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Three key matchups to watch in AFC Divisional Round games

By Joel Deering

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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AFC Divisional round
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 30: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs

1. WR Tyreek Hill vs Colts Secondary

Led by rookie LB Darius Leonard, the Colts have been outstanding on defense this season. However, this game features a challenge they may not have faced all season long. That challenge is pure speed. That challenge is WR Tyreek Hill.

In their Wild Card game against the Texans, the Colts’ secondary did a fantastic job of shutting down WR DeAndre Hopkins, who is one of the best receivers in the league. He was held to five catches for just 37 yards.

That makes you think they shouldn’t have a problem shutting down a number one receiver, but Tyreek Hill is a different kind of receiver. Hopkins is a great playmaker, but he only averaged 13.7 yards per catch compared to Hill’s 17.0 yards per catch. Hill is much more of a deep down field threat. With his speed, he could blow by Colts defenders for a long gain at any moment.

If the Colts try to double up on Hill, it’ll will leave others open for Mahomes. If they put one guy on Hill, that’s likely a big play. I’m not sure the Colts have a guy in their secondary who can match Hill’s speed. Keep an eye on how they play him.

2. TE Eric Ebron and WR T.Y. Hilton vs Chiefs Secondary

Just like the Colts need to stop Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs need to stop T.Y. Hilton and Eric Ebron. This game is going to be a shootout if the Chiefs can’t find a way to stop them both.

Let’s face the fact that the Chiefs’ secondary isn’t good. They gave up 273.4 passing yards per game during the regular season, which ranked 31st in the league. Here comes Andrew Luck, who just picked apart the Texans with his two big weapons.

I don’t know how they’re going to do it, but the Chiefs are going to have to find a way to at least slow down Ebron and Hilton if they want to win.

Ebron will be the biggest threat when the Colts get into the red zone. His big body makes him the perfect target down there. Hilton will be a bigger down field threat. He averaged 17.0 yards per catch last week against the Texans, which is right about where his season average is.

The secondary could potentially get some help from their defensive line, which we’ll talk about next. If they don’t, it’ll be a long day.

3. QBs Andrew Luck and Patrick Mahomes vs Pressure

Both Andrew Luck and Patrick Mahomes have been well protected this season. Luck was only sacked 18 times, while Mahomes was sacked 26 times. That means their offensive lines have done a pretty good job of not allowing pressure.

Even though these two QBs haven’t been under a lot of pressure this season, they’re both pretty good at giving the ball away to the other team. Luck threw 15 INTs during the regular season. He also threw one against the Texans last week. Patrick Mahomes threw 12 INTs during the regular season.

A key to victory for both teams is to get the opposing QB to turn the ball over. Both QBs can and will make you pay for turning the ball over. Would you want to give Andrew Luck more possessions? What about Patrick Mahomes? Didn’t think so.

With both offensive lines being so good this season, it may be hard to get pressure, but getting pressure is a must in this one. Two of the best offensive lines face off in the AFC Divisional Round. Which line holds up the best?

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