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It's been a weird start to the 2021 NFL season for the Kansas City Chiefs. After a miraculous Week 1 comeback against the Cleveland Browns, the reigning AFC champs have dropped two straight games, to the Ravens and Chargers, and could easily be both 0-3 and 3-0. Patrick Mahomes threw an uncharacteristic two interceptions this past week, and looked as if his seemingly untouchable Houdini plays morphed into reckless, ill-advised throws.
Not to worry, however, as after a 3-game gauntlet to start the year, KC gets an easier matchup on paper to get back on track in the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly is also 1-2, having demolished the Falcons 32-6 in Week 1, but fell handily to the 49ers and Cowboys since.
The Chiefs are averaging over 30 points per game so far on the year, so clearly the offense isn't the issue that needs addressing. It's apparently the defense, which has taken turns getting torched via the ground game and the air over the first three weeks. Steve Spagnu0lo is known for his exotic blitz packages that induce turnovers, but it seems that either the personnel in KC can't perform to the task or Spagnuolo is getting a little too far ahead of himself.
Will the Chiefs be able to right the ship against yet another dual-threat QB in Jalen Hurts? Here are 4 bold predictions for the contest.
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4. CEH tops 100 yards once again
Clyde Edwards-Helaire had his third 100-yard rushing game of his career last week against a solid Chargers defensive front, and there should be plenty more opportunities for him this week. The Eagles just allowed Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard to each average 5.5 yards per carry or better, and the two combined for 155 rushing yards. Edwards-Helaire gets the lion's share of touches in this backfield – he's going to have another big game.
3. Travis Kelce feasts for 3 TDs
The Eagles also allowed Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz to have a huge game, as he balled out for 80 yards on 6 catches, as well as two touchdowns. Kelce is in a league of his own when it comes to talent and consistency as a pass-catching tight end, and will easily exploit Philly down in the red zone. Expect a hat trick of TD spikes from Mr. Kelce.
2. Chiefs D scores touchdown
Though Hurts' final box score numbers haven't looked bad to start the year, he's been having poorer and poorer performances as the young season has gone on. Throwing two picks to the Cowboys last week was yet another step down from his 3 touchdown performance against the Eagles. It's certainly not a trend that Eagles fans should be worried about, but it doesn't bode well for a matchup with an opportunistic defense like KC. With a high-powered offense to keep up with, Hurts is due for at least one big mistake.
1. Kansas City makes a statement
With two losses and one unconvincing win this year, the Chiefs have not scared anyone much this year. This game, with chips on their shoulders, is the perfect opportunity to come blow a team out of the water and remind the league just how dangerous this squad is.
PREDICTION: Chiefs 38, Eagles 20
