NFL Kansas City Chiefs

Travis Kelce Will Be X-Factor For Kansas City Chiefs In Week 8

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The Kansas City Chiefs got a statement win against the heavily favored San Diego Chargers last week that may have saved KC’s season. The Chiefs’ Week 8 matchup features another team fresh off of a big victory, the St. Louis Rams, who defeated the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks last week.

The Chiefs have finally gotten Jamaal Charles healthy enough to make a big impact, but this week it will be tight end Travis Kelce who becomes Kansas City’s X-factor. The Chiefs only average 199.7 yards passing per game, which is second fewest in the AFC, but Kelce has been their most dynamic threat through the air.

Kelce’s only caught six passes for 48 yards since a breakout game three weeks ago when the Chiefs dismantled the New England Patriots. Week 8 against St Louis is when Kelce gets back on track. Kansas City has the No. 1 ranked rush offense in the AFC, and the Rams aren’t particularly good at stopping the run. It makes for a tantalizing matchup for the Chiefs that the Rams must commit to stopping.

Whether they stop the run successfully or not, St. Louis’ defense is going to devote much of their attention to Charles and the run game, opening up the passing game for Kelce. Quarterback Alex Smith is best when he gets the ball out of his hand quickly, and that bodes well for Kelce because he’s very good after the catch. Expect the Rams to load the box and bring pressure often, but Kelce may be left open in the flat or the middle of the field. The rookie tight end is effective in the short passing game and also has the ability to turn a short pass into a long gain. Kelce should be good for at least one play of 20 or more yards.

The Rams also may contest the run better than expected on Sunday. Last week the Rams gave up 171 yards rushing, which is terrible, but it was mostly Seattle QB Russell Wilson, who ran for 106 yards. The Rams did well to limit Marshawn Lynch to 53 yards on 18 carries.

If St. Louis has success stopping Charles, Kelce will be the one to step up. A productive game between Smith and Kelce will also bring a bit of balance to an offense that relies heavily on the ground game. Kelce leads all Chief receivers in yards with 307, and he’ll continue to make an impact this Sunday.

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