Chiefs vs Patriots: Staff writer predictions

Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) scrambles during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

For the upcoming Chiefs vs Patriots NFL Playoff game, the staff writing team of The Jet Press weighed in their thoughts.

Even though the NY Jets are out of the NFL Playoffs, we here at The Jet Press are just as excited as many football fans are for the postseason. With teams heading into the Divisional Round weekend, this promises to be another exciting round of playoff football.

The Chiefs blanked out the Houston Texans last weekend to the tune of 30-0. They play a methodical kind of football that keeps those chains moving offensively and stops opposing teams well defensively, they’re playing complete football. The Patriots on the other hand are defending Super Bowl champions and are looking to repeat even after defying odds after all their devastating injuries.

Here are some predictions by the staff writing team of The Jet Press for what should be an exciting game between the Chiefs and Patriots.

Next: Chiefs will pull the upset

Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid celebrates as he leaves the field following the Chiefs 30-0 victory against the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium . Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs will pull the upset Luis Tirado Jr.: Twitter – Facebook – Google+

I sense an upset brewing in Foxborough. The Chiefs are playing some incredible football as of late as they have all the pieces necessary to keep up with the best of them. While the Patriots continue to play well against any opponent, they haven’t looked like their usual selves due to all the injuries that hit the team.

Injuries eventually catch up to a team as I think the Patriots won’t be able to handle everything the Chiefs do so well on offense, defense and special teams. Even though they have quarterback Tom Brady, there is only so much he can do without the weapons around him. Especially those that aren’t 100% healthy to really push the envelope on the football field.

Chiefs win 27-20.

Next: Too many questions in this match-up

Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks up at the scoreboard during the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Too many questions in this match-up Jason Rodriguez: Twitter

I think the Chiefs vs Patriots match-up has a lot of questions going into it. Which Patriots team will we see play? Only because the last two games of the season they struggled a lot to where it cost them the game. I think the Chiefs could pull off the upset this week because of how tough their defense is playing. Last week, they were flying to ball and making big stops like there was no tomorrow.

What is also very surprising is the play of Alex Smith in how well he is running the Chiefs’ offense. The last time I saw him play like this is when he was with the San Francisco 49ers. The health of the Patriots is a major concern because many players are hurting due to injury. We will also have to see how Brady plays because he has a rib and ankle injury. He has been hit the most this season and throughout his whole career which is not good because the offensive line hasn’t really done their job.

The offensive line I think will need to have their best game this weekend in order for them to advance. The Chiefs should look at the game film for when the New York Jets played the Patriots in Week 16 this season and how they kept putting major pressure on Brady. The Chiefs just need to continue to play smash mouth football and keep playing like they have been.

Next: Underdog Chiefs will win

Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates a touchdown he scored on an interception during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers as outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) looks on at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Underdog Chiefs will win Danielle McCartan: Twitter – Facebook

This is the pick’um game of the week.  The Chiefs have the 7^th best overall defense in the NFL, the Patriots, the 9^th.  In the 2015 regular season, Smith had a passer rating of 95.4, Brady, a 102.2.

It was reported on Tuesday that Julian Edelman will return to the Patriots on Saturday after being sidelined since Week 10 (November 15) due to a broken bone in his foot. One of Brady’s favorite targets, his impact is undeniable: the Patriots were 9-0 with him and 3-7 without him.  His effectiveness upon his return is yet to be seen, as he was limited (Wednesday) in practice. Jeremy Maclin has yet to practice this week, and that is extremely worrisome to Chiefs Nation.

Hopefully, the Chiefs’ defensive linemen, lead by Tamba Hali, are studying film of Brady in the games the Patriots lost.  They need to bring consistent and persistent pressure on Brady for four quarters, pushing him out of the pocket, knocking him off his first read and hoping for a hurried mistake downfield.  As a Jet fan, there’s nothing more that I love to see than Brady on his back.

With AM rain and wind gusts expected to be 40mph (weather.com) in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Saturday, this game will be won and lost on the ground. Smith is my key to this game – his scrambling ability will force the Patriots’ defense to take notice, and to hopefully expose some holes.

With all things considered, I’m picking the underdog Chiefs by an extremely slim margin this Saturday.

Next: Patriots will win big

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by New York Jets strong safety Calvin Pryor (25) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots will win big Christopher Stephano: Twitter

After dominating Brian Hoyer and the middling Texans, the Chiefs face their first real playoff challenge this Saturday. They travel to Foxborough to take on the Patriots.

Although the Patriots have looked mortal at times this season, their offense will be too much for the Chiefs. Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and a now healthy Edelman lead the way as the Patriots win big.

Final: Patriots 31, Chiefs 13

Next: Patriots will leave victorious

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Patriots 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots will leave victorious Todd Gerstenhaber: Twitter

Chiefs are now the hottest team in football. After a dominant showing in the Wild Card round against a Houston team that shouldn’t have been in the playoffs to begin with, Kansas now has the opposite to deal with.

If there’s anything that we learned from the three-day football marathon last weekend, it’s that taking care of the football and keeping composure are important. These two teams are top five in turnover differential and also two of the most disciplined in the NFL.

