Three keys to success for Kansas City Chiefs against Jacksonville Jaguars

The Kansas City Chiefs will begin the regular season in 2019 with a matchup of top offense vs top defense type performances. What should we be looking for?

The regular season is finally upon us and what better way to start the season off than a showdown between one of the best offenses and defenses in the NFL? The Kansas City Chiefs will travel to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 for a game that should bring plenty of key matchups that are noteworthy.

Among the hype for the regular season and a big matchup between the Chiefs offense and Jaguars defense, there have been plenty of touching points to discuss. Jacksonville has already canceled one practice this week due to Hurricane Dorian gets closer to Florida. We could also talk about the hilarious tweet from former coach Jack Del Rio stating that the Jaguars have a huge advantage over the Chiefs in Week 1 due to humidity. If you take him seriously, Tony Dungy made comments about the advantage as well.

While it does look to be hot come kickoff on Sunday afternoon, I’m not sure how much of an edge that will give the Jaguars. According to The Weather Channel, it is a high of 97 degrees on Sunday in Jacksonville with the humidity being at 57%. The Chiefs worked all of August in those types of temperatures during training camp. Both teams will likely be taking extra measures to keep their players hydrated and given the Jaguars have barely started their starters this preseason, and given that it’s Week 1 of the regular season, both teams will likely show signs of wearing down come the fourth quarter.

As for the key matchups for this game, I know that most of you are looking for the spicy takes about Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash telling reporters that cornerback Jalen Ramsey will be shadowing Tyreek Hill in this matchup. While that’s all fun to think about, especially given Ramsey’s comments about Hill being a return specialist last season, that matchup is not likely what will give the Chiefs a clear win over the Jaguars. Ramsey was also given help over the top last time and will likely this week as well.

I dove into the Jaguars roster and how different the team is from last season when these two teams faced off. There are absolutely plenty of changes to this roster that will strike attention including a great first couple of draft picks in the 2019 NFL Draft by Jacksonville between edge rusher Josh Allen and OT Jawaan Taylor. With that being said, there are also notable losses to the team including defensive tackle Malik Jackson, safety Tashaun Gipson, and linebacker Telvin Smith.

Let’s take a look at my 3 key matchups for the opening game to the regular season between the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.