The Kansas City Chiefs caught fire early, starting the season 5-0 and looking like strong Super Bowl contenders. But over the next two weeks, the Chiefs began sputtering, and their weaknesses were put on full display. After a bounce-back win against the Jets, Kansas City hopes to keep the train on the tracks and keep chugging toward the playoffs.
This week, the Chiefs will take on the Falcons, who have been up and down but remain in contention for the NFC South lead. Kansas City is also looking to compete for the division lead in the AFC West after a devastating loss to the Broncos just two weeks ago. This game was expected to feature the league's two leading rushers and two offenses looking to find more consistency. But with a late injury to Kenneth Walker, rookie running back Emmett Johnson will need to step up out of the backfield.
The Chiefs need to come away with a win and continue the success they found late in the Jets game last Sunday. So how can the Chiefs take advantage of the Falcons' situation to come away with a big win on Sunday?
Attack downfield against Atlanta’s new safety room
At the deadline, the Falcons made a blockbuster trade to move on from star safety Jessie Bates in a deal with the Jaguars. Now, new starting safety DeMarcco Hellams will step into the role once held by Bates. Early on, the Chiefs should look to test Hellams and see how well he can hold up in coverage, both in the box against Travis Kelce and downfield in deep zones.
Use outside zone runs to get to the edge and win with strength/power
With the decision to sit Kenneth Walker, Kansas City will lean into heavy usage of rookie Emmett Johnson, who has had an incredible start to the 2026 season. Johnson is exceptional at breaking tackles in space, and the Chiefs should look to run the ball behind Benson and Suamataia on the outside, attacking the Falcons' defensive ends.
Force Michael Penix Jr. to push the ball downfield
The passing game has been wildly inconsistent for the Falcons, and Michael Penix has struggled to find consistency this season. Kevin Stefanski has Penix looking better than ever, but still, Penix has struggled to push the ball downfield. In his last four games, Penix has averaged under 7 YPA, and if Kansas City can limit short passes and force him to throw downfield, they could find early success.
Load the box and contain Bijan Robinson
The headline of every Falcons scouting report is superstar running back Bijan Robinson, who is the league leader in rushing yards. Kevin Stefanski is known for his ability to use star running backs, and Bijan will be the headline of the Falcons' offense. The Chiefs need to do whatever they can to contain Bijan, loading the box and putting a safety on him in pass coverage. If the Chiefs can keep Bijan's production to a minimum and force the Falcons to throw downfield, they will succeed.
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