In Week 2, the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs both prevailed thanks to late-game heroics. The Chiefs easily defeated the Bengals despite Patrick Mahomes’ mediocre performance. In order to save the Falcons from starting 0–2 in the two-minute drill, Kirk Cousins delivered with a last-minute touchdown. Atlanta is a little favorite against Kansas City on Sunday Night Football.
The Chiefs’ victory without Mahomes playing at his best is encouraging. Isiah Pacheco’s 91 rushing yards in Week 2 more than made up for two fumbles and just 151 passing yards. Pacheco will be sidelined for some time due to a broken fibula. Veteran Kareem Hunt, who was re-signed to the practice squad, and youngster Carson Steele, who is making his Chiefs comeback for the first time since 2018, might make up the new backfield.
As Kansas City’s top receiving option, Rashee Rice manages a lot of targets. Travis Kelce’s meager 39-yard gain on four catches should rise given the team’s indecisive rushing game. The Falcons’ pass defense ranks ninth in the NFL with 156 yards allowed per contest. Nonetheless, Mahomes may exploit a defense that has just one forced turnover this season and ranks 25th in sack rate (5.6%). Atlanta’s front must provide steady pressure.
With 241 throwing yards and two touchdowns in Week 2, Cousins’ game was on point. Play-action helped the veteran quarterback, who started more snaps under center against Philadelphia, maintain better rhythm after a shotgun-heavy first week. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier both ran well, combining for 150 yards on 23 carries, which helped Atlanta’s passing game get back on track.
As Cousins develops relationships with receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, Kyle Pitts must be incorporated into Atlanta’s strategy. In just two games, tight ends have raked in 276 receiving yards, lighting up the Chiefs defense.
Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons odds
How to watch Chiefs at Falcons
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Expert picks for Chiefs at Falcons
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(Photo of Xavier Worthy: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
