NFL Playoffs 2019: Championship Sunday matchups and predictions
By Sanjit T.
New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs
Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have it in there minds that they are the underdogs, going as far as making T-Shirts that say “Bet Against Us.” Although I don’t think the Patriots are the underdogs, I can see how some players might feel this way.
Every year we go through a time frame, usually Weeks 1-13, where every NFL journalist claims the New England Patriots dynasty is over. Much like every other season, we find the New England Patriots in the mix to go to the Superbowl.
The Chiefs, however, are favored by three, and for a good reason. The Andy Reid offense is the best offense in the NFL, with one of the best players at the quarterback, tight end, and wide receiver positions in football. Similar to the other matchup this weekend, these two teams have played each other as well.
The Patriots beat the Chiefs 43-40, the first time they played.
In that game, New England ran 38 times vs. Chiefs 17, and they controlled the clock 36 mins to the Chiefs 24 minutes. Although this game was only won by three points, it could have been a lot different.
New England fumbled the ball at the 29-yard line, giving the Chiefs an easy touchdown. The Chiefs also had a 97-yard kick off that set up an easy 3-yard touchdown. Lastly, Kansas City also had two very quick big-play touchdowns that included going 150 yards on 4 plays, something they’ve done, and often rely on.
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If the Patriots are able to limit the Chiefs big plays and play a game of no mistakes, they should be able to win. For the Chiefs to win, they must have a big game from their kick and punt return, as well as force two or more turnovers on defense. Bill Belichick usually limits these errors from his team, and for that reason, I predict the Patriots to win 42 – 28.