The Atlanta Falcons began the year 0-5, and after losing their last three games, they are now winless in December. Atlanta's four wins came when the faced the Vikings, Panthers, Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders. It is now impossible for any of those teams to finish this season with a winning record. Both sides of the ball deserve blame for this underwhelming season, but what went wrong with these still-star-studded Falcons?
Atlanta continues to feed Todd Gurley II a lot, but that strategy seems to be part of their problem. None of the 10 running backs with more than Gurley's 182 carries average less than his 3.5 yards per carry. Chiefs first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire has one less carry than Gurley and averages 0.9 more yards earned with his opportunities. Establishing a consistent running game makes sense when Derrick Henry is on the roster, because that guy averages more than five yards gained when he runs the ball. When a team heavily features someone as ineffective as Gurley, they set themselves up for a whole bunch of 2nd and 9's on offense.
Kansas City also faces an underpowered Falcons passing attack, as a hamstring problem will keep dangerous receiver Julio Jones out of today's game. Calvin Ridley may frustrate Chiefs fans a few times, but the rest of Atlanta's offense pales in comparison to the wealth of talent on KC's offense.
The Falcons struggle mightily against good passing offenses and good tight ends. The Chiefs will undoubtedly bring those things with them to Georgia today. Travis Kelce ranks as #2 in the NFL in receiving yards among all players at all positions. Kelce consistently causes chaos across the middle of the field when facing teams with weaknesses similar to Atlanta's.
Even if the Falcons play top-shelf defense, the Chiefs are prepared to overcome that. The Dolphins, Ravens, Patriots, Bucs and Saints all rank in the top eight in points allowed per game. They all lost to the Chiefs. This Kansas City offense is tested. It continuously proves itself to be nearly unstoppable, and this game represents KC's chance to secure the #1 playoff seed in the conference. With plenty to play for, a uniquely great Chiefs offense faces a Falcons defense that struggles against any modestly effective passer. I predict that the Chiefs will earn a bye week with a 33-21 victory today.
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