Chiefs vs. Titans predictions: Patrick Mahomes or not, K.C. should win

Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ win last week against the Minnesota Vikings, our writers are confident in a victory against the Tennessee Titans.

Last week, backup quarterback Matt Moore led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 26-23 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Moore finished the day with a solid stat line, completing 25/35 passes for 275 yards and 1 touchdown. Running back Damien Williams had a solid day for the Chiefs as well, carrying the ball 12 times for 125 yards and 1 touchdown.

However, the biggest story of the day for the Chiefs was the defense, which has finally found its stride. They shut down Vikings lead wide receiver Stefon Diggs, holding him to just one catch for four yards. They also did a solid job at slowing the NFL’s leading rusher, Dalvin Cook, down, holding him to just 71 yards on 21 carries.

On top of offensive and defensive production, the Chiefs special teams worked its magic as well. Kicker Harrison Butker made both of his extra point attempts and all four of his field goal attempts, including a 44-yard game winner as time expired. Even without key players like starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive end Frank Clark, the Chiefs were able to take care of business at home and break a streak of three straight home losses.

This week, the Chiefs will take on the Tennessee Titans. The good news for the Chiefs is that they are continuing to get healthy. Patrick Mahomes has been a full participant in practice this week, and has a good shot at playing.

The Chiefs also might be getting left tackle Eric Fisher and right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif back soon, who were limited participants in practice. On the defensive side, cornerback Kendall Fuller and defensive end Frank Clark have been limited participants.

After an encouraging win last week, with the possibility of the Chiefs getting Patrick Mahomes back, our writers are confident in a Chiefs win. Here are the full writer predictions:

Drew Brooks: Chiefs 35, Titans 17

It looks like Patrick Mahomes will be playing this game, but even if he doesn’t, I think the Chiefs will win. The offense will move the ball regardless of who’s under center and the defense will continue playing like it’s been playing. Against Ryan Tannehill, this should be an easy win for the Chiefs.

Matt Conner: Chiefs 40, Titans 26

If any week looks like a coming out party, it’s for the re-entry of Patrick Mahomes after injury onto a team that’s looked better with each passing week.

Lyle Graversen: Chiefs 30, Titans 20

Even with it looking like Patrick Mahomes will play, I still expect this to be a little bit of a slug fest. The Titans will likely try to establish the run, and I can see the Chiefs doing the same to try and protect Mahomes a little. Ultimately, K.C. just has more playmakers and that will be the difference.

Jacob Harris: Chiefs 31, Titans 21

Easy win with or without Mahomes. K.C is finally  putting it together on defense, albeit gradually. Should still be more than enough to shut down the Titans.

Jordan Mannix: Chiefs 35, Titans 21

The Titans haven’t played a single top 10 team and only played two top 15 teams according to advanced statistics. They simply don’t have the firepower, especially with the loss of Malcolm Butler, to slow down the Chiefs now mostly healthy offense. The Chiefs should easily win their seventh game of the season.

Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 24, Titans 13

Even with Mahomes’ status in question as I write this prediction, I believe the Chiefs pull off a win. The defense is playing well, important playmakers are stepping up, players are getting healthy, and Andy Reid is scheming to put his players in the best positions possible. If Mahomes plays, that is just the icing on the cake. Chiefs will take this one with or without Mahomes. I’m making my prediction assuming he doesn’t play.

Byron Smith: Chiefs 49, Titans 14

Mahomes is healthy. His playmakers are set. Big Red has been firing on all cylinders recently. The Chiefs defense has the best defensive line of the last three weeks. You dont beat this team right now, especially if your name is Ryan Tannehill (Mariota is not playing, if he does, add 7 to the Chiefs.) Mahomes will be sitting by the fourth quarter because of the blowout.

Grant Tuttle: Chiefs 27, Titans 13

The Chiefs have had an odd history with the Tennessee Titans. It is never a given that any team will win in any given week. That said, I believe that whether Matt Moore or Patrick Mahomes is under center, the Chiefs will come away with another victory.

Farzin Vousoughian: Chiefs 27, Titans 10

Regardless of who is under center, the Chiefs should take care of the Titans coming off their best win of the season. The rush defense needs to prove it can play well again after a stout performance against Dalvin Cook. Offensively, even with Matt Moore, there are plenty of weapons that should allow the offense to have another good game.

Thomas Welte: Chiefs 48, Titans 24

Riding a win against the Vikings, the Chiefs should ride momentum and crush the Titans. That said, the Titans have been a bit of a thorn in the side of the Andy Reid led Chiefs. Derrick Henry could cause problems, but it’s silly to think Patrick Mahomes wont come back inspired. I expect the game to start slow, but Mahomes and company will nail the coffin shut by the 3rd quarter.