced corner the Chiefs have. Recent reports suggest that Gaines is looking much improved, and GM Brett Veach thinks he can return to his rookie year form. The Chiefs will certainly need it going up against the #1 QB in the NFL.

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