Prediction: Chiefs take advantage of 2nd chance to make first Super Bowl in 5 decades
The Kansas City Chiefs meet the Tennessee Titans Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in the AFC Championship Game. The winner advances to the Super Bowl.
It’s been 50 years since the Chiefs reached the Super Bowl, 20 years for the Titans. This is the first AFC title game since the 2010 season that has not involved the New England Patriots.
Kickoff: 2:05 p.m., Arrowhead Stadium
TV/Radio: CBS (Ch. 5), KCFX (101.1 FM)
Line: Chiefs by 7 ½
Blair Kerkhoff’s prediction: Chiefs 30-20
There’s plenty to concern the Chiefs vs. the Titans, starting with the running back in a linebacker’s body: Derrick Henry. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been good and the Tennessee defense was opportunistic and rugged against the Patriots and Ravens. It will be fascinating to see what Tennessee comes up with to slow Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ attack. Houston melted down last week, but don’t expect that from Tennessee, which arrives with the confidence of defeating the Chiefs during the regular season.
But the Chiefs’ experience in this game should make a difference. They were in the same position, in the same stadium, a year ago and came within an offsides penalty of qualifying for the Super Bowl. That motivation, an early lead, mistake-free football (not the case at Tennessee in Week 10) and enough defense to slow Henry should be enough to carry Kansas City to the Super Bowl for the first time in five decades.