Chiefs hold important statistical edges over Falcons coming into Week 3

The Kansas City Chiefs are set for another primetime showdown. This week, it is a Sunday night contest against the Atlanta Falcons. With Kansas City sitting at 2-0, they will be trying to remain unbeaten in their first of four matchups against the NFC South this season. Meanwhile, the Falcons are at 1-1, looking to grab their second consecutive win.

This will also be the first road test for the Chiefs this season. Kansas City had very little issues on the road last season. If you include the international game against Miami and the entire playoffs, the Chiefs were a stellar 10-2 away from Arrowhead Stadium last year. On the other hand, Atlanta was actually solid at home last season. Even amid a 7-10 finish, the Falcons were 5-3 last year on their home turf. They are 0-1 at home so far this season, losing in Week 1 18-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It is still early in the year, so the numbers are going to vary throughout the upcoming months. Nonetheless, what are some key statistical notes to keep in mind entering Chiefs-Falcons? Let's preview the contest through a numerical lens.

Comparing the Chiefs-Falcons Offenses

The Chiefs have produced a mixed bag on offense through two games. The speed, flashiness, and depth truly shined in Week 1. However, penalties and turnovers really stunted any development on offense in Week 2, in addition to the stout play of Cincinnati's defense.

Entering Week 3, Kansas City is 6th in scoring offense and 15th in total yards on offense. The Chiefs are currently in the middle third of the league in passing offense (14th) and rushing offense (19th). In terms of giveaways, KC has four already, three of which are interceptions from Patrick Mahomes. Carson Steele also had the ball punched out and fumbled last week for one of the three Chiefs' turnovers.

The Falcons have been mostly choppy through the air in Kirk Cousins' first two games as a Falcon. Timing and chemistry have been a work in progress for him and the receivers. But surely, the game-winning touchdown drive from Monday night will give him and the pass catchers a boost of confidence. Bijan Robinson is also getting used more appropriately so far in his second campaign.

Through two games, Atlanta is 25th in scoring offense and 18th in total yards on offense. The Falcons are also right around the middle third of the league in passing offense (20th) and rushing offense (17th). Atlanta has one less giveaway so far than KC (three). Two of those have been interceptions via Cousins' arm.

A Chiefs-Falcons Defensive Comparison

It has been far from a perfect start for the Chiefs' defense. However, the bend-don't-break nature of Kansas City has made a major difference in their two wins. Holding up in the red zone and in their own territory has helped foil both the Ravens and the Bengals. To this point, the Chiefs are 19th in scoring defense and 29th in total yards allowed. They rank much better in rushing offense right now (17th), as they are near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed, ranking 31st. Kansas City has two takeaways so far, most notably a fumble returned for a touchdown last week by Chamarri Conner.

The veteran presence of this overall Falcons defense has already made a difference for Atlanta in two games. They look to be responding and reacting quickly to any fakes or tricks that opponents may have up their sleeve. Right now, Atlanta is 10th in scordfsmmmmmnnasdfasdfsdfasdfasdfing defense and 17th in total yards allowed. They rank much better in passing defense (7th) than they do in rushing defense (27th). These Falcons have one takeaway through two games, a Jessie Bates interception that sealed the victory last Monday.

Recent Head-to-Head History

Given that the Chiefs and the Falcons are not in the same conference, they do not meet very often. Kansas City and Atlanta have squared off 10 times all time. In total, the Chiefs have a 7-3 advantage in those meetings, according to The Football Database. The Chiefs have won two straight meetings against the Falcons.

As a result, Atlanta has not beaten Kansas City since 2012. These two have faced each other five times in Atlanta. The Chiefs are 3-2 in their road trips to that city. Eric Berry had a memorable performance in the last KC visit to Atlanta. What kind of highlight reel plays will be created this time around?