Chiefs vs. Titans predictions: Kansas City expected to punch Super Bowl ticket

After the Kansas City Chiefs’ exciting comeback win against the Houston Texans, our writers pick them to win again and head to the Super Bowl.

Last week, in the AFC Divisional game, the Kansas City Chiefs took on the Houston Texans and won in a thrilling roller coaster comeback. The Chiefs started out giving up three touchdowns a field goal, going down 24-0 early in the second quarter. The game looked over until the Chiefs miraculously came to life and scored four unanswered touchdowns to take a 28-24 lead at halftime. They went on to win the game 51-31.

Now, they are facing another challenge: the Tennessee Titans. Like the Texans, the Chiefs faced and lost to the Titans in the regular season and lost. The last time these two teams played, the Titans won 35-32 after blocking a last minute game-tying field goal attempt by the Chiefs.

One of the biggest storylines coming into this matchup is how are the Chiefs going to stop Derrick Henry. When they played in the regular season, Henry rushed 23 times for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns. Henry has been putting up similar numbers to this in the Titans’ first two playoff games.

Against the New England Patriots, Henry rushed 34 times for 182 yards and 1 touchdown. Against the Baltimore Ravens, Henry had an even more impressive game. He carried the ball 30 times for 195 yards and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass. Henry is currently the leading rusher in the playoffs, and certainly will be a force for the Chiefs to stop.

Chiefs defensive tackle believes the best way to stop Henry is to “just do our job.” The Chiefs have been preparing for Henry and the Titans all week, and are playing to go to Super Bowl LIV. The winner will take on the winner of the San Fransisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers in the big game on February 2nd.

The Chiefs have good news that defensive tackle Chris Jones was back to practice in limited fashion on Friday, but he is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Another good sign for the team is that tight end Travis Kelce, who’s been battling a knee injury, is listed as active for the game.

Ultimately, our writers believe the Chiefs will win and head to Super Bowl LIV. Here’s what they have to say:

Drew Brooks: Chiefs 38, Titans 21

I think that Derrick Henry will give the Chiefs trouble, but he won’t  be able to carry the team the whole time. The Chiefs will come out firing on offense and force Ryan Tannehill to pass, taking away the run game and getting the ball out of Henry’s hands. I think that this is finally the year that the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl, and only that, but win it.

Matt Conner: Chiefs 30, Titans 16

The Titans have enjoyed a nice, unexpected run through the playoffs that provided a nice contract year for key performers, but the Titans are not as talented, as deep, as well-coached, or even as rested for this moment as the Kansas City Chiefs. The run is over and it’s time for the big boys to play from here on out.

Lyle Graversen: Chiefs 34, Titans 27

I think both of these teams are better on defense now than they were in the first match up this year. That having been said, I still think both Patrick Mahomes and Derrick Henry will have good days for their teams, but in the end I think it will be Mahomes that makes a few more special plays and sends the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl in my lifetime.

Jacob Harris: Chiefs 35, Titans 17

Chiefs jump to an early lead and force the Titans to try to play shootout ball with Tannehill. They can’t keep up and the Chiefs coast to Super Bowl 54.

Jake Kokoris: Chiefs 30, Titans 14

Last week’s awful start is going to be fresh in the minds of the Chiefs this week. Expect a fast start, and continuation of last week’s passing attack. As long as the Chiefs can avoid turnovers, especially on special teams, they are primed for a Super Bowl berth.

Jordan Mannix: Chiefs 40, Titans 27

Unfortunately for the Titans, I think we saw the Chiefs wake up against the Houston Texans. Before last Sunday, I’m not sure we had seen the Chiefs “A” game more than a handful of times this season. I think this team was shocked back to reality, which I think led them to release an onslaught never before seen in the NFL. I expect the Chiefs to score on most of their drives, slow Henry down enough to make the Titans throw, and likely give up a score or two in garbage time to make the game look a lot closer.

Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 34, Titans 24

I can’t believe we are here. Two games to glory, but the Titans stand in the way of a Super Bowl appearance. While I do think this is a tougher test than last week, I also don’t think the Titans are as good as people keep saying. They barely beat the Patriots and relied on a turnover happy Ravens team last week. I think their luck runs out this week as the Chiefs remember the hurt of losing last year. They will get off to a fast start and hold that lead forcing Tannehill to beat them with his arm. Spoiler, he won’t.

Byron Smith: Chiefs 40, Titans 24

If K.C. can go up early, this isn’t even a game. Take Derrick Henry out of the game by taking the run game away as a viable option to win. Going up big does just that. LETS BRING IT HOME!

Thomas Welte: Chiefs 41, Titans 28

The matchup has been analyzed to death. Here’s what you need to know: Derrick Henry is big and fast. The Chiefs defense doesn’t always play big and fast. The Titans beat the Chiefs once this season. It’s really simple, this game is going to be about minimizing mistakes, scoring points, and forcing Tannehill to win with his arm. Tannehill’s resurgence has been slept on this week, but I think the Chiefs have momentum and home field advantage. It should be a good game.