The Kansas City Chiefs came out of the gate hot, starting the season 5-0 and looking like one of the league's premier teams. But in the last two weeks, the Chiefs' season has come crashing down after two disastrous losses against the Broncos and the Seahawks. Kansas City has fallen from the top of the AFC to behind the leader in the AFC West and now will fight to keep itself in the playoff picture.
This week, the Chiefs will take on the struggling Jets, who have dropped their last three games and likely will look to sell at the deadline. Kansas City needs a bounce-back win to get its season back on track and keep its fight for the AFC West crown alive. So what do the Chiefs need to do against the Jets to come away with a win that they cannot afford to let get away?
Go after Brandon Stephens
The Jets' secondary is a nightmare, and their coverage struggles have been well documented over the last several seasons. Stephens is the most veteran of the bunch and, in large part, serves as the team's top outside corner, but his struggles have been apparent on film. On the other side of him, young corner Azareye'h Thomas has played well over the last several weeks, and Kansas City will have much better odds targeting Stephens on the outside. The Chiefs' WR room has struggled this season, and it will be important for them to take advantage of matchups that they see as favorable. Stephens is likely their best bet.
I’m so done with Brandon Stephens pic.twitter.com/Ik04tDpbtV
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) October 11, 2026
Do not shy away from a run game that has struggled lately
Kenneth Walker came out of the gate incredibly hot and, early on, looked like one of the best running backs in the NFL. But over the last two games, Walker has struggled to get going, totaling just 105 yards on 35 carries. Rookie Emmett Johnson has played well, especially in the passing game, but hasn't had many looks in the run game. Kansas City simply cannot afford to get away from the run game, and with Kingsley Suamataia (likely) returning to the lineup, the Chiefs need to get their run game back up and running.
Make Geno Smith beat you
This season, the Jets have run out their fourth Week 1 starter in four years, and Geno Smith has had a rocky road throughout 2026. The Jets' offense has averaged 21 points per game and has sputtered out, especially late in games when Geno Smith is forced to drop back and pass. The Chiefs' pass rush has struggled this season, but the secondary has looked good, and the Chiefs should not be afraid to load the box and make Geno Smith win the game with his arm.
Jeremy Chinn seals the victory for the Raiders and shows off some toe drag swag for the INT off Geno Smith. pic.twitter.com/Eqd8TQpAH4
— The Goal Line Grind (@theGLgrind) November 1, 2026
Cut out the penalties
The Chiefs were killed by penalties in Denver, and against an offense like the Jets' that has struggled throughout the 2026 season, Kansas City cannot afford to bail them out of bad situations. This applies in every facet of the game, but especially on defense; Kansas City cannot afford to allow the Jets to win downfield because of flags. "Play clean and make them beat you" should be the mantra this week from Steve Spagnuolo in the film room as they prepare for the Jets this weekend.
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