NFL Week 3 Preview: New York Jets vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Kansas City May Win

The Chiefs offense is missing one large piece to their giant puzzle in running back Jamaal Charles. While the versatile back is out as he recovers from ACL surgery, Spencer Ware has filled in nicely for the Chiefs. The 230 pound rusher has given the offense 304 total yards from scrimmage on the season with one touchdown.

Sep 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after the win over the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is the team’s top receiver and has built solid chemistry with quarterback Alex Smith (549 yards, two TDs, INT) and is tied for the team lead in receptions with tight end Travis Kelce as both have totaled 11 receptions apiece.

On defense, the team is missing another pillar to the team in outside linebacker Justin Houston, who is also recovering from knee and unavailable until November. The absence of Houston takes away a premiere pass rusher but the unit still has the services of linebacker Derrick Johnson (16 tackles), who has led the team in tackles in five of the past six seasons.

The combination of Dee Ford (seven tackles, one sack) and Tamba Hali (four tackles, one sack) may not be as fearful as other pass rushing tandems in the league but it is serviceable at worst. Having a corner such as Marcus Peters (10 tackles, two INTs) and a free safety in Eric Berry (11 tackles) provides a safety net on the backend of defense.

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