KC Chiefs have three of PFF’s most anticipated match-ups in 2019

By Leigh Oleszczak | Jul 20, 2019

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos rushes against offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz #71 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half against on October 28, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

There’s no doubt that there’s a lot of hype surrounding the KC Chiefs in 2019. With that hype comes some great games and some even greater match-ups for our Chiefs this year.

Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus wrote an article in which he listed some of the most exciting match-ups from every game this season. The Kansas City Chiefs had a player represented in three of the 17 games on Linsey’s list.

Here were those match-ups:

Week 7 – Mitchell Schwartz vs Von Miller
Week 14 – Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady
Week 17 – Travis Kelce vs Derwin James

Let’s dive deeper into these three listed above.

Schwartz was brought to Kansas City prior to the 2016 season to shore up the right side of the offensive line and he was always one of the few guys who could limit Von Miller. Miller used to kill the Chiefs before Schwartz arrived, but since then, it’s been a little tougher for the former second overall pick to make his presence known.

Linsey wrote,

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"Schwartz has been one of the few tackles capable of slowing Miller over his career. In 117 pass-blocking snaps in which Schwartz was matched up with Miller, he allowed just 11 total pressures (nine hurries and two sacks). That pressure rate of 9.4% sits well below Miller’s career average. Next year provides another opportunity to see two of the best in the business line up across from each other."

Once again, it should be a battle for the ages when Schwartz and Miller face each other.

Seven weeks later, we’ll see Patrick Mahomes square off against Tom Brady in Foxboro. These guys went toe-to-toe twice last year, with Brady sadly winning both battles, albeit narrowly. As tired as Chiefs fans (and probably all other NFL fans) are of seeing Brady succeed, until he retires, he’s the guy to beat in the NFL.

To be the best, you have to beat the best.

"Mahomes put together a decent stat line in the two games against the Patriots, including 9.7 yards per attempt and a passer rating of 113.2, but two of his five lowest game grades of the season came in those two matchups (65.7 in Week 6 and 72.1 in the AFC Championship). Brady posted game grades of 91.3 and 79.7 in those same games."

Mahomes will look to beat the best in the league in week 14 this season. Hopefully he’ll be the better quarterback (and winning quarterback) after it’s all said and done.

Lastly, there’s Travis Kelce versus Derwin James of the Chargers. Kelce is one of the (if not THE) best tight ends in the league, but James has risen to stardom at the safety position in Los Angeles. Not many players can limit Kelce and any of them attempting to bring him down is comical, but James has had success against the Chiefs tight end.

"Last season, Kelce’s production did see a dip against the Chargers. In two games, he had just eight receptions for 67 yards against Los Angeles. Specifically against James, Kelce had just two receptions for two yards."

Clearly James is a true talent at the safety spot if he can limit Travis Kelce. Will Kelce breakthrough against the Chargers safety this year or will Derwin James continue to win that duel?

Next. Ranking Every Backup Quarterback Situation in AFC West. dark

What do you think of these match-ups, Chiefs Kingdom? What are some others that you’re personally looking forward to?

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