KC Chiefs vs. Giants: AA writer predictions for Week 8

If you were hoping for a bye week for the  Kansas City Chiefs to gather their thoughts and recollect before moving forward into any more turnover-laden games, this is about as good as you get. The real bye comes during Thanksgiving week for the Chiefs, but that’s likely to be too late in the season if K.C. cannot turn things around before then. They’re already at a tipping point.

It seems silly to think the Chiefs could be at this present spot at 3-4 in late October given the level of talent and the preseason expectations (not to mention the recent history) but alas here we are. They’ve lost to every pertinent team in the AFC so far and face myriad more tough teams before this season is over. The AFC West is in the hands of their rivals, while the Chiefs languish in the basement week after week.

Suffice it to say, this week’s visit from the New York Giants is as good as it gets for the Chiefs at midseason. It’s the worst team on the schedule by far. It’s a chance to play at home. It’s a game in primetime to change the minds of doubters.

In short, they’ve gotta win and they’ve gotta win big. Here are our writers’ predictions on how things will go on Monday Night Football for the Chiefs.

Josh Fann

I’m picking the Chiefs this game because, well, they have to win. But I’m not totally confident. Many probably considered this game a “free win” heading into the year but there are no free wins with this Chiefs team. They can lose to anyone with this defense and their current rate of turning the ball over. In the end, though, the Chiefs have more talent than the Giants.(I think) and that will propel them to a victory but it’s not going to change anyone’s thoughts about their chances. Chiefs 29, Giants 17

Bransen Gibson

The Chiefs have faced some serious adversity this season and have found the going tough. But that being said, they should still be way too good for the New York Giants. Chiefs 27, Giants 17

Jake Kokoris

The Chiefs play a sharp game in a must-win. Patrick Mahomes gets back to playing clean football and the defense forces a couple of key turnovers against Daniel Jones. Chiefs 31, Giants 23

Scott Loring

An extra day’s rest and a game against an NFC East team were just what the doctor ordered. With the season on the line, Kansas City trudges through this one, led by a monster game from Travis Kelce. Chiefs 24, Giants 20

Jordan Mannix

This is OBVIOUSLY a must-win for the Chiefs. Fortunately, the Giants’ defense is fairly poor giving the Chiefs’ offense a nice tuneup opportunity. On the other side, the Giants’ offense is so banged up there’s no excuse for the Chiefs’ defense to not bounce back. Chiefs 31, Giants 17

Ellen Mathis

The Chiefs have to win now. The Giants are an inferior team with injury issues that will help the struggling defense. The offense will probably find its groove this week. I predict the Chiefs win this Monday night matchup. Chiefs 32, Giants 20

Evan Mead

This should be an easy win for the Chiefs, but at this point, I’m not so sure that they’ll blow them out like we think they will. Chiefs 27, Giants 21

Greg Morse

The Chiefs defense will hold the Giants to under 21 points, including pitching a second-half shutout. The Chiefs’ offense will rebound with Mahomes throwing 3 touchdowns and only 1 interception, and they’ll add two more on the ground. Chiefs 35, Giants 21

Grant Tuttle

The Chiefs will defeat the Giants and it will be their last chance to put it together before some really tough matchups. Look for Mahomes and the offense to bounce back in a huge way as Kansas City takes on a bad Giants defense. Chiefs 38, Giants 27

Farzin Vousoughian

The Chiefs are simply better than the Giants. They have to win, especially with a rough three-game stretch coming up. Otherwise, kiss the postseason goodbye right after the game. Chiefs 31, Giants 21

Matt Conner

Everyone in Arrowhead Stadium knows that the wheels would come completely off for fans if they lose to the Giants. They need to win and win big and the talent differential here means the Chiefs can impose that will on the visiting team. Chiefs 30, Giants 12