Is it possible that the Dallas Cowboys versus the Kansas City Chiefs game is a potential preview of Super Bowl LVI? It is undoubtedly building up to look that way. Both teams are headed in the right direction at the moment. However, it wasn’t always like this for the Chiefs.
They started the season on a rocky start. Losing games to teams such as the Ravens and Titans dropped Kansas City’s record to 3-4. The team was being written off as heavy Super Bowl favorites until last Sunday’s performance against division rival, the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kansas City routed Las Vegas 41-14 and took complete control of the AFC West. It was by far the best performance that quarterback Patrick Mahomes had this season. He completed 35 of 50 passes of 406 yards and five touchdowns. A performance like that quickly put the Chiefs back in everyone’s Super Bowl contending conversation.
The Dallas Cowboys have two games where they could not close it out with a win, but other than that, the team is vastly improved from previous seasons. If a drastic collapse down the stretch does not occur, the Cowboys will run away with the NFC East title this season. It will be the team’s third division title with QB Dak Prescott under center. Here are the keys to the game when both teams are on the offensive side of the football.
When the Cowboys Have the Football
The Cowboys’ offense presents many challenges for personnel on the Chiefs’ defense. However, Kansas City will not have to worry about a critical target in Dallas’s passing game. Wide receiver Amari Cooper tested positive for COVID-19 and will not see action in Sunday’s game. Cooper’s presence on the field provided so many opportunities for other Dallas receivers to get open and make plays.
If the Chiefs can neutralize the Cowboys’ receiving core, expect them to attack Kansas City’s defense in other ways, such as running and short to intermediate plays. The team is ranked near the top of every statistical category when it comes to offense. Kansas City’s defense will have to be prepared to face any challenge that Dallas may present in Sunday’s game. They have not been this potent on offense in a long time.
When the Chiefs Have the Football
Is the Chief’s 41-14 beatdown against Las Vegas a sign of things to come, or was it due to facing a team that could be taking a turn for the worst? They will need to have a similar type of performance against the Cowboys’ defense on Sunday. Even in the games, they have won, the Chiefs have struggled to perform like the offense we watched in previous years. Secondaries are not allowing Tyreek Hill to get behind them and catch passes. They are also not a team that can effectively run the football against their opponents.
One thing Mahomes cannot do is turn the football over. Dallas has one of those defenses that can force turnovers and possibly score touchdowns while at it. Cornerback Trevon Diggs leads the league with eight interceptions. If Diggs gets an int from Mahomes, you may have to add him to the Defensive Player of the Year conversation if you have not already. He is making that much of an impact on the Cowboys.
Predicted Outcome
The team that will be prepared appropriately for Sunday’s game between the Chiefs and Cowboys will win. Kansas City has accumulated a few impressive victories over the past few weeks, but tomorrow it comes to an end. Dallas has fewer weaknesses that they can overcome right now compared to the Chiefs. Cowboys win by four.
Cowboys 35
Chiefs 31
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