Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals: Week 4 Prediction

Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (21) is called for holding against Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon Tate (19) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Two teams with different objectives in mind. The Kansas City Chiefs, reeling from two-straight losses hope to regain their stance as a playoff contender while the Cincinnati Bengals look to take complete control of the AFC North. Which team pulls out the win?

Injuries

Adam Jones nursing bad elbow

One of the bigger playmakers in the defensive secondary for the Bengals is looking iffy for the game. Adam “Pacman” Jones is bothered by an injured elbow and was declared questionable for Sunday. Expect him to be a game-time decision based on pain levels and flexibility.

Sean Smith arrives just in time to ease Phillip Gaines loss

Kansas City too has been dealing with some injury problems in their secondary and it was a big reason the team was easily assaulted by Aaron Rodgers on Monday Night. Now they must move on without promising youngster Phillip Gaines, lost to a torn ACL. Thankfully the anticipated return of starter Sean Smith from suspension should ease that concern.

Key Matchups

Jeremy Maclin vs. Dre Kirkpatrick

It’s never a good sign when a pass defense is victimized for over 180 yards by a 36-year old receiver, even one as great as Steve Smith. One of his biggest whipping boys was Dre Kirkpatrick, who has really struggled this season in coverage. It doesn’t get any easier with Pro Bowler Jeremy Maclin coming to town. Look for the Chiefs to get those two matched up often.

A.J. Green vs. Sean Smith

Remember earlier how it was said the return of Smith was just in time? That feels so much truer because the Chiefs must somehow try to slow down star Bengals receiver A.J. Green, fresh off his torching of Baltimore for over 200 yards last week. Smith has the size to match, he’ll need more than that to ensure Green doesn’t take over the game.

Fantasy

Sit: Jeremy Hill

Kansas City has struggled in many ways recently on defense, but they continue to be pretty tough against the run, allowing less than 90 yards per game. That could mean a quiet afternoon for Jeremy Hill, who is still splitting carries with Giovani Bernard anyway. Best to play it safe and keep him sitting for this week.

Start: Alex Smith

His struggles of late are well-documented but Alex Smith has a track record of turning in some really good games when the conditions are right. Cincinnati is banged up in the secondary and also boast the 21st ranked pass defense. With them having to focus on Jamaal Charles, Smith should have plenty of chances to get the ball to his playmakers through the air.

Prediction: Bengals win 27-23

At the end of the day Cincinnati is the more complete team and they’re at home. The Chiefs just aren’t playing well right now. Their defense is getting picked apart too often and their offense can’t get out of its own way. The Bengals are always tough in their building and that should continue. It is the regular season after all.

Next: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos: Week 4 Prediction

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