Chiefs vs. Jets preview: Critical stats and key info for Week 4

Back when this game was put on the schedule, it appeared to be more daunting than it is currently. The Chiefs are heavily favored after the injury to Aaron Rodgers. The Jets still have a quality coaching staff and the defense to make this closer than it needs to be. 

Reports are that Taylor Swift will once again be in attendance this weekend at MetLife Stadium. Chiefs Kingdom can only hope that this game plays out exactly how the Bears game went when she was in attendance. Let’s see how the New York Jets stack up against the Kansas City Chiefs on paper.

Date: Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 7:20 CDT. 

Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Comparing overall records for Chiefs-Jets

Kansas City Chiefs: 2-1 (1st in AFC West)

New York Jets: 1-2 (Tied for 3rd in the AFC East)

Last Week's Results

Chiefs: Everything clicked for the Chiefs both offensively and defensively against the Chicago Bears as Kansas City played their first complete game of the season. Travis Kelce looked like his old self and Rashee Rice posted his career high in yardage and catches as the Chiefs pummeled the Bears 41-10. 

Jets: Zach Wilson struggled to the tune of a 50 percent completion percentage and tossing for just 157 yards and no touchdowns. They let Ezekiel Elliot loose for 80 yards on just 16 carriers and took a loss from the New England Patriots, 15-10. 

Critical Stats to Know for Chiefs-Jets

Chiefs Offense

• Points per Game: 26 (7th in the NFL)
• Passing Yards per Game: 275.7 (5th in the NFL)
• Rushing Yards per Game: 114.7 (10th in the NFL)
• Sacks Allowed: 1 (Tied for 1st in the NFL)
• Turnover Giveaways: 6 (Tied for 27th in the NFL)
• Penalties: 18 (Tied for 12th in the NFL)

Jets Offense

• Points per game: 14 (32nd in the NFL)
• Passing yards per game: 133.7 (32nd in the NFL)
• Rushing yards per game: 91.3 (22nd in the NFL)
• Sacks Allowed: 9 (Tied for 21st in the NFL)
• Turnover Giveaways: 5 (Tied for 21st in the NFL)
• Penalties: 10 (1st in the NFL)

Chiefs Defense

• Points allowed per game: 13.3 (4th in the NFL)
• Passing yards allowed per game: 178 (6th in the NFL)
• Rushing yards allowed per game: 102.7 (11th in the NFL)
• Sacks: 8 (Tied for 15th in the NFL)
• Turnover Takeaways: 4 (Tied for 13th in the NFL)
• Penalties: 12 (3rd in the NFL)

Jets Defense

• Points allowed per game: 20.3 (12th in the NFL)
• Passing yards allowed per game: 222 (16th in the NFL)
• Rushing yards allowed per game: 129.3 (23rd in the NFL)
• Sacks: 6 (Tied for 21st in the NFL)
• Turnover Takeaways: 4 (Tied for 13th in the NFL)
• Penalties: 17 (Tied for 10th in the NFL)

Comparing the Quarterbacks

Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes - 803 passing yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs, 65.5 CMP %, 90 PFF RTG

Jets: Zach Wilson - 467 passing yards, 2 TDs, 4 INTs, 52.4 CMP %, 48.5 PFF RTG

Key Injuries for Chiefs vs. Jets

Chiefs: Linebacker Nick Bolton (Knee) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (Shoulder) are listed as out for Sunday night. Defensive Tackle Chris Jones (Groin) and wide receiver Kadarius Toney (Toe) have been limited this week but do not have injury designations and should be good to go.

Jets: Starting free safety Tony Adams (Hamstring) has not practiced this week.

Key Connections between Chiefs and Jets

The only current notable connection between the Jets and Chiefs is Kansas City’s former second-round wide receiver, Mecole Hardman plays for New York. Hardman has one catch for six yards on the season. Former Chiefs first-team all-pro, Dave Szott is also the director of player development for the Jets. Szott, who also was on the all-rookie team in 1990, played guard for the Chiefs from 1990-2000. 

Betting odds for Chiefs vs. Jets

Spread: Jets +9.5

Over/Under: 41.5

Head-to-Head History for Chiefs and Jets

Last meeting: The Chiefs won 35-9 in their previous meeting on November 1st, 2020. Mahomes threw for 416 yards and five touchdowns on that day. 

All-time series: The Chiefs lead the series, 20-19-1. Their first matchup was when the Chiefs were the Dallas Texans in 1960. They played twice that year, with the Chiefs losing both times. 

Weather forecast for Chiefs vs. Jets

Expected weather conditions: According to The Weather Channel, mostly clear skies with the temperature resting around the low 60s. 

Prediction for Chiefs vs. Jets

The Jets have a good defense on paper, but they have not been as dominant as expected. That is likely due to the New York offense putting them on the field so often. Head coach Robert Saleh can draw up a strong game plan and that could keep the game closer longer than expected. 

With that being said, the Jets offense is statistically worse than the Bears offense. This game could be low-scoring, just because New York has scored the least amount of points in the NFL and the Chiefs have allowed the fourth fewest points. 

New York is not exactly stout against the run, so I would expect a big day from the Isiah Pacheco, Jerrick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire trio. Mahomes will toss for a cool 250 and Kelce will get his 70ish yards. 

Final prediction: I have the Chiefs winning 24-10.