Chiefs vs. Panthers predictions: Kansas City expected to win shootout in Week 9

Our writers predict a shootout with the Chiefs coming out on top over the Panthers.

Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs hosted the New York Jets and our writers predicted a blowout victory. That’s exactly what happened. Now, as the Chiefs get ready to host the Carolina Panthers, our writers are predicting a shootout with the Chiefs prevailing victorious.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looked unstoppable last week against a lackluster Jets team and carved them up, completing 31/42 passes for 416 yards and 5 touchdowns. For the second straight game, the Chiefs benched Mahomes for backup quarterback Chad Henne due to a blowout performance.

This week, the Chiefs are going to be facing a harder task with the Panthers. Though the Panthers are only 3-5, this week they are getting the return of star running back Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey was a First-Team All-Pro selection last year after the had over 1,000 yards rushing as well as over 1,000 yards receiving.

McCaffrey is one of the biggest threats as both a runner as well as a pass catcher, and will pose a big challenge to the Chiefs’ defense. The Chiefs have a great pass catcher and runner as well in rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but with the addition of running back Le’Veon Bell, the Chiefs have been splitting the two backs’ snaps close to 50/50. Neither running back has had a standout game in the last two games, but the Chiefs also did not have a need to rely on either back.

Coming into the game, both teams are facing injuries. For the Chiefs, offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz will be missing another game as he deals with a back injury. Defensive end Frank Clark and wide receiver Sammy Watkins are questionable for the game with knee and hamstring injuries respectively.

For the Panthers, safety Jeremy Chinn, defensive tackle Zach Kerr, and defensive end Marquis Haynes are all questionable. Offensive tackle Russell Okung is doubtful.

Here are our full writer predictions:

Drew Brooks: Chiefs 35, Panthers 31

I think this will be a close game and that Christian McCaffrey will run all over the Chiefs defense. However, I don’t think it will be enough to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, especially with the way they’ve been playing recently.

Matt Conner: Chiefs 28, Panthers 12

I think the Panthers will prove to be competitive at various points against the Chiefs, leading to a couple stifled drives on offense and frustrating plays given up on defense. But for four full quarters, there’s no denying the Chiefs supremacy over every other NFL team, let alone the Panthers. No real contest here in the end.

Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 32, Panthers 27

The Panthers offer an interesting challenge for the Chiefs this week. With the return of Run CMC (Christian McCaffery), the defense will need to step up to stop the run. The linebackers will also need to be on high alert because McCaffery is great in the screen game. Regardless, I think the Chiefs get this game. They are playing really complete football and have too many weapons. I don’t, however, see this as a blow out.

Byron Smith: Chiefs 42, Panthers 28

This one should be straight fireworks and I for one am excited to see it.