1) The Falcons Offensive Line vs. Chris Jones
The biggest challenge for the Atlanta Falcons offense against the Kansas City Chiefs will undoubtedly be containing defensive lineman Chris Jones.
Jones is off to a stellar start to his 2024 campaign, posting a 90.1 pass-rush grade according to PFF along with 9 pressures and 2 sacks. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo deploys Jones all over the formation to exploit matchups. Of his 108 snaps this year, Jones has lined up on the interior for 39 plays, to the left side of the line for 42, and to the right for 27.
That's why it'll take all five of the Falcon's offensive linemen to contain Jones, as any player could see #95 lined up across from them on any given snap.
2) Trent Mcduffie vs. Drake London
Few players are ascending as quickly as Chiefs cornerback Trent Mcduffie. Kansas City's willingness to trade their former top CB L'Jarius Sneed speaks to their confidence in the young man, and his role on defense has expanded this season. Mcduffie has begun shadowing top receivers on the opposition, limiting Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase to one reception for four yards on 17 routes.
He'll be lining up against Falcons WR Drake London, who's coming fresh off a game-winning touchdown catch. London will find himself with a significant size advantage over Mcduffie, London's 6'4" vs. Mcduffie's 5'11".
If the Falcons' passing game is going to continue to progress, London will have to be the ball-winner we all know he can be when targets come his way.
3) Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia vs. Matthew Judon
For the first time in years, Atlanta finally has a presence at edge rusher. Along with his trademark red sleeves, Matt Judon has brought gravity to the Falcon's front seven. Opposing defensive coordinators have to account for where Judon lines up, something that wasn't a worry in years past. With 1.5 sacks already, Judon is set up for a nice season.
Sunday night, he'll have a favorable matchup in front of him. Chiefs rookie tackle Kingsley Suamataia had a rough outing in his last game. He was dominated by Bengals edge Trey Hendrickson and was benched in favor of Wanya Morris late in the game, who struggled himself. At the time of writing, it's unknown which of the two will be starting versus Atlanta, but regardless, it's a matchup that deeply favors Judon.
4) Justin Simmons vs. Patrick Mahomes
If you're reading this, you know the name Patrick Mahomes. We don't have to go into any detail about the level of player he is (the best I've ever seen). But, every Superman has his kryptonite.
That kryptonite just happened to sign with Atlanta in mid-August. Yes, we're talking about Justin Simmons. Over Mahomes's career, no player has picked him off more than the former Broncos safety. Simmons has five interceptions of Mahomes to his name, three more than any other player.
Will Simmons be able to bring some of that magic to Atlanta? Let's hope so. As good a player as Mahomes is, he's looked human during the regular season. Simmons adding to his pick total of Mahomes will go a long way in a game where every possession matters just a little more.
5) Dirty Bird Nation vs. The Swifties
If you're unfamiliar with "The Swifties" let me fill you in. They're the rabid teenage girl fanbase of pop icon Taylor Swift. And if you've lived under a rock for the last year, Swift is dating Chief's future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce.
Since the two began dating, the term "swiftie" has evolved into a demeaning nickname for Chiefs fans everywhere. You thought we'd be breaking down how Kelce matches up with Atlanta's defense? Nope. Instead, we're focused on one thing here: Homefield Advantage.
I wrote about a similar matchup with Dirty Bird Nation vs. The Terrible Towels in week one.
Let's just say that didn't go in our favor.
But Sunday night in primetime Falcons fans have a chance at redemption. Don't let Kansas City invade Mercedes Benz Stadium. Be loud, be obnoxious, be a menace for swifties everywhere. Because if Atlanta is going to pull off a monumental upset Sunday evening, they need all the help they can get.
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