Chiefs vs. Saints predictions: Most writers pick Kansas City in Week 15
By Drew Brooks
After narrowly beating the Dolphins last week, the Chiefs turn around to face a tough Saints team. Most of our writers predict a Chiefs victory.
Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs took on the Miami Dolphins and narrowly escaped with a win. Now, they turn around to face a solid 10-3 New Orleans Saints team.
The Chiefs faced an early 10-0 deficit against the Dolphins, and it looked like they were on their way to losing. Then, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes fought through his early mistakes and led the Chiefs on a 30-0 run. Leading by 20, it looked like the Chiefs had the game all but wrapped up, until a fourth quarter comeback by the Dolphins.
They brought the game within 3 after scoring 17 straight points, but the Chiefs were able to get into field goal range to push the lead to 6 and eventually stop the Dolphins on defense. Patrick Mahomes finished the day completing 24/34 passes for 393 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a career worst 3 interceptions. Despite having a bad day, the MVP candidate almost threw for 400 yards and was able to lead the Chiefs to a 33-27 victory.
Meanwhile, the Saints had a bad day last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Taysom Hill, who has been filling in for the injured Drew Brees, completed 28/38 passes for 291 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He also carried the ball 5 times for 33 yards. Star running back Alvin Kamara rushed 11 times for 50 yards and a touchdown as well as caught 7 passes for 44 yards.
This effort wasn’t enough for the Saints to overcome the Eagles’ rushing game, as the Eagles had two rushers surpass 100 yards on the day. Eagles running back Miles Sanders carried the ball 14 times for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns, while quarterback carried the ball 18 times for 106 yards. The Saints ultimately lost to the Eagles 21-24.
While Saints quarterback Drew Brees is reportedly set to start against the Chiefs, both teams are still facing significant injuries. For the Chiefs, linebacker Damien Wilson is out again with a knee injury. Offensive lineman Mike Remmers is doubtful with a back/neck injury and offensive lineman Eric Fisher is questionable with a back injury. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz is still on IR for the Chiefs.
For the Saints, star wide receiver Michael Thomas is out along with defensive tackle Michael Brown and offensive lineman Nick Easton. Wide receiver and special teams player Deonte Harris is questionable.
Most of our writers predict a Chiefs victory despite injuries. Here are our full writer predictions:
Drew Brooks: Chiefs 35, Saints 31
I think this will be a great duel between the two teams, but I think the Chiefs will come out on top. The Saints say Brees is playing, but I think it is smoke — I think that, if he plays, he will play minimal snaps. Regardless of who’s under center for the Saints, I think the Chiefs will prevail.
Kevin Burd: Chiefs 38, Saints 24
This looks like it is going to be a great matchup on paper, but then again, the Saints just lost to the Eagles. I think it will be a semi-close game throughout, but the Chiefs will pull away in the end. I don’t see the Saints’ offense being able to score enough to keep up with Kansas City.
Matt Conner: Chiefs 33, Saints 24
The Chiefs can afford to gamble on the Saints’ inability to beat them deep. Unless the entire defense is intent on sloppy angles and poor tackling technique, the Saints lack the firepower to keep up with what the Chiefs can do offensively.
Bransen Gibson: Chiefs 34, Saints 31
Oh boy, this is going to be a good one. When the the regular season schedule came out, this was the first game I looked for. Both teams have lived up to the hype this season and with Drew Brees back and reportedly fully healthy, this is going to be epic. I’m tipping the Chiefs to win a tight one.
Lyle Graversen: Chiefs 30, Saints 20
For over a month the Chiefs have played a dangerous game of playing down to their opponents. The New Orleans Saints are a very good team and I think that will bring out the best in the Chiefs. Look for the offense and defense to both come out with something to prove and control this game from start to finish.
Sterling Holmes: Chiefs 30, Saints 26
In what my was my preseason pick for the Super Bowl, the Saints and Chiefs come into this game with a few question marks. If the Chiefs are down 3 offensive tackles, Mahomes is going to have to get the ball out quick and really focus on Kelce who I expect again to have a monster game and help lead this offense. On the other side, if Brees starts expect a lot of dump-offs to Kamara which can be an issue for the linebackers not named Willie Gay. If Taysom starts, I like the Chiefs ability to get him to the ground as he has been holding the ball entirely too long. Whoever starts, I like the Chiefs in this one with Kelce continuing to put up historic numbers.
Ellen Mathis: Saints 33, Chiefs 30
With the news coming out today that Drew Brees is back and that Michael Thomas is out, this game got weird. The Chiefs can drop this game and still get the 1 seed while the Saints have to win this. On the other hand, the loss of Thomas is significant and we don’t know how “not-injured” Brees is. Come on – he broke 11 ribs. Despite all that, I think the Chiefs go relatively vanilla knowing this is a possible Super Bowl team and play hard to keep it close but ultimately drop a close one.
Byron Smith: Chiefs 42, Saints 28
If Drew Brees plays alot of snaps, they aren’t winning this game, especially with Michael Thomas out. He can’t expose the corners like you have to to beat the Chiefs, and that means the Chiefs can commit to attacking the line to stop Kamara. If I have any doubts, its the Chiefs offensive line versus the Saints defensive front seven.
Farzin Vousoughian: Chiefs 31, Saints 17
Whether Drew Brees is plays or not, this is a great opportunity for the Chiefs to make some noise. Especially with some of their players close to season and record-breaking milestones. The Chiefs pass rush has improved lately and needs that to keep winning.
Zachary White: Chiefs 34, Saints 28
Chiefs might be without some important players on the offensive line this week. Could make things difficult at times, but I expect the Chiefs to win this game. I also expect the defense to play well even with the news of Brees coming back for this game comes late in the week.