Chiefs vs. Packers predictions: Writers lack confidence in Matt Moore

With Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ status in doubt for Sunday’s game, our writer predictions reveal a lack of confidence in Matt Moore.

Last week against the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes dislocated his kneecap in the second quarter. This resulted in backup quarterback Matt Moore, who had not taken a single practice rep this season, coming into the game with the Chiefs leading 10-6. After this, the Chiefs settled for a field goal and then the defense took over.

Moore ended the day 10/19 for 117 yards and 1 touchdown. His touchdown pass showed us a glimpse of his arm with a long pass to wide receiver Tyreek Hill. However, it was the defense that really stepped up against the Broncos. It started with linebacker Anthony Hitchens sacking Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco and forcing a fumble, which linebacker Reggie Ragland recovered for a touchdown.

Ultimately, the defense ended the day with nine sacks and was a major factor in the Chiefs’ victory. This brings into question whether the defense will consistently show up or if last Thursday night was an anomaly. While it’s unlikely the defense will repeat its performance this week against the Green Bay Packers, at the very least Matt Moore should be much better prepared than he was last week.

Though it’s extremely likely Mahomes will be out for Sunday’s game, the Chiefs will at least have a good shot at getting wide receiver Sammy Watkins back from a hamstring injury as he’s practiced all week. Left tackle Eric Fisher is also on his way back from an injury and has logged limited practices this week, which gives hope to the Chiefs offensive line that desperately needs him back.

The bad news for the Chiefs is that defensive end Frank Clark, defensive tackle Chris Jones, linebacker Darron Lee, and cornerback Kendall Fuller have all missed practice this week. Frank Clark is nursing a neck injury, Chris Jones is still recovering from a groin injury he sustained a couple weeks ago, Darron Lee is battling an illness, and Kendall Fuller is still out after surgery for his thumb.

The outlook for this game is not exactly rosy, especially with the injury to Patrick Mahomes. Our writer predictions reflect this, as there’s a lack of confidence that Matt Moore can fill in admirably against the Packers. Some writers also believe that Patrick Mahomes will, against all odds, play through his injury. Here are our full writer predictions:

Drew Brooks: Packers 32, Chiefs 31

In Matt Moore we trust. I think Moore will come into this game and surprise everyone by performing admirably in the absence of Mahomes. The Chiefs will be neck and neck with the Packers all game. After last game’s standout performance, the Chiefs defense is riding high, but I think they will ultimately disappoint and fail to stop the Packers who will win after time expires with a heartbreaking two-point conversion.

Matt Conner: Packers 24, Chiefs 12

I think we settle for several field goals in another miserable game at home that makes us think twice about the swagger we built just 10 days ago.

Jalon Dodson: Packers 28, Chiefs 24

Mahomes magic has been tapped out.. Until he unloads against the Vikings next week. Moore won’t be able to go to battle against Rodgers, and it’s doubtful the defense can withstand such a battle.

Lyle Graversen: Packers 27, Chiefs 23

I think the Chiefs will play well Sunday night but I think at the end of the day Aaron Rodgers will be the difference. The Chiefs will give fans reason to believe in them going forward (especially with a healthy Patrick Mahomes) but under Matt Moore there will be a few too many field goals instead of touchdowns

Jacob Harris: Packers 38, Chiefs 21

This won’t be particularly close. Rodgers is going to shred the defense and Moore will not be able to come close to going score-for-score with him. Fortunately this is a loss KC can afford.

Scott Loring: Chiefs 30, Packers 13

As much as I’d prefer to see Patrick Mahomes take a seat, I believe he’ll play Sunday. What happens after that is anybody’s guess. We know this much by now: Never underestimate this young man.

Jordan Mannix: Packers 27, Chiefs 24

The Chiefs-Packers game is the tale of three factors: the head coaching matchup, the quarterback matchup, and the defensive matchup. The Chiefs have the edge in the first, the Packers in the second. The third is a question mark with recent results. The defense will be the key, but at this point I’m leaning towards the Packers.

Ellen Mathis: Packers 34, Chiefs 20

The Mahomes-less Chiefs are taking on the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers. The Chiefs are coming off a mini-bye but are without their unicorn quarterback. Matt Moore will step into the void left by the injury to the MVP. The question is whether Andy Reid can scheme his way to a win (and if anyone can, it’s Andy). The Chiefs still have an embarrassment of riches on the offensive side of the ball. However, it remains to be seen if the defensive performance against the Broncos was a fluke or if it was a true change. Rodgers is coming off a career game and the Packers look great on both sides of the ball. I think the biggest factor in this game is the absence of Mahomes. This will be a fun game, but the Packers will win.

Byron Smith: Chiefs 45, Packers 35

Goku always shows up just in time for the big fights, no matter what, and Mahomes is Goku in every way possible. Not to mention, the mini bye week gives me faith that Reid can draw up a game plan to keep the Green Bay defense out of the game. This stadium is gonna be packed, the weather is just right, the defense is rolling. Give me the Chiefs in a blowout.

Grant Tuttle: Packers 27, Chiefs 21

The Chiefs are in an interesting position. Even though Mahomes has been practicing in some capacity, it seems like a long shot that he would face off on Sunday night. While I expect some scrappy play from the resilient Chiefs, I believe they come up short against the red hot Packers at home.

Farzin Vousoughian: Packers 31, Chiefs 20

I know some fans are excited about the defensive effort last Thursday night. Realistically, that defensive performance won’t be seen again against a sound Packers offense. Without Mahomes, the offense will still move the ball, but also see some limitations.

Thomas Welte: Packers 38, Chiefs 24

Chiefs Kingdom has been strangely optimistic about the matchup with Green Bay. The reality is we are going to be deprived of a Mahomes-Rodgers showdown and that’s a true tragedy. Without Mahomes, the Chiefs will have to lean more on their ground attack which has been almost as bad as the defense this year. Speaking of, the defense beat up on a Broncos team that has struggled all year. While there have been improvements, the team is still banged up and has real deficits on defense.