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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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CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 19: Kareem Hunt
CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 19: Kareem Hunt /

Kareem Hunt vs. Patriots Run D

Kareem Hunt will be making his first career start as a rookie. The third round pick out of Toledo has been billed by some as the next Jordan Howard. Hunt was well known in the MAC for being one of the most unstoppable backs in the nation as evidence by his 98 total missed tackles forced (2nd in the nation in 2016). Last season the Patriots run defense ranked 5th in the league by Football Outsiders, and allowed just 88.6 yards per game on the ground.

The Patriots front 7 returns 3 starters out of its front 7 so it remains to be seen if the Patriots can continue their previous success. Kareem Hunt will have the benefit of playing with four of the same five starters from the beginning of last season. The offensive line appears set with Eric Fisher, Mitch Morse, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, and Mitchell Schwartz. In 2016 over the last 5 weeks of the season, the Chiefs averaged 137.2 yards per game on the ground. That’s compared to just 81.2 yards per game over the previous 5 games.

Related Story: The Chiefs need to make a statement

The rushing game will also be crucial as the last time the Chiefs beat the Patriots they controlled the clock for over 36 minutes. Keeping the ball away from Brady is the only way to totally shut him down. So expect Hunt to see a lot of action in this game. I’m predicting Hunt should see a healthy dose of 21 carries for 97 yards and 1 touchdown.

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