Five most exciting games on 2019 Kansas City Chiefs’ schedule
New England Patriots (Away) – 12/08 @ 3:25 PM Central
Ironically, as this might be the most intriguing matchup of the entire season between any two teams in the NFL, this game is relegated to the early prime time spot. Either way, this game is sure to bring high expectations for entertainment and weeks-to-months of story lines. It may also carry significant ramifications for two teams hoping to secure home field advantage.
As with many of the Chiefs games on the 2019 schedule, the primary matchup that everyone will be watching is at quarterback. Mahomes got the better of Tom Brady in both contests last season from a statistical perspective, but Brady got the better of Mahomes and the Chiefs in the win column. That is what really matters here.
In order for the Chiefs to become the dominant team in the AFC, they will need to consistently beat the Patriots. This game is important for so many reasons, but defeating the fear factor may be the most important. In sports, teams with stretches of greatness like the Patriots tend to carry with them an impact that goes beyond the physical to the mental.
Whether players admit it or not, there is some element of fear going into Foxborough to play the six-time champions and arguably greatest player-coach combo in the history of the NFL. In order to win the Super Bowl, this fear must be vanquished. To be the champion, there must be no question in the player’s hearts and minds that they are the best.
Fortunately, it is much simpler than most might think. It was somewhat shocking to watch a player like Mahomes play against the Patriots last season. Like any young player competing against the direct expertise of Bill Belichick, that of defense, he was jittery early and made mistakes. That part wasn’t shocking. What was shocking was how he composed himself in the second half of both contests and showed incredible presence, leading his team back to striking distance only to fall infinitesimally short of victory.
All Reid, Mahomes and company need to do this season is start fast against the Patriots like they do against everyone else. Crush the fear factor early—like multiple Reid led teams have done to Belichick led teams in the past—and nothing will stop them from toppling the AFC and NFL Champions. Like the old saying goes, the third time’s the charm. I expect Mahomes third contest against the Patriots will go as such.
The Chiefs currently lead the al- time series against the Patriots with 18 wins, 16 losses, and 1 tie. This Patriots’ game is one of only two games on the 2019 schedule in which CG Technology predicts a Chiefs’ loss, as the Patriots are 3-point favorites in Foxborough.