The Kansas City Chiefs are set to begin their campaign for a seventh straight AFC West title as they travel to Arizona on Sunday. Kansas City will be navigating a brutally tough schedule and will be dodging bullets from all-comers this season as teams try to knock them off their pedestal.
The Cardinals were a playoff team a year ago and began the season 7-0. a 4-6 end to the season culminated with a loss in the wildcard round of the playoffs to division rival L.A.
4 reasons the Chiefs will beat the Cardinals
- History is on KC’s side. Surprisingly, these two teams have only met 13 times in history (dating back to 1970). The Chiefs are 9-3-1 in those games. More importantly, Patrick Mahomes is 4-0 in season openers and the Chiefs are an outstanding 8-1 in season openers under Andy Reid.
- Injuries favor the Chiefs. While the Chiefs are about as healthy as you could ask for to start the season, the same cannot be said for Arizona. Not only is top receiver DeAndre Hopkins suspended but one of the team’s top defensive players, LB Markus Golden is banged up and just returned to practice this week. WR Rondale Moore, TE Zach Ertz, lineman Justin Pugh and Cody Ford are all hurt and could be game time decisions.
- Kansas City will not be as rusty. Andy Reid chose to play his starters including quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the first two preseason games. The Chiefs starting offense was 3-for-3 on scoring TD’s and should be in fine form to open the season. Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury was much more cautious with Kyler Murray and his starters. It will be interested to see how this approach effects both teams on Sunday.
- Arizona’s offensive line is a problem. The team gave up 40 sacks a year ago and with injuries and lack of talent up front, the Chiefs defense could be poised for a big day. KC ranked 29th in sacks in 2021 but key additions like 1st-round pick George Karlaftis and Carlos Dunlap should help bring those sack numbers up.
