Predicting the rest of the KC Chiefs 2022 schedule
Week 10: vs Jacksonville Jaguars (12:00, CBS)
Before the start of the season, many Chiefs fans viewed this game as a layup, although I didn’t necessarily think so. After Week 3, when the Jaguars looked like they were for real, this matchup appeared as if it could be an interesting one. Now, it’s back closer to where it was before the regular season.
Even though they have a losing record, the Jaguars have talent on their defense. They have a solid, but not great defensive line, plus a back seven with a ton of potential. They do struggle to tackle, so this could be another Mecole Hardman game if they can get him in space. Despite the optimism from a month ago, Trevor Lawrence is playing poorly and they’re not a great downfield running team. Where they could exploit Kansas City is the fact they can pass protect at a high level. If former Chiefs offensive coordinator Dough Pederson can design a smart plan of attack, this could be a trap game for the Chiefs, but I’m not going to predict one.
Result: Chiefs WIN 27-20 and improve to 7-2.
Week 11: at Los Angeles Chargers (3:25, CBS)
The Chiefs struggled with the Chargers for much of their Week 2 matchup but, fortunately, came out victorious. This was the hardest game to predict out of every game on the remaining schedule. On one hand, the Chargers are poorly coached offensively and have major injury problems. On the other hand, Justin Herbert is really good at football and they may have Joey Bosa back from a groin injury, although that appears unlikely, so they may have their vaunted pass rush just in time.
Just to be conservative, I’m going to pick the Chargers to win this game, but I am not confident as the Chiefs should win this one.
Result: Chiefs LOSE 26-23 and fall to 7-3.
Week 12: vs Los Angeles Rams (3:25, FOX)
The Rams have been up and down so far this season. They got boat raced by the Bills to open the NFL regular season campaign, then had two wins in a row, followed by two defeats, and then a two-touchdown victory over the Panthers. Matthew Stafford has been having a down year and they’ve been underwhelming at protecting him. Their defense has been elite as usual, although they’ve been inconsistent in covering other teams and haven’t had much of a pass rush, outside of Aaron Donald and blitzing. If the Chiefs can contain Donald, effectively pressure Stafford, and not allow Cooper Kupp to run wild in the secondary, they should win comfortably.
Result: Chiefs WIN 30-17 and improve to 8-3.