Eagles-Chiefs Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 2?

The Philadelphia Eagles will travel on the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs for a Super Bowl rematch in Week 2. While the Eagles were able to secure a division win last week, the Chiefs fell short against the Los Angeles Chargers.

If Kansas City wasn’t motivated enough to get revenge against Philadelphia, there is even more at stake following an 0-1 start. The Chiefs have lost back-to-back games against the Eagles and now Patrick Mahomes is looking to avoid the first three-game losing streak of his NFL career.

Both the Eagles and Chiefs will likely be without a key pass catcher in Week 2. Eagles TE Dallas Goedert has already been ruled out due to a knee injury. While Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy is doubtful due to a shoulder injury and WR Rashee Rice is serving a six-game suspension.

After a lopsided matchup in Super Bowl LIX, it’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles and Chiefs handle a rematch just seven months later. Here’s my full game preview for Week 2’s highly-anticipated Super Bowl rematch.

Three Storylines To Follow

Can Kevin Patullo Outsmart Steve Spagnuolo?

Eagles first-year OC Kevin Patullo has played a part in game-planning for the Chiefs several times in Philadelphia. Yet this will be Patullo’s first head-to-head matchup against Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo as a play-caller for the Eagles.

The Eagles got off to a strong start in Patullo’s debut as OC in Week 1, yet the offense slowed down following the weather delay. The Chiefs should provide a much tougher test for Patullo and the Eagles in Week 2. Especially after being embarrassed in Super Bowl LIX.

While Kansas City wasn’t able to successfully shutdown Saquon Barkley in their last matchup, Jalen Hurts had his way with the Chiefs. The Eagles must be prepared for Spagnuolo’s unique pressure looks and Patullo has to have a strong plan to keep Hurts clean in Week 2.

Potential Joshua Uche Revenge Game

Before signing with the Eagles in free agency, Joshua Uche was traded from the New England Patriots to the Chiefs at last year’s trade deadline. Uche appeared in just six games for Kansas City and was a healthy inactive in Super Bowl LIX.

Week 2 will provide Uche with a chance to prove his worth against the team that thought he wasn’t even worth suiting up. Uche had an impressive performance against the Cowboys, as he recorded four total pressures in just 18 pass rushing snaps, per Pro Football Focus.

In Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles were constantly getting to Mahomes with just four pass rushers. It’ll be interesting to see what Uche will do with his opportunities against his former team in Week 2.

Can A.J. Brown Bounce Back After Week 1?

After dealing with a hamstring injury throughout training camp, A.J. Brown hauled in his only target for eight yards in Week 1. While many thought Brown’s injury was to blame for his disappointing performance, he claimed that he’s fully healthy and the Cowboys used a variety of coverages to limit his production.

While Brown’s lowly performance in Week 1 was unexpected, it isn’t exactly uncommon for him since his arrival in Philadelphia. Since being traded to the Eagles in 2022, Brown has had three regular season games where he played the full game and had two or fewer receptions.

Following those performances, Brown has had exactly five receptions in each of his next regular season games. I’d expect Brown to bounce back once again and haul in at least five receptions against the Chiefs in Week 2.

Two Underrated Players To Watch For

Kylen Granson

With Goedert out, the Eagles will likely rely on Grant Calcaterra as TE1 in Week 2. Yet Kylen Granson could also have a big role against the Chiefs. Once FB Ben VanSumeren suffered a season-ending knee injury, Granson stepped into that role against the Cowboys.

Now that Goedert is out, Granson will likely be elevated to Philadelphia’s TE2 and play FB as well. Granson is a better blocker than Calcaterra and also offers more alignment versatility. I’m excited to see how his role might expand in Week 2.

Tyquan Thornton

After being selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Tyquan Thornton’s speed didn’t translate to success on the field. He joined Kansas City’s practice squad late last season and showcased his connection with Mahomes in Week 1.

Thornton was targeted four times in Week 1, with an average depth of target of 27.3 yards. The Chiefs will likely be without their top two WRs and Thornton has the speed to threaten Philadelphia’s secondary. After allowing several deep shots last week, the Eagles need to keep an eye on Thornton at all times.

One Key Matchup To Monitor

Eagles IDL vs. Kingsley Suamataia

After struggling at LT last season, the Chiefs have moved Kingsley Suamataia inside to LG. Suamataia allowed three total pressures against the Chargers in Week 1, including two QB hits, according to Pro Football Focus.

Now Suamataia will likely be tasked with trying to stop Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo, who had promising performances last week. Yet the Eagles could make things interesting by moving Jalen Carter over Suamataia or even have Za’Darius Smith line-up inside as well.

Carter primarily lined up over the right guard last season, which would match him up with Chiefs Pro Bowl RG Trey Smith. While Carter has the versatility to line-up anywhere along the IDL, he has yet to consistently do so in Philadelphia. This could be the week to finally move Carter around.

Underdog Pick’em Plays for Eagles-Chiefs

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Final Score Predictions

Josh’s Pick: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24

A rematch from 7 months ago and while the Eagles and Chiefs have made a few changes, the cores feel very much the same. And much like the Super Bowl, Philadelphia will prove to have too much firepower for Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid to keep up with (especially being down 2 of their top WRs).

Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 31, Chiefs 27

The Eagles had their way with the Chiefs during a dominant performance in Super Bowl LIX. After being embarrassed on the NFL’s biggest stage, I expect the Chiefs to put up a much better fight this time around. Yet it still won’t be enough as Jalen Hurts will carry the Eagles to victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs for the third consecutive time.