Jets vs Chiefs: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Prediction

For the Jets vs Chiefs Week 3 matchup, Gang Green is packing their things for a friendly road-trip to Arrowhead Stadium. This pivotal game could have major playoff implications down the line.

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) carries the ball upfield after an interception during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

This game is one of the best inter-conference matchups on the docket for Week 3 in the NFL. The New York Jets are a top-10 team in several NFL Power Rankings, while the Kansas City Chiefs are in the thick of the AFC West. The Jets vs Chiefs game is easily one to watch this weekend.

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This game is a battle of identities between both teams. The Chiefs are conservative in nature, while the Jets are looking for the big plays to lead them to victory.

There will be opportunities because as many turnovers as Marcus Peters creates, he is apt to give up a few big plays. And as we saw in the Jets’ Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, one big play can make all the difference.

With that being said, let’s break down the Chiefs’ strengths, weaknesses, and give a final prediction for this game. This will be the first time the Jets have played the Chiefs since 2014, which was a 24-10 Chiefs victory.

Next: Kansas City Strengths

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

Kansas City Strengths

The Chiefs committed three turnovers in Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans. That was the most turnovers by Kansas City since Week 2 of last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Since that time, the Chiefs have had the fewest turnovers in the NFL.

So last week was a huge blip on the radar and obviously played a huge part in them losing that game. While it’s not going to be easy for the Jets, they need to cause some Chiefs turnovers.

This team doesn’t shoot themselves in the foot. Hence they dink-and-dunk down the field, methodically picking apart defenses.

Also, they’re pretty stout defensively with a lot of individual defensive stars. Specifically, Marcus Peters gets turnovers (11 interceptions in 20 career games), but he also gives up a lot of plays.

Next: Kansas City Weaknesses

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Weaknesses

Their weaknesses are also their strength ironically enough. We mentioned the conservative nature of their offense earlier.

The Jets weakness thus far has been their propensity to give up the big play. Unfortunately, quarterback Alex Smith and this offense likely won’t be able to take advantage of that matchup.

Last week, Smith was 2-of-9 when throwing passes traveling more than 15 yards. While on the other hand, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick averaged 15.6 yards per completion against the Buffalo Bills.

In two games, the Chiefs have only been in the lead for just 3 minutes and 24 seconds. This team struggles offensively and if the Jets can get an early lead, that could be all she wrote.

Next: Final Prediction

Final Prediction

Every week we can spin how important the upcoming game is to the season. But this game against the Chiefs is vital for the Jets’ NFL Playoff chances even this early in the year.

The winner will see its playoff chances rise to about 45 percent, while the loser’s chances of making the playoffs will fall to about 23 percent, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

That speaks to the importance of these conference games for the Jets. While the last time they played the Chiefs, quarterback Michael Vick was starting.

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The Jets may not have the mobility of Vick anymore, but they do have Fitzpatrick. And he’s pretty good, look for this to be another game that comes down to the wire.

Prediction: Jets 21, Chiefs 18