Chiefs vs. Patriots 2016: Time, TV schedule and team news
Kansas City is the toughest possible matchup for New England in the Divisional round.
Over the last four years, the New England Patriots have outscored opponents 164-91 in the Divisional round. It's unlikely they'll enjoy as lopsided a victory against the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday.
Make no mistake, it's difficult to pick against Tom Brady in a playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Brady's career postseason record at home is 14-3. But the Chiefs are the toughest possible opponent the Patriots could've drawn this weekend.
New England's offense sputtered over the final six weeks of the season, only exceeding 30 points on one occasion -- against the lowly Tennessee Titans. The Patriots are the only team in history in the merger era to finish the year 2-4 after starting 10-0.
Perhaps the biggest reason for the Patriots' offensive woes has been Julian Edelman's absence. Edelman, who broke his foot against the New York Giants Nov. 15, has developed into Brady's go-to receiver over the last three years. The Patriots averaged 35 points per game while he was in the lineup this season, compared to 25 while he's been sidelined. Their success rate on third down without Edelman has decreased by nearly 20 percent.
Brady’s numbers have taken a significant nosedive without Edelman as well. In the 10 games Edelman started this season, Brady completed almost 68 percent of his passes for 3,043 yards with 24 touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 111.1 quarterback rating. In the seven weeks without Edelman, Brady has only completed 59.45 percent of his passes for 1,727 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. His QB rating has dropped to 89.1 as well.
Though Edelman is slated to return for Saturday's contest, other Patriots receivers will have to step up as well. Rob Gronkowski, who suffered a knee strain against the Broncos Nov. 29, has only caught six passes over the last two games. Danny Amendola also missed Week 16's contest against the Jets with a knee injury and was only targeted three times over his last two games played.
The Patriots’ offense could be attempting to find its footing again Saturday, but the Chiefs may not give them much breathing room. Kansas City had the third-ranked defense in the NFL this season and was fourth in the league in sacks. The Chiefs’ secondary also recorded 22 interceptions.
But Kansas City's biggest weapon may be quarterback Alex Smith's ability to protect the football. Smith only threw one interception this season and went 312 consecutive pass attempts without throwing a pick. (Though it could be tough for the Chiefs to produce much offense if Jeremy Maclin winds up sitting out with a reported high ankle sprain.)
This will be the first time Andy Reid has faced Bill Belichick in the playoffs since the Patriots narrowly edged the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX, meaning he may have revenge on his mind. Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton also worked under Rex Ryan when the Jets knocked off the Patriots in the Divisional round in 2010.
New England is rightfully the favorite in this game but the Chiefs may prove to be a tough out -- especially if their dominant pass rush can take advantage of a porous Patriots offensive line and get to Brady. The Patriots might very well advance, but it probably won’t be easy.
How to Watch
When: Saturday, Jan. 16, 4:35 p.m. ET
Where: Gillette Stadium
TV: CBS
Commentators: Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
Online: NFL Game Pass
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