Eagles vs. Chiefs: Preview, score prediction for Week 2

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs

As we head into Week 2 of the 2017 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles travel to Kansas City to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams started their season off with a bright spot, as the Eagles defeated the Washington Redskins and the Chiefs beat the New England Patriots.

Both teams will try to remain unbeaten, and they will also try not to get caught up in the hype and storylines leading up to the game. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is the former Eagles head coach, so the Chiefs will obviously try to get their guy a big win against his former team. On the flip side, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson is Reid’s former offensive coordinator in Kansas City, so you know the Eagles are trying to get one for their head guy over his former team.

This one isn’t just about the coaches, but rather the defenses. Both teams have solid defenses. However, they both head into Week 2 after losing a key starter in Week 1. The Chiefs lost safety Eric Berry to a torn Achilles tendon while the Eagles lost cornerback Ronald Darby to a dislocated ankle. These losses for the defense will hurt, but it will help the opposing quarterbacks.

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz will be looking to earn a big win in his career against a good football team while Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith will be looking to show his four touchdown performance in Week 1 wasn’t a fluke.

Eagles Keys To Victory

Protect Carson Wentz: In Week 1, the offensive line did not do a good enough job to beat a team like the Chiefs. So, they need to keep their quarterback clean this week if they are going to walk away 2-0.

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Establish the run: One way to help with the Chiefs impressive pass rush is to run the ball. The Patriots ran for three scores against Kansas City in Week 1, so the Eagles need to make sure they can get their run game going this week after a poor showing last week.

Do not give up the big play: The Chiefs have one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL, wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Kansas City showed against the Patriots that they could score quick on big plays, so the Eagles need to have a bend don’t break mentality and make sure they do not allow the impact plays to happen.

Chiefs Keys To Victory

Get to Carson Wentz: One of the Eagles’ keys to victory is to protect Wentz, so it only makes sense for the Chiefs to get after him. If they can get in the second-year quarterbacks face early and often, they may win an easy game.

Take shots to Tyreek Hill: I talked about Hill’s dynamic ability, and that is exactly who the Chiefs need to go to in the game. Not one current defensive back on the Chiefs and cover Hill, so they need to show that all game.

Trust Alex Smith: The Chiefs quarterback is regarded as a game manager, but his four touchdowns last week showed what he could do with his arm. The Eagles front seven is solid, but their secondary is shaky. That is why the Chiefs need to trust Smith and let him air it out again in Week 2.

Odds

Point Spread: Kansas City -4
Moneyline: Philadelphia +180, Kansas City -210
Over/Under: 47.5

via Sportsbookreview.com

Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 2

Prediction

Everyone is sky high on the Chiefs after their Week 1 victory against the Patriots. However, I do not see them being that successful two weeks in a row. Look for the Eagles to be flying high after a huge Week 2 upset gets them to 2-0.

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles: 31, Kansas City Chiefs: 28

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