AFC Game Of The Week

Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs

Titans: They’ve quietly gone about their business since losing their first two games. I can admit I had the Indianapolis Colts winning the AFC South, but that isn’t panning out as I expected. If there’s anything you need to know about a football team having an identity, look no further than the Tennessee Titans. There are two things to know about this offense. The first is they want to run the football and they have the best in the business doing so in Derrick Henry (say the rule, you better have game if you have two first names). With the months changing and the weather getting a bit cooler, this is playing right into their strengths. As the weather gets colder, running the football becomes more of a trend. I know Derrick has dealt with the injury bug and early on, he was getting his feet under him. Now, he’s back in midseason form. The other question is Ryan Tannehill and his status. Last week, he missed the game against the Houston Texans with a knee injury and illness. Rookie Quarterback Malik Willis started his first game, and the Titans did exactly what I envisioned, have Malik control things and not turn the football over and lean on Derrick. That formula worked. This is such a physical football team. They want to be violent and downhill at the line of scrimmage. In other words, they aren’t cute, they just line up and take over from there. On Sunday night, they’ll make a trip to Arrowhead.

Chiefs: So far, they’ve made me look good. I remember people saying I was crazy for picking them to win the AFC West and I could understand why. The Chargers reloaded with the acquisition of Khalil Mack and Free Agent signing of J.C. Jackson, the Broncos acquired Russell, Last Name Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks and the Raiders acquired Davante Adams. Fast forward to now. Denver can’t get out of their own way, the Chargers aren’t mentally strong in those big moments and the Raiders, I’ll maintain my professionalism and leave it at that. The reason I picked the Kansas City Chiefs is because they have the best player in the division along with the best coach. Let’s talk about the Quarterback now. I’ve seen Patrick Mahomes mature so much as a football player the last year or so. Remember when I kept saying teams are making him earn his yards underneath? Now, he takes what defenses give him because he’s not just depending on the big play down the field. I also like the move the Chiefs made last week to acquire Wide Receiver Kadarius Toney from the New York Giants. I see him having an immediate impact because he’s going to help take pressure off Travis Kelce who’s Mahomes first read. Kadarius will also give Patrick that vertical threat down the field. Even without Tyreek Hill, Patrick is still getting the job done. They are the second-best team in the AFC behind you guessed it, the Buffalo Bills. The bye week is over, and they return home on Sunday night.

Titans X-Factor: Bud Dupree– For years, the Titans had issues when it came to getting home to the Quarterback. This is exactly why they signed Bud Dupree to a contract. Bud can beat you in a variety of separate ways to get to the passer. I’ve watched him beat guys with a pure bullrush and just breeze his way past the blocker or he can fake as if he’s going up the field, then cuts in and runs a stunt on the line and gets pressure up the middle. Bud never stops moving. He will always have his feet moving and he plays until the whistle is blown.

Chiefs X-Factor: Mecole Hardman– He’s more of an important piece of this offense more than people realize. Mecole is a dangerous weapon if he’s not attended too by a defense. He can run those jet sweeps, go underneath to move the chains or, he’s able to get down the field and Mahomes will bomb it to him. What I’ve always admired about him is when he messes up on a play, he puts it behind him and redeems himself by making up for it. I look for him to attack this Tennessee defense in many ways.

Final Thoughts: These two ballclubs have seen quite a bit of each other over the years. On Sunday night, we get a showdown of two division leaders in the AFC. There are two key matchups I’m paying close attention too. The first is the Titans defense against Patrick Mahomes. As usual, Patrick is having a usual MVP-type of season. A lot of pressure will be on the Tennessee front seven because the secondary hasn’t been strong this year. It’s crucial that the Titans hit Mahomes behind the line of scrimmage because if they don’t, he will pick apart their secondary. He could have a big game against this defensive backfield, then again, when doesn’t he have a big game? The other matchup is this Chiefs front seven against Derrick Henry. The Kansas City run defense has been outstanding this year as they only allow 92 yards per game. For Tennessee to have a chance, Derrick will have to be big time. Show why you’re the best Running Back in the league.

Prediction: Chiefs 28, Titans 24