The Green Bay Packers (2-0) and the Kansas City Chiefs (1-1) square off tonight for Monday Night Football. The Packers look to continue their undefeated season, while the Chiefs try to bounce back from a tough loss to the Broncos.
The Packers have won their last two games largely on the strength and accuracy of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ arm. Despite the loss of stud wide receiver Jordy Nelson, Rodgers' precision has kept this offense humming at peak performance. With all the starters sans Nelson listed as “probable” or better, expect the machine that is Green Bay’s offense to dominate.
The Packer’s defense has some question marks. Their defense is unreliable. The lowly Chicago Bears put up 23 points, hardly impressive. Yes, they limited the Seahawks to 17 the next week, but the Seahawks were reeling, and were just plain bad on the offensive side of the ball. The Chiefs though, are actually offensively competent.
Alex Smith has had an up and down season thus far, with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the opener, and then zero touchdowns and two interceptions the following week. Assuming he can spread the field, Jamaal Charles should be able to capitalize. The all-NFL running back doesn’t need much daylight to be effective. Charles is averaging 4.9 yards a carry, and is averaging nearly 100 yards a game. Currently, the Packers are averaging 154 rushing yards a game, so expect Charles to dominate.
In what could be a high scoring affair, the Packers should pull out the win. Loaded on offense, and good-enough on defense, Green Bay will outshoot Kansas City. The x-factor for this game will be the Chiefs defense. Despite safety Eric Berry’s return to the team, the Chiefs are allowing 25.5 points a game. Considering how explosive Green Bay is on offense, it will be necessary for the Chiefs to bring their A-game on defense.
My prediction: Jamaal Charles gashes Green Bay, and Alex Smith does what he can with a touchdown to tight end Travis Kelce, but Rodgers and running back Eddie Lacy overcome the the Chiefs in a final score of 24-17 Green Bay.
Jimmy Sheldrup is a sports reporter for the Beacon. He can be reached at sheldrup18@up.edu or on Twitter @cjsheldrup
