Scouting report: Chiefs vs. Packers, 7:30 p.m. Monday on ESPN and KMBC (Ch. 9)

When the Chiefs run

The Chiefs were able to get the running game going against the Broncos last week, and Jamaal Charles rushed for 125 yards and 6 yards per carry. The Packers can be run against, however, even with the presence of some stout and occasionally disruptive interior linemen in B.J. Raji, Mike Daniels and Mike Pennel. If the Packers have a weakness, it’s at inside linebacker, though former outside linebacker Clay Matthews has helped out there. As an inside linebacker, he is aware, gives great effort and is quick in pursuit. He is an upgrade over the Packers’ other options inside, though he still walks out to the edge occasionally. The Packers did a good job stuffing Marshawn Lynch’s cutback lanes a week ago, and “Beast Mode” only rushed for 41 yards. The Chiefs should explore some of their read option and packaged plays. The Seahawks had some success with those, and quarterback Russell Wilson rushed for 78 yards in 10 carries.

When the Chiefs pass

The Chiefs were able to get the passing game going some against the Broncos, but Denver’s pass rush exposed their offensive line. The Chiefs have allowed seven sacks this season, which is 28th in the NFL. They’ve also allowed 14 quarterback hits, which ranks 20th. Outside linebacker Julius Peppers is 35 years old, but he still has the length, quickness and strength off the edge to give tackles fits. He primarily lined up against the right tackle a week ago, which means he should see plenty of Eric Fisher this week. After a handful of passing play calls backfired against the Broncos, it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs get it going this week.

When the Packers run

Running back Eddie Lacy is a big back (5-11, 234) with good burst and power at the second level. He is listed as probable because of an ankle injury. If Lacy can’t go, James Starks is capable. Starks is quick and shifty, and he’ll run behind a line that boasts one of the league’s best guard duos in Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang. The Chiefs’ defense has been vastly improved against the run this year. Some of that has to do with the return of inside linebacker Derrick Johnson and defensive end Mike DeVito from injuries, but it also has to do with the improvement interior linemen Allen Bailey and Jaye Howard. Those two, along with DeVito and Dontari Poe, have helped as the Chiefs are deep and stout up front.

When the Packers pass

Simply put, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is outstanding. His pocket awareness, accuracy and arm strength are all top-notch, which makes him a pain to game-plan for. He will stress the Chiefs’ defense, both horizontally and vertically. What’s more, he has a trio of reliable receivers in Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and James Jones, who are all interchangeable. Cobb is the best of the bunch; he is primarily a slot guy who regularly burns defenses with his hands, quickness and ability to create separation in his routes. The Chiefs may have caught a break, though, because Adams — like Lacy — went down with an ankle injury against Seattle. Adams is probable, but the Packers’ depth at the position isn’t great. Tight end Richard Rodgers is an emerging receiving threat, and he occasionally flexes out wide. The Chiefs’ pass rush is led by linebacker Justin Houston, who has recorded a sack in eight straight games, and he’s been backed by a strong interior rush led by Bailey. However, Rodgers’ ability to escape pressure is elite — he’s only been sacked twice and hit six times this year —and the Chiefs’ secondary, led by impressive youngster Marcus Peters, will be tested.

Special teams

Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby has a heck of a leg — he’s five for five on field goals this year, with a long of 54 yards. The Chiefs’ Cairo Santos is three for four on field goals, and he has drilled 10 his 11 kicks for touchbacks. Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt has planted five punts inside the 20 and allowed four returns on 11 attempts, compared to Green Bay’s Tim Masthay, who has allowed three returns on five attempts. Neither team has given up a kickoff or punt return touchdown, but the Chiefs’ return averages are superior.

Coaching

Packers coach Mike McCarthy has a Super Bowl win under his belt, a goal Chiefs coach Andy Reid still is seeking. McCarthy ceded his play-calling responsibilities to longtime Packers assistant Tom Clements this offseason, and he also has a respected defensive coordinator in Dom Capers, who has been an innovator when it comes to the 3-4 scheme for 20-plus years.

X-factor

To win on Monday night against an outstanding Packers team, the Chiefs will need to create some turnovers. Problem is, the Packers rarely give the ball away at home. Aaron Rodgers has not thrown an interception at Lambeau Field since 2012.

Bottom line: Packers 30-24

It is asking a lot to expect the Chiefs to go into Lambeau Field and pick up a victory, especially after a crushing loss to Denver last week. But if this team is as good as it hopes it is, it will come out, compete hard and be in the game until the end. And if the Chiefs get a few breaks — like unexpectedly winning the turnover battle — all bets are off.

This story was originally published September 27, 2015 at 3:23 PM with the headline "Scouting report: Chiefs vs. Packers, 7:30 p.m. Monday on ESPN and KMBC (Ch. 9)."