Prediction: This one should be an excellent football game, the Chiefs matchup well against the Patriots and have won 11 games in a row for a reason. They’re playing excellent football right now.
 A fired up Tom Brady is just what the doctor ordered for the Patriots at home for the playoffs. (USA TODAY Images) |
On offense, the Patriots need Julian Edelman to be close to his normal self, and if he is, the short-to-intermediate passing game of New England will be tough to stop. KC’s corners like to play off the line and jump on the ball aggressively. But if they play that way against Edelman, he’ll make them pay underneath, so there will be some jockeying around there.
Edelman’s return should help the beleaguered offensive line because it will help Brady get rid of the ball quicker and negate the Chiefs pass rush. Gronkowski’s health is now a question but how effective he can be against the KC’s safeties and LBs will be a key area to watch. Look for Brady to get White involved early.
Smith is the “X-factor” in both KC’s running and passing game. One thing to consider is that Bill Belichick has always been a bit passive when facing a quarterback who can run. If they can’t contain him in the pocket or give him too much time to throw, he’ll make them pay.
With Maclin limited, the Patriots may opt to double Kelce and get after Smith more aggressively and try to force the issue. The Chiefs running game will be tough to stop. They’ve been effective all season and we clearly remember the fits they gave NE in Arrowhead last season. The key for the Patriots is to put them in third and long situations. Smith is careful with the ball and without his most trusted wideout in Maclin, he’ll have to get it to the rookie speedster Conley or Wilson.
The Patriots home field advantage is a good one to have as Brady and Belichick are a tough combo in Gillette. Look for Brady and Edelman to have big games, and don’t go to sleep on a comeback of sorts for Brandon LaFell in this one in the red zone. New England moves on the AFC Championship game again. Patriots 27-20
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
