The narrative surrounding this game will be Lamar vs Mahomes. However, outside of the post game handshake, neither athlete will confront one another. In this article, we explore the key match-ups that will decide who reigns supreme between two of the AFC elites.
Key Matchups
Travis Kelce vs Kyle Hamilton
Arguably the best tight end of all time lining up against the best safety currently in the league. This was a key match-up in last year's AFC Championship game with Kelce catching a touchdown pass amidst tight coverage from Kyle Hamilton.
Kelce’s usage will be limited in order to be healthy for the playoffs, but expect him to be used in key third down and red zone situations. Kyle Hamilton has quickly established himself as the best in his position and is coming off a first-team all-pro season.
Hamilton is a versatile safety capable safety who is incredibly disruptive around the line of scrimmage, but expect him to stick to Kelce once the veteran is on the field.
Derrick Henry vs Chris Jones
Derrick Henry landed in the best possible situation for this stage of his career. Now at 30 years old, Henry has passed his prime, but the decline in his talents can be alleviated by the help around him. Being paired with an improved o-line and a legitimate running quarterback in Lamar Jackson will open up rushing holes that Henry never saw in Tennessee.
Chris Jones is the star of the Chiefs defence. With contract disputes a thing of the past Jones can concentrate on wreaking havoc in the opposition's backfield. His goal for the opening matchup is to remind Henry of his time in Nashville and hit him hard behind the line of scrimmage.
If Derrick Henry can work up a head of steam then he can take over games. Chris Jones needs to extinguish the flame before it becomes a full-blown fire.
Nate Wiggins vs Xavier Worthy
Ah, a rookie on a rookie match-up. Like a scrap between two toddlers, it has the potential to be an epic encounter or a disappointing lopsided beatdown.
What this match-up has to offer is obvious. Speed, speed, speed.
Xavier Worthy set the benchmark for the 40-yard dash with a 4.21 time, but Nate Wiggins is no slouch clocking in at 4.28. With Hollywood Brown unlikely to play in the opener, Worthy should have a considerable amount of playtime. When he’s in, Wiggins is likely to be guarding him as he’s potentially the only player on the Baltimore secondary capable of keeping up.
Kingsley Suamataia vs Kyle Van Noy/Odafe Oweh
Following their defeat in Super Bowl LV at the hands of nose tackle Vita Vea and the dominant Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rush, the Chiefs have been meticulous about producing a strong offensive line. Mahomes is their primary asset and protecting him is paramount. This is why Chiefs fans may be nervous to see second-round rookie tackle, Kingsley Suamataia, become an instant starter protecting Mahomes’ blindside.
The Ravens’ defence will seek to exploit his inexperience by putting him up against a savvy veteran in Kyle Van Noy, and the physically talented Odafe Oweh. Head Coach Andy Reid’s game plan will likely not put too much of the burden on the rookie, but the Ravens will look to exploit the moments that he’s left on an island.
Zach Orr vs Andy Reid
Baltimore’s new defensive coordinator, Zach Orr, has big shoes to fill following the departure of Mike McDonald to the Seattle Seahawks. Luckily for him, he only has Reid and Mahomes in his first match-up….
Even though they lost their last encounter, Baltimore did a good job of limiting Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offence to only 17 points, so the blueprint is there. However, successful defences often have difficulties transitioning between coordinators despite running the same scheme, so Zach Orr will need to implement his own tactics to evolve the team.
