The great bayou comes to the great plains in a pivotal matchup that could vault the Chiefs from 3rd to 1st in the AFC West. The Saints also sit at 3rd place in their division and could end up half a game behind 1st place in the NFC South. As we've come to expect it over recent years the Saints are a top offensive team ranking 2nd in points, but are 32nd in points allowed through 5 games this year. The Chiefs have more balance ranking 18th and 10th in points scored and allowed respectively. Andy Reid is 1-4 (including 1 playoff game) all time against Sean Payton while with the Eagles in their first matchup since Reid joined the Chiefs. The last time the Chiefs and Saints faced off THIS happened.

Matchup #1

Ford had his best game so far this season against the Raiders last week getting 2 sacks and a forced fumble. Both of Ford's sacks and fumble came in the 4th quarter to help seal the win for the Chiefs. One sack came against LT Donald Penn (which lead to the fumble) and the other against RT Austin Howard. So far this season Zach Strief has been the main reason the New Orleans offensive line ranks 9th in pass protection. The New Orleans line has allowed 8 sacks in 5 games this season with an adjusted sack rate of 5.1% according to Football Outsiders. The big question will be who starts opposite Strief. Terron Armstead practiced for the first time since week 2 today (10/19/16) and Peat left their week 6 game early and did not practice today. Both will be questionable for the Sunday matchup. Much like the performance that we'll be able to expect from Dee Ford come Sunday.

Matchup #2

Nick Fairley vs. Chiefs Interior Offensive Line

In the last 3 games Nick Fairly has combined for 3.5 sacks against the Panthers, Chargers, and Falcons. Against the Chiefs he'll likely face one of the worst interior offensive lines in the NFL. Parker Ehinger, Mitch Morse, and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif all have struggled for most of the season so far. KC does rank in the top 10 in run blocking with 61% (11th most) of their runs going between the tackles, but their pass protection ranks 26th with an adjusted sack rate of 7.5%. Nonetheless the Saints defense ranks 26th against the run, and the Chiefs will not hesitate to attack the middle of their defensive line to help slow down the pass rush. Nick Fairly will likely have his hands full trying to tackle the likes of Spencer Ware, but if he's able to get into the backfield on passing plays often as he has so far this season. Then the Chiefs will be in for a long day and could help turn this game into a shootout that the Saints are certainly familiar with.

Matchup #3

Mark Ingram vs. Chiefs Rush Defense

The New Orleans Saints are the number 2 offense in the NFL, but are ranked 29th in rush yards per game. The Kansas City Chiefs are 10th in points and 14th in total yards on defense, but are ranked 24th against the run. The Chiefs are particularly weak against runs to the left side of the defense, and the Saints are at their best when running behind Jahri Evans and Zach Strief (Ranked 2nd in the NFL when running behind the RG and RT). This makes it a particularly interesting matchup if the Saints are able to capitalize on the Chief's weakness to turn their own weakness into a strength. If the Saints are able to build an early lead look for Mark Ingram to potentially have his best game of the season. Especially if Terron Armstead is able to return and help out the left side of the offensive line.

Conclusion

This is the second week in a row the Chiefs face a top 5 offense and a low 5 defense. Last week against the Raiders the Chiefs controlled the clock with a punishing run game and methodically moved down the field. They were able to cause turnovers, get key stops on 3rd down, practically eliminated Michael Crabtree from the game (Derek Carr's safety blanket), and allowed only 64 total rushing yards all day. To get the win on Sunday the Chiefs will have to do pretty much the same thing. Saints vs Chiefs coverage

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