Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots: 5 things to watch for
5. Running Backs on both sides
The situation at the running back position on both sides of the ball in this game is very interesting.
For the New England Patriots, it’s going to simply be a matter of which flavor does Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick prefer for the defense they are facing?
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With no more LeGarrette Blount, there will be a new lead ball carrier for New England, and many expect that to be Mike Gillislee, a free agent pickup from Buffalo.
The Patriots have also had great success with a healthy Dion Lewis in the lineup, and they brought in Rex Burkhead this offseason to provide depth as well. Who will be the featured back in this game?
Your guess is about as good as anyone else’s.
For the Chiefs, it seems a bit more straight forward.
Spencer Ware was lost for the season, so rookie Kareem Hunt of Toledo is expected to take the lion’s share of carries for Kansas City. Hunt was a pre-draft favorite of many, and the way Kansas City has been able to churn out running backs in recent years, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if this game was a breakout game of sorts for the rookie.