Kansas City Chiefs: Ranking potential divisional round opponents
By Tyler Miller
SOMEWHAT INTIMIDATING – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
New England might be the defending champions and the Chiefs’ biggest rival entering the season, but they are a shell of the once fearsome juggernaut. Sure the defense is very good and Bill Belichick is the best in the business, but Tom Brady is less dangerous than he’s been in over a decade and that is nothing compared to the rest of the offense.
On the outside, the Patriots have no major weapons. Julian Edelman is breaking down and Mohamed Sanu has been a major disappointment since the Pats brought him in. The offensive line has improved since the Chiefs last played them, but without any stars the Patriots are forced to play perfect football to create scoring drives.
So why are the Pats above the Bills? Well to start with they’ve played the Chiefs three times in the last two seasons. That brings a familiarity that will benefit the team not on a bye. Also almost all New England players have playoff experience. Unlike Buffalo, the moment won’t be too big, especially at Arrowhead Stadium where the crowd noise can be very intimidating in big moments.
Finally, it’s the Patriots. We’d be fools to completely count them out. Brady and Belichick are the best and no matter the struggles, they’ll be tougher opponents than a second year quarterback and a young head coach. We shouldn’t expect them to just roll over should they come to Arrowhead for the Divisional Round.