Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Washington Redskins are coming off one of the most impressive wins of this young season, defeating the Oakland Raiders 27-10 last week. That one is over and Washington faces a daunting task this week with a trip to Arrowhead Stadium to face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. To make matters worse, the Redskins are 1-8 all-time against the Chiefs. Washington is 0-4 in Kansas City.
The Chiefs surprised everyone on opening night, dismantling the defending Super Bowl champs, 42-27, in Foxborough. That was also the coming-out party for rookie running back Kareem Hunt. The third-round pick from Toledo rushed for 148 yards and a touchdown, while also catching five passes for 98 yards and two more scores in his debut. It was the most yards from scrimmage for a rookie in his debut in NFL history.
So, while stopping Oakland’s high-powered offense was difficult, Kansas City’s offense presents another unique challenge for Jay Gruden and the Washington Redskins.
Washington’s Keys to Victory
Obviously stopping Hunt would be a good place to start. That will be easier said than done. Washington’s defense is much-improved and it starts up front with rookie first-rounder Jonathan Allen. Surprisingly, the Redskins have the league’s second-ranked run defense, allowing just 62 yards per game. Opponents are also averaging just three yards per attempt.
Offensively, Washington needs another strong game from quarterback Kirk Cousins. After a slow start to the season, Cousins lit Oakland up, completing 25 of 30 passes for 365 yards and three touchdowns. Cousins was flawless in the performance. Repeating that performance will be difficult, but if Cousins comes close, the Redskins have a chance to pull off another upset.
Kansas City’s Keys to Victory
If the Chiefs continue doing what they’ve done through the first three weeks, they should be fine. Quarterback Alex Smith is playing efficiently and pushing the ball downfield more than he ever has in his career. That makes this offense even more explosive. The biggest reason Smith is taking more chances is second-year receiver Tyreek Hill. The talented Hill is already one of the top big-play threats in the NFL. Washington must account for him on every snap.
Defensively, Kansas City must tighten up against the run. The Redskins have shown a renewed commitment to run over the last two weeks and it has paid off in two wins. The Chiefs are not strong against the run, allowing over four yards per rush.
Kansas City must get in Cousins’ face early and often. If the Chiefs and Justin Houston can rattle Cousins, they will force a turnover or two and that would be the difference in the game.
Odds
Point Spread: Kansas City -7
Moneyline: Washington +235, Kansas City -275
Over/Under: 49.5
Odds from 5Dimes via Sportsbook Review
Next: NFL 2017: One burning question for each team, Week 4
Prediction
As good as last week was for Washington, this week just feels like a big letdown. Fans are invested again and excited, meaning the Redskins will probably have a stinker on Monday night. If the Redskins come out with the same emotion as last week, they can win this game. However, the Chiefs have a huge home-field advantage and that will be enough.
Hunt has a big game, but not as big as in previous weeks. This is a game where Travis Kelce comes up huge for the Chiefs and that’s enough for K.C. to get the win.
Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs: 27, Washington Redskins: 20