Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson: We’ll be ready for ‘pit fight’ vs. Patriots

In their last nine games coming off consecutive losses, the Patriots are 9-0 straight up per the OddsShark NFL Database.

The first set of charts will show the Patriots passing offense.

This matchup could bode well for Kansas City because 66.7 percent of Brady’s throws come when the Patriots have 7-10 yards to go, as noted by Pro-Football-Reference.

The last time the Patriots and Chiefs met, the Chiefs blew them out – 41-14 on Monday Night Football last September. Despite spending more than a half-century in the same league or conference together, Saturday will be the first time the teams have ever met in the postseason. Kansas City has intercepted 22 passes this season and has totaled 29 takeaways.

Quarterback Alex Smith isn’t asked to make too many big plays. RB Knile Davis returned opening kickoff vs. Texans 106 yards for longest in AFC wild-card history and second-longest overall in postseason history, topped only by Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones (108) in Super Bowl in 2013…. With Maclin being limited or out, the focus for the Patriots will be on the shutting down the run game and limiting TE Travis Kelce. Probably not. Look for Kansas City to pull off the “upset” and end up hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game on January 24. From there, the defense took over and Mauga, in his second year with the team as a starting inside linebacker, stepped in front of Brian Hoyer pass on the goal line and registered his third interception of the year. With his top route-runner, who’s seemingly always open, it can do wonders to stall the Chiefs pass rush that has been destroying fools all season. Being able to extend plays and maneuver around the pocket will bolster his team’s chances of winning the game.

Head Coach Andy Reid gave injury updates for a few more players on Thursday. “He rubs off on everybody, the competitor that he is, what he brings on game day, that energy”, said Smith. They have a better shot at knocking off the defending champs than most think. As the Chiefs get ready to face the New England Patriots on Saturday, all eyes will be on Tom Brady’s ankle and Bill Belichick’s hoodie.

The New England Patriots will have their hands full against the Kansas City Chiefs, but they could catch a break if Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin isn’t able to play at his best. For a complete breakdown of how the game could play out, check our analaysis on SportsLine. A lot will be made of the Patriots (2-4) close to the regular season after reeling off ten wins in a row to start, but the Patriots did enough to earn a first round bye and to get home field advantage for their first game. He’s also particularly fond of lacrosse, IndyCar racing and women’s college basketball.

Luckily for the Chiefs, the Patriots may be up for the challenging task of putting an end to their streak.