5 Storylines to Watch: Jaguars vs. Chiefs

The Jacksonville Jaguars start the second quarter of the season against the fast-paced, electric offense of the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes.

Fans of the Black and Teal want to watch for these five storylines in what could be the best game of the NFL season at Arrowhead at 1 PM this Sunday afternoon between the Jaguars and the Chiefs.

The Jaguars are currently 3-1 this season and tied for first in the AFC South. The Kansas City Chiefs are 4-0 and are in first place in the AFC West.

Juggernauts Clash

Sunday’s game will feature two powerhouses in their own respect: the Chiefs offense against the Jaguars defense. The Chiefs have currently scored a league-leading 19 touchdowns, while the Jaguars have only allowed four touchdowns so far. The Chiefs average 297.2 passing yards and 36.2 points per game.

The Jaguars have allowed a league-low 164.3 passing yards and 14.0 points per game. The Jaguars have only allowed one QB to throw for 300+ yards in their last 20 games. Patrick Mahomes has thrown for 300+ yards in three straight games. The plethora of stats shows two teams with great schemes on the opposite side of the ball. Both will be battling for 60 minutes, and it will be must-watch TV.

Travis Kelce Versus the “Tight End Whisperer”

During week two, many thought the difference-maker for the New England Patriots would be TE Rob Gronkowski. But Jaguars FS Tashuan Gipson held Gronkowski to two catches for 15 yards and has yet to allow a TE to gain more than 35 yards. Dubbed the “Tight End Whisperer,” Gipson will be in for another big test in Chiefs TE Travis Kelce.

Kelce has had receiving games of 114, 109 and 78 yards. Look for Mahomes to go to his security blanket when his protection collapses.

Everyone Else Against Jaguars Defense

Travis Kelce isn’t the only weapon on the Chiefs, they have plenty — and I mean plenty — more. WR’s Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, and RB Kareem Hunt will certainly give the Jaguars a handful of work. While the secondary still doesn’t have an interception to their name, the group could’ve had three last week on Jets QB Sam Darnold.

"“We’re starting to get into that groove,” Gipson told Jacksonville reporters on Sunday following the game. “At the end of the day, we’re the best secondary in the NFL. We know the opportunities [of getting an interception] are going to come.”"

Which Blake Bortles Will Show Up?

There seems to be a pattern with Blake Bortles. Against New England, Bortles played out of his mind. Against Tennessee, Bortles reverted back to his old ways. Most recently, against The New York Jets, Bortles had a career day.

The up and down QB went 29-38 for 388 yards and two touchdowns. Hopefully, this pattern won’t continue though as it means Bortles is due for a bad game. The wildcard for Sunday’s game is the offense.

It’s simple: If the Jaguars offense plays the way they did against the Patriots or Jets, they’ll win.

The Kansas City Chiefs rank last in defense, allowing 451.8 yards per game — 123.3 yards on the ground and 328.5 through the air. Bortles and Co. should have a big day.

Just Play Your Game

This game couldn’t have even been predicted in a fantasy, the best offense in the NFL against the best defense in the NFL. This game is drawing all the attention — for good reason — but this could be trouble for the big cats.

The Jaguars have to do something that seems obvious but could get lost in all the hype: play your game. The Jaguars can’t turn into something they’re not, which could happen once Mahomes put points on the scoreboard. Arrowhead Field will be electric as fans from across the country will be tuning in to see powerhouses go at it.

It shouldn’t happen under Doug Marrone, but the Jaguars can’t lose sight of themselves. Buckle up, NFL fans, this one is going to be fun.