Green Bay Packers v. Chiefs: 5 Big Questions Ahead of Matchup
By Paul Bretl
Can Green Bay Packers generate turnovers?
I just mentioned how this was going to be one of the keys to the game. Although Kansas City has struggled this season, they can still put up points at the flip of a switch, so keeping Patrick Mahomes off the field and limiting possessions will be important.
On the flip side, with the inexperienced Love under center, the Packers may need those extra possessions to put up enough points.
Currently, the Chiefs lead the NFL in giveaways with 19 — the next closest is 15 — and 10 of those giveaways are interceptions thrown by Mahomes. The Packers, on the other hand, have been very advantageous when it comes to takeaways. They have nine interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and their total of 14 is tied for the third-most this season.
Over Green Bay’s seven-game win streak, the defense has forced at least two turnovers in six of those games, including three against Arizona.
Will the Green Bay Packers run game lead the way?
As I mentioned when discussing Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers’ path to success on offense is going to be leaning heavily on Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon–and for what it’s worth, I still think this is the case even if Aaron Rodgers was starting.
We saw Green Bay use this approach against Arizona, and it worked quite well. Jones and Dillon would combine for 137 rushing yards, and this also allowed the Packers to dominate the time of possession, something that will be very important once again this week.
Kansas City is allowing 4.6 yards per carry this season, which ranks 28th, and the 121.8 total rushing yards per game given up ranks 21st. Not to mention that an established run game is going to open things up in the passing game for Love as well.
Run the ball, control the clock, and utilize play-action–all will be crucial to Green Bay winning this game.