Five most exciting games on 2019 Kansas City Chiefs’ schedule
Green Bay Packers (Home) – 10/27 @ 7:20 PM Central
It’s been a few seasons since the Chiefs have played the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately, the last time was a 38 to 28 drubbing in 2015 that wasn’t even as close as the final score. Fans may remember, this was the year the team started the season by losing five of the first six games on their schedule en route to a historic 11-game winning streak and the franchise’s first playoff win in 22 seasons. I’ll just assume this Chiefs’ roster won’t need that kind of wake-up call.
The focal point here will be the matchup between Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers, who has long been considered one of the best—if not the best—quarterback in the NFL. Even more, some believe he’s the most technically skilled quarterback in the history of the league. His statistical production, accuracy, and lack of interceptions definitely put him in the conversation.
He also happens to be the quarterback to whom pundits most often compare Mahomes. Both have incredible arm strength, throwing at angles of which most human beings are physically unable. Both have a very unique ability to throw with incredible accuracy on the run, something that is becoming more and more valuable in today’s NFL—especially, as offensive line play has continued to decline for various reasons.
Rodgers likely still has at least five years of productive football left, but who can truly know. With his injury history as of late and the struggles the organization reportedly continues to have between players, coaches, and the front office, it’s possible his time on the gridiron is winding down. This game isn’t yet being billed as a passing of the torch, but as we get closer to the end of October, I’d expect that all the major networks will be covering it as such.
As a Chiefs’ fan, the other interesting matchup here will be Matt LaFleur versus Steve Spagnuolo. LaFleur is billed as a rising offensive mind in the coaching ranks. With how successful Rodgers was under McCarthy, who many Packers’ faithful believe ran an archaic scheme, one can only estimate that Rodgers will thrive with a fresh approach. This could possibly be the stiffest offensive competition that the Chiefs will face all season, and with a new look defense, it’s hard to know what to expect.
Will the new safety tandem of Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill be able to limit plays over the top while simultaneously bringing support in the run game? Will Kendall Fuller and Bashaud Breeland return to form and effectively neutralize Davante Adams and company, especially on broken plays where Rodgers showcases that aforementioned ability to make something happen while running for his life? It will be a tough test, and only time will tell if the Chiefs’ new defense is up to the task.
The Chiefs all time record against the Packers is a surprisingly commanding 7 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie. CG Technology expects this lead to strengthen, as the Chiefs are seven-point favorites at home.