Predictions for Chiefs' Week 3 matchup vs. Falcons

4 days ago

Chiefs Wire

Predictions for Chiefs Week 3 matchup vs Falcons

Check out our official predictions for the #Chiefs’ matchup against the #Falcons in Week 3.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football in a Week 3 matchup that has huge implications for both teams early in the regular season.

Kansas City is riding high after outlasting the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2, but the Chiefs will be without starting running back Isiah Pacheco against Atlanta after he was placed on injured reserve last week.

The Falcons also have a full head of steam after securing a comeback road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.

Sunday night’s matchup between Kansas City and Atlanta is expected to be among the most exciting games on the NFL’s Week 3 schedule, and while the Chiefs have a better overall record than the Falcons, the defending champions won’t be able to let their guard down in primetime.

Check out our official predictions for Sunday’s matchup below:

Ed Easton Jr's prediction

Dec 27, 2020; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) catches a pass against Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kendall Sheffield (20) in the fourth quarter of a NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

A trip down south on Sunday Night Football will be a test for the Kansas City Chiefs early in the season. The Atlanta Falcons are fresh from a comeback road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and riding a lot of momentum for a home game.

The Chiefs’ offense could feature multiple running backs, and according to Andy Reid, Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris will play left tackle. Patrick Mahomes will try to get Travis Kelce involved in more drives to increase production.

The Chiefs defense will need to pressure Kirk Cousins, and Chris Jones has additional motivation this week after having his half-sack rescinded from Week 2. The Falcons will feed off the home crowd for a nationally televised game as the Chiefs enter hostile territory.

Final score: Chiefs 27, Falcons 17

Jon Ediger's Prediction

Dec 27, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

This game will be the Chiefs’ first chance to face a team that, simply put, is not as good as them.

The Falcons didn’t look like much of a threat last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, despite walking away with a victory. If not for one well-executed drive in the final two minutes, the Falcons would have started the season 0-2. Kirk Cousins looked good, but not great, and Kansas City’s defense should have no problem stopping him.

Turnovers are still a major problem for the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes has committed some egregious turnovers in the season’s first two games, which is uncharacteristic for the two-time MVP.

Though I think they will clean things up this week, Kansas City will have to rely on rookie running back Carson Steele when they run the ball in the absence of an Isiah Pacheco, who was placed on injured reserve after the Chiefs’ Week 2 win over the Bengals.

This game will give Steele a chance to prove himself, and I believe he will make an outsized impact against a run defense that ranks 27th in the league.

Final score: Chiefs 38, Falcons 17.

Andrew Garcia's prediction

Dec 27, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs fans show their support during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The outcome of this matchup will come down to Patrick Mahomes’ ability to operate effectively against Atlanta’s impressive secondary. After struggling with turnovers in Kansas City’s first two games, Mahomes has to prove that he can move the ball and score touchdowns without taking chances that could put the Chiefs’ defense in difficult positions.

Without Isiah Pacheco on the field, Kansas City will be forced to throw the ball more than they have to this point in the season, and while rookie Carson Steele seems capable of sparking the Chiefs’ ground game, Andy Reid would be wise to ease him into starting action.

Expect a close game as Reid re-evaluates his offensive strategies.

Final score: Chiefs 17, Falcons 14

John Dillon's prediction

Dec 27, 2020; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

I have an awful record on my predictions but will continue to beat the drum for a Chiefs blowout that isn’t likely to happen.

The Falcons are a clearly inferior opponent for Kansas City to face in Week 3, and after the Chiefs secured wins over two teams that are expected to be among the best teams in the AFC this season, this matchup should be an easy one by comparison.

Without Isiah Pacheco on the field, Andy Reid will have to rely on Patrick Mahomes to slice and dice Atlanta’s secondary when Kansas City is on offense, and while the reigning Super Bowl MVP hasn’t looked unstoppable through two games, it is only a matter of time before he returns to form.

Final score: Chiefs 38, Falcons 17