Five things to know about the Kansas City Chiefs’ next opponent: Green Bay Packers
In a way, the Chiefs’ contest Sunday will be a revenge game. That could be because of the loss in Super Bowl I or maybe because of the last meeting in 2019, which the Packers won 31-24.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was injured at the time, but he is expected to take the field, as will his fellow State Farm pitchman, Aaron Rodgers.
Each week, I take an early look at the Kansas City Chiefs’ next opponent, and here are five things to know about Green Bay before Sunday’s game at Arrowhead. Kickoff is at 3:25 p.m., and the game will air on Fox 4.
1. Nuts and Bolts
The Packers, who have a 7-1 record, have won seven straight games since dropping the season opener.
The Chiefs lead the all-time series 7-5-1, but Green Bay has won three of the last four meetings, including the previous two.
Green Bay is averaging 24.0 points per game, which is sixth in the NFL, while allowing just 20.9 points per game, which ranks ninth.
The Packers are tied for second in the NFL in turnover margin (plus-8) with 14 takeaways and six giveaways.
2. The West All-Star
What more is there to say about Aaron Rodgers? He’s the defending MVP, has won that award three times, been to nine Pro Bowls and started in the East/West Bowl on “Key & Peele.”
This season, Rodgers has completed 67.1% of his passes for 1,894 yards with 17 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Chiefs fans may recall this throw from 2019:
Rodgers has been sacked 17 times this season, just three fewer than all of last season.
Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari hasn’t played since the ACL in his left knee was torn on Dec. 31. Bakhtiari returned to practice on Oct. 20. Packers coach Matt LaFleur told reporters he knows if Bakhtiari will play Sunday but won’t say because he doesn’t want the Chiefs to know.
Green Bay is also without rookie center Josh Meyers, who is on injured reserve.
3. Davante should be back
Wide receiver Davante Adams, who missed Thursday’s game against the Cardinals because of COVID-19 protocols, likely will be back for Sunday night’s game against the Chiefs.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur hopes to have Adams back at practice on Thursday, per PackersNews.com.
Despite missing Thursday’s game, Adams leads the Packers in receptions (52) and receiving yards (744). Adams is Rodgers’ favorite target, and with catches like this, it’s easy to see why:
Adams told ESPN’s Rob Demovsky that he has a philosophy for every down: “Every time I run a route, I’m going to try to murder you.”
Four of Randall Cobb’s 17 receptions have been for a touchdown, while former Iowa State receiver Allen Lazard has 15 catches for 184 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Lazard also missed the last game while on the COVID-19 list. He practiced on Monday.
4. Take it on the run
The Packers’ pass offense is ranked 22nd (229.5 yards per game), while their rushing attack is 17th (108.1 ypg).
Aaron Jones leads the Packers in rushing (104 carries for 463 yards) and three touchdowns. He’s also caught 33 passes and has 237 receiving yards and four touchdowns. AJ Dillon has run the ball 68 times for 309 yards. Both Dillon and Jones are averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
5. The defense
Green Bay pressures the quarterback on 25.4% of snaps, tied for eighth highest in the NFL.
The Packers are tied for seventh in the NFL with 20 sacks and nine interceptions. They’re also seventh with 50 quarterback hits.
However, opponents have converted 42.5% of third-down conversions against Green Bay, the 10th highest percentage in the league. Opponents who reach the red zone against the Packers have scored a touchdown 78.3% of the time (18 of 23), the third-highest percentage in the NFL.
Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell leads the Packers with 76 tackles and two interceptions, and he also has recovered a fumble. Rashan Gary, another linebacker, has a team-best 3 1/2 sacks.
This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 9:03 AM.
