8/17/18 1:30pm

Preseason Week #2 Predictions: Falcons vs Chiefs

Cover Photo: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

By. Andrew Rodberg

In the last meeting between the Falcons and Chiefs in 2016, played in the old Georgia Dome, the Chiefs were able to squeeze out a 29-28 regular season victory courtesy of an Eric Berry 2 point defensive conversion.

Now 2 years later, both teams look a lot different. The Chiefs don’t have Stephen Ware and Albert Wilson who combined for 84 yards rushing, whereas the Falcons return all of their running backs from that game. On the passing attack, both teams have returning WR’s in Travis Kelce and Julio Jones respectably.

As the game gets closer and closer, many Falcons fans can picture a different outcome, compared to the 2016 result. This game is going to separate the starters from the 2-4 string players. With only 3 more preseason games, the rookies have to start making lasting impressions if they are going to try to make the active roster.

After a poor showing last week in preseason game #1 vs the Jets, where they failed to score a single point while giving up 17, OC Steve Sarkisian must begin to dial up some plays to get his stars involved.

Atlanta’s RB group, led by Devonta Freeman, hasn’t made an appearance this preseason but has been thought to play some snaps tonight vs the Chiefs. As for the Chiefs, their star RB Kareem Hunt had one carry but only took it a yard. As the regular season begins to approach rapidly, we see Hunt and Freeman getting quite a few carries tonight. From a game standpoint, we give Atlanta the edge over Kansas City in this group. 

Atlanta’s Passing/Receiving group is where this prediction gets tricky.  Atlanta has been slow out of the gates as most teams normally are when they don’t play their starting QB’s, but with the recent holdout of Julio Jones and rookie Calvin Ridley quickly learning the playbook, Matt Ryan and the WR need to begin to get on the same page. Last week the Chiefs were able to get the ball in one of their playmaker’s hands, Demarcus Robinson, who scored a TD. With that being said we are going to give the edge to Kansas in this group solely on the fact that they seem to be moving the ball with multiple QB’s this season.

This game is going to be a battle for both teams as neither really has sent their starting QB’s out for more than 8 passes combined. We do in fact think, the Falcons will be able to spread out the Chiefs defense and get Julio Jones the ball in the end-zone. Our Prediction is that they game will ultimately be won by the better ALL AROUND OFFENSIVE ATTACK that will be the Atlanta Falcons!

Prediction: Atlanta 24 – Chiefs 17

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