New England Patriots: Experts break down the Kansas City Chiefs

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Rob Gronkowski
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Rob Gronkowski /
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New England Patriots
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 16: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots speaks to Devin McCourty /

My game prediction

31-21 New England. I think the Patriots offense will be too much for the Chiefs and I believe the loss of Spencer Ware REALLY hurts the KC offense, but it’ll be close until the 4th quarter.

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Alex Smith isn’t going to light it up, but he won’t lose the game for the Chiefs. Ultimately, I think that he just doesn’t have enough fire power. Kansas City really seems to be leaning on rookie Kareem Hunt as a running back, and although he looked good in the preseason, he’s still a rookie. The Patriots have a solid front 7 with Alan Branch clogging holes in the middle, so I don’t think KC will have too much rushing success early on.

Brady and company meanwhile, can certainly put up points. I expect a little rust and some chemistry issues in the 1st quarter and a close game well into the second half, but then New England will take over. If the defense can make a few stops in the final frame, this is thr Patriots game all day. 14 of New England’s 31 points will come in the 4th quarter, with Tom Brady touchdown passes to both Rob Gronkowski and Brandin Cooks.

Next: Predicting every 2017 NFL game

This is going to be one fun Thursday night, and I’m so glad the NFL season is finally here. Make sure you check back next week for my week 2 preview with Who Dat Dish as the Patriots take on the New Orleans Saints. Go Pats!