Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 11-5
- Offense Passing: 24th
- Offense Rushing: 10th
- Defense Passing: 25th
- Defense Rushing: 22nd
Indianapolis Colts
- Record: 11-5
- Offense Passing: 17th
- Offense Rushing: 21st
- Defense Passing: 13th
- Defense Rushing: 26th
Keys to the Game
Image Courtesy of Orlin Wagner/AP
Kansas City: The Chiefs played the Colts in week 16 and lost 23-7. There were several problems throughout that game that they need to correct this time if they want to win. First, the Chiefs must limit the amount of turnovers. Last time they had 4 turnovers and I don’t care if your the greatest team on earth, it’s hard to win a game when you give up the ball. Second, the Chiefs must stop the Colts on third down. The Colts were 7-18 in their last meeting on third down. Lastly, limit their time of possession, and this goes hand and hand with stopping the Colts on third down. The Colts were able to convert on third down multiple times and kept the drive alive. The Colts had close to 17 additional minutes of time of possession in week 16 than the Chiefs.
Indianapolis: Sure the Colts defeated the Chiefs just a week ago but the stakes are higher and it won’t be so easy this time. The Chiefs will be hungry for a “W” and we might even see some glimpses of their stellar pass rush defense. If the Colts want to win this game they need to follow the basics. First, they need to stick to what they are good at. Yes, they have Trent Richardson, but he truly hasn’t done much for the Colts. Keep the ball in the air early and often. Second, many teams haven’t been able to do it all season, but they must stop Jamaal Charles. Charles has been a stud all season and torched the Colts in their last meeting. Lastly, protect the football. As I mentioned earlier, the Chiefs turned the ball over four times but the Colts didn’t turn the ball over once and it makes it a lot easier to win when you keep the ball in your hands.
What to Watch for
Kansas City: On offense I am watching Jamaal Charles. This guy has been nothing short of a beast at running back. He has averaged 5.0 yards a carry this season and has a 12 rushing touchdowns and seven receiving touchdowns. He is a difference maker in any game and will be a key for the Chiefs this coming week. On defense, everyone wants to see that Chiefs pass rush come back to life. In week 16, the Chiefs only tallied one sack against the Colts and they need to get more pressure on Andrew Luck if they want to win. I look for the Chiefs to throw everything at the the Colts and bring some crazy blitz packages.
Indianapolis: On offense everyone wants to see Andrew Luck. When the Colts drafted him everyone believed he was the next Peyton Manning. Luck is in his second year as a pro and for the second straight year he has his team in the playoffs. It’s time for him to show the world he is no longer a rookie and but can carry this team on his back. On defense I want to see how the Colts plan on stopping Jamaal Charles. It hasn’t truly been achieved by any team this year but I believe the Colts may have some tactics to slow Charles down.
Prediction
In their last meeting it was a lopsided victory and the Colts truly manhandled the Chiefs. However, this is playoffs, yes I am talking playoffs. There is so much more on the line this time around. These are two very good teams and this match up could go either way, but I think the Colts will win this time around. The Colts seem to be a more balanced team and don’t have to rely on just one player or one aspect of their game to win.
Final Score: Indianapolis 24 Chiefs 20
Leave a Reply