Predicting The Eagles At Chiefs Monday Night Showdown
The Philadelphia Eagles are set to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football in what could be one of the most exciting matchups of the entire 2023 NFL season. It will be a rematch of this past February's Super Bowl. The game will take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City with the Chiefs currently favored by 2.5 points. Both teams had plenty of time to prepare as they each are coming off bye weeks.
Another Shootout Expected?
The over/under for the game is set at 45.5 points. This figure seems a bit low considering Super Bowl 57 saw a combined 73 points in the Chiefs' narrow 38-35 victory. Additionally, the Eagles are averaging 28 points per game in 2023 and the Chiefs are averaging 23 points per game.
Expect the Eagles to try to get the ground game going. As a team they are eighth in the league with 129.7 rushing yards per game. However, the team has not had a consistent number one back this year, so it will be interesting to see if anyone breaks out. The Chiefs do much of their damage through the air. Kansas City averages over 265 passing yards per game, which is fifth in the league.
Each team features an MVP candidate at the quarterback position. Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes is completing 68% of his passes for 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Meanwhile, Philly's Jalen Hurts has thrown for 2,347 yards, 15 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also has 316 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Neither one is outperforming their 2022 stats, but they are winning games and that is what matters the most in the NFL.
The Philadelphia Eagles for the second year in a row have the best record in the league at 8-1. They lead the Detroit Lions by one game for the top seed in the NFC and have a two-game lead over the Dallas Cowboys in their division. The Kansas City Chiefs are also at the top of their conference with a 7-2 record. However, the Baltimore Ravens who have not had their bye week yet, are right there at 8-3.
Will The Eagles Defense Be Able to Stop Patrick Mahomes?
The Eagles' secondary has struggled throughout the 2023 season due to injuries. Players have rotated in and out allowing opposing quarterbacks to attack. Philly's defense is allowing the fifth most passing yards in the league at 257 per game. However, the defense shines against the run. The Eagles have the best run defense in the entire league allowing just 66 rushing yards per game.
Kansas City currently has the best scoring defense in the NFL. They have allowed just 15.9 points per game. The 176 passing yards allowed per game is fifth best in the NFL, while the 112 rushing yards per game allowed is middle of the pack.
Patrick Mahomes had a relatively easy time against the Eagles defense in the second half of the Super Bowl. The struggles of the defensive backs throughout 2023 should also worry Philly fans a bit. Additionally, the Chiefs defense has been dominant. Philadelphia will need to get a run game going to turn things in their favor. With the right play calling and time management, it is doable.
The Eagles did pass their two biggest tests of the 2023 season. They defeated the Miami Dolphins in Week Seven 31-17 and then beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week Nine by a score of 28-23. Both of them were at home, so this one will be even more challenging.
Prediction: Eagles 20 Chiefs 17
This is a game that could go either way, but the Eagles have shined when the stakes were high. They have won eight out of their first nine games this year despite a more difficult schedule than 2022. Philly has not dominated but has found ways to win. Look for a strong run game and a late field goal to propel the Eagles.
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