New York Jets vs Kansas City Chiefs
It’s Week 3 in the 2016 NFL season. The New York Jets take their 1-1 record into the always dangerous Arrowhead Stadium to face Alex Smith and the rest of Andy Reid‘s Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets come into this one with a long rest, beating Rex Ryan in the Bills on Thursday Night Football in Week 2, and nearly putting up 500 yards of offense doing it. The Chiefs are entering the game also 1-1, falling to Brock Osweiler and the Texans last week.
Related Story: Darrelle Revis Needs More Help
For the Jets, the story is on the injury front. Both Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are banged up following the Buffalo game and their status for the game is uncertain. Coach Todd Bowles has stated (via team press release) that it will likely be a game-time decision on both players. A great deal of pressure will be on Quincy Enunwa if either one of those players are inactive.
This game will bring about a clash of the Chiefs’ running attack versus the Jets’ run defense. The Chiefs are averaging 5.3 yards per carry on the ground and the Jets have only allowed 71.5 yards per game on the ground.
Keys To Victory
The Jets are going to have to get to Alex Smith. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith only completed 3-of-9 passes against the Texans when under pressure. That defensive front of the Jets, led by Muhammad Wilkerson, is going to need to get to Smith early and often. That can force him into throws of ten yards or longer which are not his strong suit.
On offense, whether or not Marshall and Decker are available, establishing the run is going to be a major key to victory. The Chiefs are currently 30th in the league in run defense, and the Jets are fifth in the league in rushing offense. Matt Forte has so far looked like the Forte of old, and he will need to come up big on Sunday.
For the Chiefs, challenge Darrelle Revis. It’s amazing to be saying that, but it’s true. He has lost a step, and has shown so far in 2016 that he can be beaten. Don’t be afraid of Revis Island, it’s letting in tourists. Another big key will be to establish the short passing game early. If the Jets front seven can pin their ears back, stop the run and attack Smith, it will be a long day. But if Alex can slow down the tough group up front, he can keep them at bay.
Also, KC has to contain Matt Forte. He has been the Jets’ most consistent player on offense. And if he has a big day it will open things up for everybody else.
Odds
Point Spread: Kansas City -3
Moneyline: New York +130, Kansas City -150
Over/Under: 42.5
Prediction
This one is a tough one to handicap. The Jets’ running game and stout front seven gives them the opportunity to play well on the road. But Arrowhead is tough. That crowd noise isn’t Seattle, but it is close. In the end, though the Jets play well, Alex Smith makes a play to Maclin, burning Revis once again, and it decides the game.
Pick: New York Jets: 17, Kansas City Chiefs: 24