Chiefs Week One: Five Things To Watch Against Arizona
With week one of the 2022 NFL season kicking off this Sunday, the Chiefs will be on the road in Arizona to face off against the Cardinals. What should you watch for in Sunday’s matchup?
The Kansas City Chiefs open the 2022 NFL season on the road against the Arizona Cardinals. Look for the offense to come out of the gate hot and ready to go. With Tyreek Hill gone, the offense will have to figure out a way forward. The new look defense will get its first taste on the field together in the regular season and Patrick Mahomes will start his quest for a second Lombardi Trophy. What should you watch for in Sunday’s matchup against Arizona?
O/U: 53.5 total points in Chiefs-Cardinals? – Powered By PickUp
How Will The Chiefs Passing Attack Look In Week One?
Last season, the offense saw a lot of cover-two defensive looks because of the threat of the deep ball. Despite Tyreek Hill leaving for Miami, Kansas City still has two decent deep threats in receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Mecole Hardman. Watch for how Head Coach Andy Reid gets the ball downfield while still working the middle of the field with Juju Smith-Schuster and tight end Travis Kelce. With a fairly new receiving corps, look for Mahomes to lean on Travis Kelce this week as the receivers get up to speed. The receiving room will come into more clear focus as the season progresses.
How Will The Chiefs’ Running Back Usage Shake Out?
The Chiefs running back group will feature three guys that will all see valuable snaps. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will see the bulk of the carriers, with Jerick McKinnon and rookie Isiah Pacheco handling the passing duties. This is a prove-it year for CEH within the Chiefs offense. They have to find a way to establish the run this year I believe Edwards-Helaire is ready to take the league by storm.
1u – Clyde Edwards-Helaire o11.5 Rush Attempts +100 (B365) Make or break season for the former FRP who’s over in 13/23 career regular season games including both Week 1s. CEH went over in 6 of the first 7 weeks in 2021. ARI gave up 4.6 YPC last year (5th worst)#gamblingtwitter pic.twitter.com/Kb7bccYWYk — G (@BetsWithG) September 8, 2022
Which Chiefs Receivers Step Up In Week One?
The Chiefs enter the week one matchup with a brand new receiving corps. With the free agent signing of Valdes-Scantling and Smith-Schuster — plus the additions of Justin Watson and Skyy Moore — the Chiefs have a much deeper receiver room than years past. Look for number 19 to flash in week one over the middle of the field. With his size and veteran presence, look for him to be a big contributor for Mahomes. Another receiver looking for a breakout season is Mecole Hardman. The Chiefs will use Mecole in many different ways this season.
How Will The Chiefs New Defensive Front Look In Week One?
The defensive line struggled last season with the pass rush. This season they brought back a leaner, more motivated Frank Clark paired with all-pro talent Chris Jones. The Chiefs also added veteran Carlos Dunlap and rookie George Karlaftis to the mix this offseason. Look for this group to make great strides this season, especially under newcomer Joe Cullen’s leadership. With a much-improved linebacking corps and run stuffers like Saunders and Wharton, the defense should be great against the run. On passing downs watch for how explosive the new and improved Frank Clark is. I predict he will have a big week!
Frank Clark looks healthy again. This is one of the quicker loops I’ve seen from him in two years on this pressure. Wharton does a great job getting the center’s shoulders turned. And maybe alittle extra. #JacobsEyeInTheSky #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/MU9y22voNf — Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) November 5, 2021
How Will The Chiefs Defensive Rookies Shine In Week One?
In the 2022 NFL draft, Kansas City selected six players that will make an impact this season. There is a possibility of three of them starting in week one against the Cardinals.
Trent McDuffie:
Cornerback Trent McDuffie was the first pick for the Chiefs this off-season. He will come into this defense as a day-one starter. McDuffie has exceptional ball skills and loves to fly around the field and hit. The corner has a serious rookie of the year talent. Look for him to lock down his side of the field.
Play isn't over until @trent_mcduffie says it is. pic.twitter.com/mIPq2G88Vm — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 6, 2022
George Karlaftis:
The Chiefs selected Karlaftis in the first round of this year’s draft. Karlaftis brings an explosive bull rush off the edge for the defense. With his high motors and excellent pass-rushing tools, Karlaftis will see the field a lot in Week One.
Leo Chenal:
Kansas City drafted linebacker Leo Chenal from Wisconsin in the third round. Chenal will get the start this week as the strong side backer. The rookie linebacker has a very physical play style that loves to fill gaps and hit. Look for Chenal to have a big impact on the run game.
https://twitter.com/PFF_Mike/status/1562113903697563649?s=20
Football season is finally here!! After all the hatred this offseason, look for Kansas City and quarterback Patrick Mahomes to come out and make a statement. Go Chiefs!
Chiefs at Cardinals: Who wins Week 1? – Powered By PickUp
#TrentMcDuffie #ClydeEdwardsHelaire #NFL #LeoChenal #KansasCityChiefs #JuJuSmithSchuster