The Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers have a big-time showdown on Sunday Night Football. Most have counted out the Chiefs as a result of Patrick Mahomes being sidelined due to injury. However, there is still a path to victory for Kansas City.
Let's breakdown two major X-Factors for the Chiefs if they want to pull off the upset.
2. Secondary vs Aaron Rodgers
The defensive side of the ball has been considered the greatest weakness of the Chiefs and now have a big showdown against one of the hottest quarterbacks in the NFL. Even though they are considered as having a weak secondary, their defense has actually been worse against the run than at slowing down the passing attack of the opposition.
So far this season, they are giving up 228 yards per game (9th) through the air. Meanwhile, opposing teams are rushing for 148.9 yards per game (29th).
While the Packers have a good running game in addition to Rodgers' passing prowess, the primary objective for the Chiefs' defense will need to be to make Green Bay beat them by running the ball.
Against the Oakland Raiders in Week 7, Rodgers threw for 429 yards and 5 touchdowns. If he has a repeat of that performance on Sunday, the Chiefs are going to be in trouble.
Shootouts have been fine with Mahomes under center, but with him sidelined, a shootout will almost surely end in a loss for the Chiefs.
1. Matt Moore
This one seems pretty obvious by the biggest X-Factor for the Chiefs is backup quarterback Matt Moore. After Mahomes went down against the Denver Broncos, Moore was inserted into the lineup and completed 10 of his 19 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown.
Now, the question is, can Moore have success against the Packers' defense or will he struggle in his first start since 2017?
The good news for Moore is that the Chiefs' offense wasn't just all about Mahomes. Tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill are two of the best in the game and as long as Moore can get them the ball, they will make plays. There is also a chance that Sammy Watkins could return from injury and that would provide a boost as well.
No matter how good the Chiefs are at attempting to contain Rodgers, the Packers are going to score. Ultimately, Moore is going to need to be able to move the ball if the Chiefs want to keep the score close.
If the Chiefs' secondary can slow down Rodgers and Moore can have a good game, they are going to have a chance to pull out the upset.
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