KC Chiefs: Key Match-Ups vs Patriots in AFC Championship Game

Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady

These two won’t directly face off on Sunday, but the way they play will determine this game. When these teams squared off on Monday night earlier this season, the normally fast starting Chiefs were held to just nine first half points.

Patrick Mahomes looked rattled for the first time in his career, and the nerves were obvious, leading to two first half interceptions. His second half was more encouraging, as he threw four touchdowns and scored 33 total points.

The Chiefs are the best fast starting team in the league. They average a league leading 9.5 points per first quarter, good for tops in the entire NFL. If Mahomes is settled early and can make plays that he normally makes, expect that to stay true here. If he comes out under the lights and lets his nerves get the best of him, this game could greatly resemble the first match-up of Brady and Mahomes.

Getting a lead on the Patriots is crucial.

As crazy at it sounds, you want to keep Tom Brady throwing the football. The Patriots have a potent rushing attack. A lead would allow it to take over and keep the Chiefs offense on the sideline. That could spell trouble for Kansas City. The Chiefs pass rush is the heart of its defense, and keeping the Patriots in obvious passing situations will be the best way for the Chiefs to have chances at creating turnovers.

If Mahomes starts fast, the Chiefs will be able to dictate game flow and take the game the direction they want it. If Tom Brady gets a lead, he will be able to control the clock and kill the Chiefs with play action and short to intermediate throws.

Making Brady throw deep means he wont be able to get the ball out quickly, and that extra second could be the difference between a first down and Chris Jones or Dee Ford getting home for a sack.

I believe the Chiefs will flip the script this time around. Mahomes is more seasoned than he was early in the year, and has been in enough big games and moments to know what to expect . The Chiefs will start fast and be able to score points and keep the pressure on the Patriots.

That doesn’t mean they win, of course, as Brady and Co. are notorious for their coolness under pressure. Still, the quarterback who had the better year will also have the better game.

Advantage: Chiefs