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The hook is gone, which makes the Chiefs a clear play with Travis Kelce and Chris Jones both back in the fold. Andy Reid does a great job trusting his players, and I would not be surprised to see Kadarius Toney get a heavy dose of touches despite his woes in Week 1. The Jaguars are not as strong as the Lions defensively, so Patrick Mahomes may well have a field day on his birthday. I would have liked to see more punch from the KC wideouts against Detroit, but I have little doubt the Chiefs get back on the right track in Duval.
Even with TE Travis Kelce and DT Chris Jones expected tp return for the Chiefs, this is a take number on a Jaguars team that was just a coupe plays away from knocking Kansas City out of last year's playoffs. The Chiefs still lack a WR1 and have some leaks in their defense. The surging Jags are catching them at the right time.
I had the Lions to cover against the Chiefs last week and it was in large part due to the absences of Chris Jones and Travis Kelce. It cannot be understated how important these two players are for their side of the ball. Now the Chiefs get a slightly overvalued Jaguars team and only need to clear a FG to cover. Take the Chiefs at full strength coming off a loss.
The Chiefs, with three additional days to prepare for the upstart Jaguars, have gotten the gang back together. TE Travis Kelce and DT Chris Jones, two of the best at their craft, make their delayed season debut. Dropped passes were the main culprit in Kansas City's opening loss, and a sequel seems improbable. The line has hovered above a field goal most of the week; the dip to an even three is a blessing. Bottom line, it's difficult to fathom the defending champs at 0-2. Jax is on the rise, but K.C. has recent tradition to fall back on.
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Lawrence attempted 32 passes in Week 1 against the Colts. The Jaguars did plenty of damage on the ground, with Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby both recording rushing touchdowns. This game has more potential to be a shootout through the air, especially with Travis Kelce (knee) expected to return for the Chiefs. That could force Lawrence to throw a lot as the Jaguars attempt to keep pace. Last season, Lawrence attempted 40 passes against the Chiefs in Week 10, followed by 39 pass attempts against them in the playoffs. Give me the over here.
The Chiefs suffered a surprising upset in the opener against the Lions, but their defense only allowed 14 points and their offense was plagued by a number of drive-killing drops. The defense could get even better this week with Chris Jones back in the fold, and he'll be up against a questionable O-line that's dealing with an injury to its best player, Brandon Scherff. The offense could potentially get back Travis Kelce, but even if he sits the passing game should be better against a so-so Jacksonville defense that gave up 21 points (and almost 28) to a limited Colts offense. Chiefs -3 feels like the right line, but I expect they cover it.
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In what projects to be a shootout, especially if his team is in chase mode against an angry Chiefs team coming off a loss, Evan Engram is a smart play this week. Kansas City was punished by slot tight ends in 2022 and Engram lined up there in nearly 42% of his snaps last week. Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta caught five passes for 39 yards in his NFL debut against KC last week; there's no reason Engram shouldn't well exceed that total in what should be a fun game on Sunday afternoon.
Kansas City pass catchers dropped eight passes in Week 1, including a pick-six that ultimately decided the game against Detroit. I like the matchup here with Jacksonville, and I expect Mahomes to go right back to Kadarius Toney, who should have success against this defense. Chris Jones and Travis Kelce are back. Expect an inspired effort from Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes with the extra time to prepare.
The Chiefs acquitted themselves well defensively against a high-powered Lions attack and they'll have anchor Chris Jones back Sunday at Jacksonville. Offensively, Travis Kelce (knee) could return. Even if he doesn't, I trust Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes to get better production out of K.C.'s receivers, especially against a weak Jags defense. Jacksonville just allowed Anthony Richardson (!) to throw for 223 yards. The Colts committed three turnovers and turned the ball over on downs three more times inside Jaguars' territory. If Kelce is cleared, this could close above a field goal.
Team Injuries
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