Week 3 in the National Football League finds the Kansas City Chiefs in a rather unfamiliar spot during the Andy Reid–Patrick Mahomes era: still searching for their first win. For the first time since Mahomes became the starter, Kansas City enters Week 3 at 0–2. Their trip to face the New York Football Giants marks their first opportunity to get into the win column.
But although the Giants are also 0–2, nothing can be taken for granted. This is still the NFL. The Giants get paid too, and they have plenty of talent. In fact, some of their strengths could be problematic for the Chiefs on Sunday.
Potential problems for the Chiefs' defense
Let’s start on offense with Russell Wilson and wide receiver Malik Nabers, who exploded against the Dallas Cowboys last week. In a losing effort, their offense had no issues moving the football. Wilson threw for 450 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Nabers hauled in nine passes for 167 yards. Even Wan’Dale Robinson had one of the best outings of his career with eight catches for 142 yards. Overall, the Giants piled up more than 500 yards of offense and moved the ball in a way that head coach Brian Daboll envisioned when they added these weapons.
Now they’ll face a Chiefs defense that has had some injuries. Kansas City will look to generate a pass rush to make Russell Wilson uncomfortable in the pocket. Wilson has been known to turn the ball over at times; however, he’s still won a lot of games in this league. If you give him time in the pocket—especially against rookie corner Nohl Williams, who could be making his first NFL start—this could create a huge challenge for Kansas City’s secondary. Still, I predict that Williams plays well and has something of a coming-out party in the secondary for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs’ defensive front hasn’t generated pressure as consistently as they’d like, but this is the perfect week to get on track. Against the run, the Chiefs have held up relatively well. If they can continue to win on early downs, get New York behind the sticks, and force the Giants into obvious passing situations, that will allow the Chiefs to rush the passer. Look for Ashton Gillotte to also make his presence felt with an uptick in reps this week.
Speaking of making his presence felt, this would be a great week for George Karlaftis to remind everyone why the Chiefs invested $93 million (with $62 million guaranteed) in him this offseason. He has three tackles and one sack on the season.
Chiefs offense versus Giants' defense
On offense, Kansas City desperately needs more balance. Expect them to try to establish a legitimate running game with someone other than Patrick Mahomes. The Giants have surrendered 355 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground through two games, so the opportunity is there. The problem: the Chiefs have just two runs of more than 10 yards this season from players not named Mahomes.
The Giants’ defense was expected to be a strength, but Dallas lit them up for 40 points in a Week 2 overtime loss. Still, New York has explosive athletes in its defensive front. Josh Simmons has been lauded all week for his play early in the season and certainly looks like a perennial Pro Bowl player. He will have his hands full with Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, and Brian Burns. On the other side, Jawaan Taylor must avoid his propensity for drive-killing false start penalties, which have plagued him—particularly against explosive edge rushers. Inside, Dexter Lawrence will test a Chiefs interior line that is one of the highest paid in the NFL but has struggled through two games.
The good news is that receivers Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals practiced this week and could see action. Tyquan Thornton has shown promise as a coverage lifter and deep threat. I fully anticipate that by midseason, this group will become a strength of the team as they get healthy and ultimately climb back into the NFL’s upper tier.
However, finding some offensive balance by way of a formidable running game is a must. Giving Brashard Smith more touches might inject an explosive element into the ground game in the interim. Maybe the Chiefs add new wrinkles—like Mahomes taking more snaps under center—to breathe some life into this offense.
Overall, Kansas City has heard all the chatter about Travis Kelce being washed and the dynasty being over. I believe the Chiefs deliver a vintage performance in New York, hitting explosive plays early and securing a win.