This game deserves to be an AFC Championship game based on the recent and historic track records of these teams. Bill Belichick – black eye and all – and Brady will somehow, some way find a way to win this football game. I think Julian Edelman will play and have a big impact on this game.

Score: Patriots 24 Chiefs 17

Next: Chiefs will pull shocker

Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) celebrates with wide receiver Albert Wilson (12) after catching a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs will pull shocker Paul Esden Jr.: Twitter – Facebook

In our first game, we have the red hot Kansas City Chiefs traveling to play the New England Patriots. I’m buying into this Chiefs team, they don’t make mistakes and personally I think they’re a mismatch for this Patriots squad.

My prediction is they’ll be rusty with the new pieces coming back on offense but the Chiefs will pull the biggest shocker of the weekend.

Chiefs win 21-17

Next: Patriots edge out Chiefs

Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is tackled by Washington Redskins defensive back Jeron Johnson (20) during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots edge out Chiefs Ryan Patti: Twitter

This match-up is the most intriguing out of them all. The Chiefs have won 11 straight games, but none have really come against a true Super Bowl contender. They beat Denver with a banged up Peyton Manning and the Steelers minus Ben Roethlisberger. Other than that, no win came against a team even close to the caliber of the Patriots.

However, what hurts the Pats in this game is injuries. The team has been battered all year, and it’s fairly impressive that they’ve still won 12 games. Brady has an ankle sprain, Edelman and Amendola aren’t 100%, and the run game is nowhere near what it was when Legarrette Blount was in the backfield.

Overall, this contest plays right into Kansas City’s approach in playing conservative, clock controlling offense with tough defense. Although, two weeks of healing and preparation for Belichick’s group was much-needed. Expect the defending Super Bowl champions to squeak one out on their home field.

Prediction: Patriots 24-20

Next: Don't sleep on the Patriots

Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) rolls out to pass against the Miami Dolphins during half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t sleep on the Patriots Mark Kelly: Twitter

Week after week goes by and the Chiefs just keep on winning, eleven straight after a total domination of the Texans. However, the Patriots in New England are by far the toughest team they will have faced and only the third team with a winning record they they are facing since starting their win streak.

History is on the side of New England, who are 8-1 in Divisional Round playoff games at home under Bill and Brady, and the two times they have faced teams with winning streaks of 10 or more (the 2006 Chargers and 2004 Steelers) – they won both times on the road, and this time they are in the comfort of Gillette Stadium.

I know the Chiefs manhandled the Patriots and Brady the last time they played them in 2014, 41-14 on Monday Night Football – one of the worst losses in the Bill-Brady era, but don’t you think that Brady has lost sleep the last 15 or so months thinking about that game? As a matter of fact, New England is 25-6, including postseason, since that loss (the best record in the NFL over that span).

REVENGE – which will lead up to a delicious AFC Championship Game in Foxborough next week. Quick Note: New England has averaged 41.0 PPG and 451.8 YPG in their last four AFC Divisional Round games at home the last four seasons.

Prediction: Patriots 38 Chiefs 17

Next: Patriots edge out Chiefs

Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots edge out Chiefs Mike Valverde: Twitter

The Chiefs have won 11 straight, the Pats have only won two games (Houston and Tennessee) out of their last six. I think Brady carries the Patriots to victory in Foxboro with a late touchdown and win 31-30.

Next: Home crowd wins

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) warm up before the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Home crowd wins Paul Harris: Twitter

The Chiefs vs Patriots game is just one of the most exciting games being featured this weekend. You have the Chiefs who haven’t lost ever since Jamaal Charles went down with an injury (weird right?), going up against the Patriots who although are banged up, still somehow always find ways to win.

With that being said, I have to take the home crowd Patriots simply because I don’t see this team losing three straight games and with Edelman back, that might just be too much for the ball hawking Chiefs’ defense to handle.

The Chiefs are flying high into this game after demolishing the Texans and forcing five turnovers, but they’re facing a completely different quarterback this week, who is fighting for his 5th Super Bowl ring.

I have the Patriots on top 22-13.

Next: Home team wins

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; A fan holds a sign during the game against the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans in the first half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Titans 33-16. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Home team wins Steven Blush: Twitter

The visiting Chiefs, off their first-round road domination of the Houston Texans, feature former Jets defensive role players Mike DeVito and Josh Muaga.  The world champion Patriots boast fleeting “HC of the NYJ” Bill Bilichick, so go with the home team.

Next: Patriots win by a touchdown

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Titans 33-16. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots win by a touchdown Genna Preston: Twitter – Facebook

The Chiefs dominated last week’s Wild Card game with a 30-0 win against the Texans. The Chiefs have won their last 11 games but unfortunately I think this is the week their winning streak ends as they take on the Patriots.

In last week’s game, the Chiefs’ Maclin injured his ankle, which adds a lot more pressure to their offense. Even if Maclin plays this weekend, he won’t be at 100 percent which means, Smith may rely on the running game or Travis Kelce who is a boom or bust tight end.

More jets: Jets should stay away from Drew Brees

The Patriots enter this game 2-4 in their last six games due to an injured offensive line. The Chiefs rank 4^th against quarterbacks however this is the first week we will see a fully healthy Patriots’ offensive line.

The defending Super Bowl Champions are coming in strong after their bye week. I think the Patriots will take the game by a touchdown.