Patriots opponent preview: Chiefs still a powerhouse despite recent struggles
Posted: December 13th, 2023, 9:26 am
Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images The Patriots will host the 8-5 Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. The New England Patriots were originally supposed to play a second straight primetime game in Week 15, hosting the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. However, their matchup with the reigning world champions were flexed out of that slot and moved into Sunday afternoon. Why? A look at the Chiefs entering the contest as 9.5-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook gives us a clue. The Patriots’ issues this season and 2-9 record at the time of the flexing decision in late November have forced the league’s hand. And with New England still just 3-10 versus the 8-5 Chiefs, things are not looking a whole lot more competitive right now. That being said, the old “any given Sunday” mantra still rings true. And with that all said, let’s take a closer look at New England’s Week 15 opponent: its players, coaches, key stats, injuries, and more. Chiefs key stats For year, the Chiefs under head coach Andy Reid were known for their offensive prowess rather than their defensive abilities. However, in 2023, that is not entirely true: the Kansas City defense has been among the stingiest in the game, and is actually out-ranking the offense in points and yards per game. With the unit one of the best in the league so far, and the offense still more than adequate, it is no surprise to see the club again atop the AFC West and with an impressive scoring differential.
Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2023/12/13/2 ... ies-roster
- Record: 8-5 (1st AFC West)
- Offense: 22.5 points/game (11th), 361.3 yards/game (7th), 0.055 EPA/play (7th)
- Defense: 17.5 points/game (3rd), 299.9 yards/game (6th), -0.049 EPA/play (11th)
- Scoring differential: +64 (6th)
- Turnover differential: -7 (t-27th)
Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2023/12/13/2 ... ies-roster