Jags to take on Chiefs’ strong offense Sunday

By Dustin Fletcher | gargoyle@flagler.edu

In week five, the NFL’s best offense and defense will come together in Kansas City in what should be a premier matchup of the season. The Chiefs are led by an explosive offense run by 2^nd year quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This season, he’s thrown for 14 touchdowns, 1,200 yards, and ZERO interceptions. Mahomes has been the NFL’s best under center this year with weapons like receiver Tyreek Hill, tight end Travis Kelce, and running back Kareem Hunt to complement him on offense.

This season, the Chiefs have been a highlight reel, leading the NFL in scoring. However, the Jaguars’ defense is the best in the league as well. They have allowed just four touchdowns this season, with one of those weeks against the New England Patriots and its Brady Bunch.

A key matchup to watch will be none other than the NFL’s best big play receiver Hill, and shutdown corner Jalen Ramsey. If Ramsey shadows Hill and follows him around the field, the big plays could be nullified. However, Ramsey must be careful trying to play press coverage at the line, as Hill is arguably the NFL’s fastest player. However, if Ramsey follows around Hill, Kelce and Hunt could be in store for huge games.

Last week for the Chiefs, the Broncos defense brought a heavy pass rush on Mahomes and did not allow deep routes to develop. This nearly turned out as a win for them, and the Jags arguably have a better pass rush and are certainly better in the secondary with corners Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. The Chiefs are also one of the worst teams in the league on defense, so if Blake Bortles can get the ball going in the air and with his own legs, running lanes will open for former UCLA running back T.J. Yeldon.

Yeldon has filled in excellently for last year’s first round pick Leonard Fournette this year as a weapon on the ground and through the air. Yeldon has nearly run for as many yards through four games this year as he did all of last year with 205, compared to last year’s total of 253. He also has 14 receptions for 125 yards. He has found the end zone this year three times, and had just two last season.

Another player to watch is Dede Westbrook, coming off of last week’s big game with nine receptions for 130 yards. Westbrook was great at gaining yards after the catch, and the Chiefs are one of the worst teams in the NFL at containing that. This game will be a slugfest, as the Jags will try to control the pace and not get into a shootout with the NFL’s hottest gunslinger.

Prediction: Jags 24 – Chiefs 21

The Jags will escape with a win with a similar gameplan to the Bronco’s from Week 4. The Chiefs are on a short week and will get gassed by the physical nature of the Sacksonville Defense.