[1:00 PM] Chiefs @ Falcons

Who will WIN this matchup?

Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)

@ Atlanta Falcons (7-4)

 

• The line for this game is Falcons by 5.5 points.

• The Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons are in position to make the playoffs, and both hope to solidify their standing in the teams’ first meeting since 2012 on Sunday in Atlanta. The Falcons hold a one-game lead over Tampa Bay in the NFC South, while Kansas City is fighting for position in the AFC wild-card race while also trying to keep pace in the AFC West.

• Kansas City has survived despite a mediocre offense that has topped 300 total yards just once in the last four games. The Chiefs have missed star receiver Jeremy Maclin, who has been sidelined for three straight games with a groin injury, but his absence has helped open up more playing time for rookie speedster Tyreek Hill, who last week became the first player since Gale Sayers in 1965 to record rushing, receiving and return touchdowns in the same game. Kansas City’s saving grace has been a defense that leads the league in takeaways (24) and features dynamic pass rushers Justin Houston and Dee Ford.

• Atlanta’s offense is one of the best in the league and features a prolific duo in quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones, who leads the league in receiving yards (1,140) and recorded 108 and two touchdowns in Atlanta’s 40-24 win at Kansas City in 2012. The backfield combination of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman gives the Falcons decent balance and will need to be effective to keep the Chiefs’ defense honest. The Falcons’ most glaring weakness is their pass defense, which ranks last in the league but has held three of its last four opponents under 300 passing yards.

• Kansas City has forced a turnover in seven straight games, recording 14 takeaways – and just three giveaways – over that span.

• Ryan has passed for 2,307 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in his last seven home games.

• The Chiefs have not topped 100 yards rushing in their last five games after doing so three times in their first six contests.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Atlanta Falcons

Confidence: 5/10

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