The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a highly anticipated Week 11 matchup that may have huge implications for both teams as the 2023 season enters its home stretch.
Both teams are among the top teams in their conferences and are coming off bye weeks that gave them extra time to prepare for the Super Bowl LVII rematch. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense is expected to play with an extra edge in this game, and it will be up to Kansas City’s top-tier defense to keep Philadelphia’s high-octane passing attack at bay.
While this interconference game won’t have major implications for a playoff tiebreaker, each team is likely to compete as if the meeting is a preview of Super Bowl LVIII. It wouldn’t be a stretch to think that these teams could meet at Allegiant Stadium in February for a chance to win a championship ring.
Check out these keys to a Chiefs victory in Week 11:
Kansas City’s defense must control first and second downs
While speaking to the media on Friday, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo emphasized the importance of winning on early downs against the Eagles offense.
Because of the “Brotherly Shove” play that Philadelphia regularly uses, Kansas City will need to keep the Eagles far behind the line to gain.
Spagnuolo and this Chiefs defense must consistently force Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia’s offense into third-and-long scenarios by clamping down on early downs. Hurts is dealing with a lingering knee injury, and that could slow him down against Kansas City’s strong pass rush.
Stopping the run and keeping Hurts in the pocket will be the best formula to win on first and second down.
Mahomes and WRs need to lock in early
Kansas City can’t afford to play from behind against an opponent as strong as Philadelphia, and with so much on the line in this game the Chiefs will have to rely on its receiving corps to score points early and often against the Eagles.
Patrick Mahomes has been knocked out of rhythm in other matchups this season, but can’t afford to miss a beat in this game. He will need help from his receivers to keep Kansas City’s offense on schedule and open up room for Isiah Pacheco and the Chiefs’ rushing attack.
Expect Rashee Rice, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore to all get involved early in this game as Mahomes looks to get Kansas City out to a first-quarter lead.
Keep A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in check
A.J. Brown has already collected 67 receptions for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns through nine games this season, and DeVonta Smith isn’t far behind with 42 receptions for 533 yards and four touchdowns. Philadelphia’s starting tight end, Dallas Goedert, will be out for an extended period of time with a fractured forearm, so Smith is certain to get more involved in the offense.
Defensive backs Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed will each be tasked with guarding both of these receivers. Each will have the opportunity to defend Brown and Smith, depending on the situation in the game. Expect safety help on Brown throughout the game, especially in key-down situations.
In the Super Bowl, Brown and Smith combined for 13 catches for 196 yards and one touchdown. If the tandem produces a stat line similar to that one, the Chiefs are going to struggle to win this game.
