Four years have passed since the Kansas City Chiefs last played the Atlanta Falcons and a lot has changed for both teams since that close and surprising victory for K.C. Matt Ryan is out and Kirk Cousins is in. A young offensive nucleus is in place in Atlanta that wasn't there before. We're also pretty sure Sammy Watkins won't be throwing any interceptions.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will serve as the host site for a Chiefs team that's 2-0 despite shooting themselves in the foot in both games on multiple occasions against significant foes. That the Chiefs have been able to earn head-to-head victories over the Ravens and Bengals to open the year despite not playing their best football has to instill some confidence about their ceiling.
That said, the Chiefs know that the road to a third consecutive Super Bowl victory will require the ability to overcome hurdles of all kinds. They're already feeling the injury pinch after losing both their WR1 and RB1 in successive weeks to injured reserve.
The Falcons, meanwhile, found their way into the win column with an inspired comeback fueled by Kirk Cousins in primetime against a formidable Philadelphia Eagles team last week. That momentum will feel good coming into Week 3, and it will be interesting to see the Chiefs carry themselves on the road for the first time.
Your guide to watching Chiefs vs Falcons
When are the Chiefs and Falcons scheduled to play?
- Date: Sunday, September 22
- Time: Kickoff at 7:20 p.m. CT (Pregame begins at 6:00 p.m. CT)
- Where? Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Cable and Streaming Options for Watching Chiefs vs Falcons
Since the Chiefs and Falcons are playing in primetime on Sunday Night Football, NBC and its affiliated stations, networks, and apps will be carrying the game.
For local audiences in Kansas City, you can tune in to KSHB-41 to catch the game. In Atlanta, the station of choice is 11Alive (WXIA).
if you need an app, Peacock should have you covered with the game as well as familiar streaming apps used for sports. Fubo TV, YouTube, and Sling should all offer options to catch the game for members/subscribers
Key Matchups for Chiefs vs. Falcons
One of the most important unit vs unit battles will come down to the Falcons run defense, which has been an ongoing issue for some time and ranks No. 27 overall in yards early this season, against a banged-up Chiefs backfield. The Chiefs lost Isiah Pacheco to injured reserve this week due to a broken fibula suffered in Week 2 and Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the NFI list. That leaves Carson Steele, Samaje Perine and possibly Kareem Hunt to handle duties there.
Kyle Pitts has yet to enjoy a big moment through two games, but the Chiefs have been handing out golden opportunities to tight ends through two weeks. Perhaps this is a key moment for him (or for the Chiefs to figure out why their safeties and linebackers aren't getting the job done).
Most importantly for the Chiefs offense will be figuring out how to handle Bijan Robinson in all facets of the offense. He's a two-way threat with 10 targets already to go with a team-leading 165 rushing yards. He's No. 8 in yards from scrimmage in the NFL and the Chiefs will have to find some way to slow him down.