KC Chiefs Gameday Prediction: Week 4 at Cincinnati

By Mike Norris | Oct 4, 2015

Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jeff Allen (71), center Mitch Morse (61), offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) and guard Ben Grubbs (66) watch the final minutes of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The KC Chiefs are coming of two tough contests, and it doesn’t get any better for them as they head to Cincinnati today to play what some think could be the most talented team in the NFL.

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The Bengals have started the season 3-0, including a dramatic, come-from-behind victory at Baltimore last week that saw quarterback Andy Dalton connect with receiver A.J. Green 10 times for 227 yards and two touchdowns.

The Chiefs on the other hand are coming off a 10-points loss, that felt more like 100, at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. Although there was plenty to be disappointed about, (including poor defense and quarterback play) the Packers pretty much do that to every one in their house.

It was especially tough to swallow though after a devastating home loss in the final seconds to Denver the week before. Now, in what is not necessarily a “must win” but pretty close, the Chiefs have a tough task in front of them.

The good news is the Chiefs are in pretty good shape injury-wise. The only player even listed as questionable is receiver Albert Wilson, who has not been a significant factor so far this season.

Someone who finally was last week was another pass-catcher in Jeremy Maclin who racked up eight catches and 141 yards — all in the second half — and became the first Chiefs wide receiver to catch a touchdown since December 2013.

It will be nice to stop hearing that awful stat.

Jamaal Charles scored three times on the ground, but he also only gained 49 yards on 11 carries. That’s what happens when a team falls behind 31-7.

The key today will be staying close with Cincinnati. The Chiefs, with Alex Smith behind center, are not built to win a shootout, or come from behind after trailing by two or three scores.

If the Chiefs want to win this game — or any for that matter — it must be with a steady dose of Charles. They need to keep the Bengals offense off the field, make the game ugly with some turnovers and not rely on Smith.

All of that is easier said than done.

Dalton has racked up 886 yards and eight touchdowns in just three games, and turned it over just once. The defense has forced five fumbles and intercepted three passes while allowing just 18.7 points per game.

The Bengals have been a strong regular season team the past four years, qualifying for the playoffs each time. They also are 15-2-1 in their past 18 home games.

After not allowing a team to score 30 points in a game all of last season, the Chiefs defense has allowed an average of 34.5 points per game the past two contests. Some of that is inflated considering they played on the road against Aaron Rodgers, and the offense needs to take some blame for some of the points with turnovers against Denver.

However, there is still major concern in the secondary, but the return of cornerback Sean Smith will certainly help.

There is no reason the Chiefs should not at least make this a game. Charles is still one of the better runners in the league, Smith shouldn’t continue to turn the ball over at the rate he has the past two games (three interceptions) and the defense is as healthy as it’s been in a few years.

In the NFL however, most games are decided by just a few plays and keeping it close is much different than winning.

Prediction: Cincinnati 24, Kansas City 20 (2-1 on the season).

Have a problem with the prediction, or think it’s right on? Let us know below.

Next: Sean Smith's Bittersweet Return

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