Breaking down top 5 keys to victory in Jets vs Chiefs

In the upcoming Jets vs Chiefs Week 3 matchup, Gang Green built a lot of momentum with their first win of the season last week. Now the road rage continues next in Kansas City.

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) celebrates his interception during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into Week 3 of the season for the Jets vs Chiefs game, both teams sit at (1-1) with plenty of football still in front of them. Now the term a “must-win” game gets thrown around a lot in the NFL.

Related Story: Top 5 key players of Jets to keep an eye on in Week 3

This may not be one of those kinds of games, but its impact could have huge ramifications at the end of the season. This was a similar conversation we had in Week 1 with the Cincinnati Bengals coming to town.

The Kansas City Chiefs, as many expect, seem to be one of those teams who will be competing for an NFL Playoff spot at season’s end. So for the Jets to go (1-2) in general would be bad, but going (1-2) in the AFC conference could be detrimental.

The conversation has been revolving around the daunting schedule the Jets have, but the key AFC games are ultra-important. Arrowhead is a tough place to play, but this is a very winnable game for the Jets.

Next: 5. Stop the deep ball

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) attempts a pass during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

5. Stop the deep ball

Right off the bat, let’s address the elephant in the room. The Jets’ defense is phenomenal and is one of the best in the NFL.

But with that being said, in two weeks of play, the Jets have given up a ton of chunk plays. Several big plays in Week 1 and a huge one in Week 2 at the beginning of the game.

While quarterback Alex Smith only averages just 6.5 yards per pass, the defense can’t rest on their laurels. Here’s the problem for the Jets, they need to walk a fine line on defense.

They need to make sure they just keep plays in front of them. But at the same time, they can’t play prevent defense and let things happen in front of them.

Next: 4. Injuries continue to play a factor

Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) reacts on his sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

4. Injuries continue to play a factor

While the Jets have faced tough odds with their schedule thus far. They’ve been quite fortunate when considering the depleted nature of each team.

For example, the Bengals didn’t have the majority of their secondary or linebacker Vontaze Burfict. The Bills were missing a host of key players on defense plus wide receiver Sammy Watkins was hobbled.

In Week 3 they still face a vaunted defense, but it’ll be lacking one of its brightest stars in Justin Houston. In three of Houston’s first five seasons, he’s had double-digit sacks.

While the Jets continue to play musical chairs with their right tackle position, they’ve done quite well thus far protecting Fitzpatrick. It’ll be important to keep him upright and of course, injury-free.

Next: 3. Brandon Marshall vs Marcus Peters

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

3. Brandon Marshall vs Marcus Peters

This is perhaps the most intriguing one-on-one matchups in the entire game. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall is a top-7 receiver in the league and cornerback Marcus Peters is quickly becoming one of the best at his position this game possesses.

Marshall’s health heading into the game is a thing to keep an eye on, after an injury scare on Thursday Night Football. Although head coach Todd Bowles has said that, “if Marshall can play, he will play” as per the Media Relations Department of the Jets.

While on the other side, Peters’ being labeled a ball-hawk doesn’t speak enough justice to his skill set. In 20 career games, he already has 11 interceptions.

Those are Madden-like numbers at the cornerback position and two of those came last week against the Houston Texans in a loss. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was turnover-free last week and if he wants to keep the streak going, he’s going to have to be cautious when throwing Peters’ way.

Next: 2. The Chiefs' Triplets

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) is unable to make a catch as Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) defends during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

2. The Chiefs’ Triplets

So the Jets’ triplets got a lot of love last week after their emphatic victory over the Bills. While the Chiefs have their own version of the triplets on offense.

Jeremy Maclin, Travis Kelce, and Spencer Ware are a very talented trio. Plus there’s been reports that Jamaal Charles could return to the fold as well.

The Jets’ defense will have their hands full, despite the conservative nature of this offense. Hence, the Jets need to be on their toes and do their due diligence.

They’ve done an admirable job thus far in their run defense. But this will be the biggest test the Jets’ defense has faced so far this season.

Next: 1. Turnovers

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) attempt to recover a fumble during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

1. Turnovers

The Chiefs are a team that prides themselves on not turning the ball over. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened last week against the Texans.

That’s the number one key for the Jets heading into this one. When a conservative offense in the Chiefs falls behind because of multiple turnovers, they become very vulnerable.

So far this season the Jets have done an average job in the turnover department. To beat a very game opponent in the Chiefs, they need to get them out of their comfort zone.

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We’re going to talk about this every week. Despite the Jets’ offense having explosive potential, they could benefit greatly from having short fields to work with.