Chiefs vs. Patriots: Key matchups in a battle for AFC supremacy

Kansas City’s offensive line must repeat their performance from Week Three

When Kansas City traveled to Baltimore, they knew they’d be up against one of the best defensive units in football, particularly when it comes to getting into the backfield and making plays. After the line’s performance in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers, it was quite concerning for anyone interested in seeing Patrick Mahomes stay healthy.

Just before kickoff, starting guard Andrew Wylie had shown up ill at the stadium and had been taken to the hospital. It seemed an already poor-playing unit would be even more challenged.

Then something miraculous happened: the unit was fantastic. Mahomes had all the time and space he needed to make plays the entire game. It suddenly looked like the playoffs all over again as the line was nearly impenetrable. So one must ask: will the real Chiefs’ offensive line please stand up?

If Kansas City gets a repeat of the Monday night effort against New England, the pressure from the Patriots will be minimal if not completely non-existent. If that occurs, despite how talented they are, there is no chance the Patriots’ secondary will be able to cover every weapon at Mahomes’ disposal, and the Chiefs will move the ball at will.