Chiefs vs. Colts, Week 3: Chiefs Wire staff predictions

After a home stand against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, the Kansas City Chiefs are back on the road for Week 3.

Just as we have over the past six seasons, the Chiefs Wire staff will offer its weekly predictions for each Chiefs game. Below you’ll find all of our picks for Kansas City’s Week 3 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 25 at Noon CT at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Charles Goldman’s prediction:

Bob Self/Florida Times-Union

I don’t think we can expect to get the same version of the Colts that got shut out by the Jaguars a week ago. They’re getting some players back this week, it’s their home opener and it’s just hard to be any worse than they were a week ago. 

For Kansas City, the key to this game is going to be jumping out to an early lead. If Indy is playing from behind, it’s going to force Matt Ryan to throw the ball as opposed to Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines running the ball. That’s the biggest strength that this Colts team has against a team like Kansas City — being able to play ball control offense and keep it out of Patrick Mahomes’ hands. 

I don’t think it should be a big challenge for the Chiefs to jump out to a lead given they’re facing a Gus Bradley defense. Last season, Mahomes and the offense put up 82 points against his Raiders squads through two games. If he doesn’t make some significant scheme adjustments, it could be a long day for the Colts’ defense. 

Chiefs 41, Colts 24

Ed Easton Jr.’s prediction:

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

An early season trip to Indianapolis to battle the Colts may seem like an easy victory, but the Chiefs realize facing any team on the road, there are no guarantees. The Colts are still adjusting to new quarterback Matt Ryan while continuing to implement their running game. The Chiefs are playing the first of four games without Willie Gay Jr. on defense as he serves his suspension.

The Chiefs will be hit with an early push from the Colts offense featuring plenty of runs from Taylor into the heart of the defense, challenging the linebackers. The Chiefs’ secondary will need to remain firm against play-action opportunities from Ryan. This will be a good game for takeaways and sacks if Kansas City can manage to contain the run.

On offense, the Chiefs will continue to ride the hot hand of Patrick Mahomes, who will target Travis Kelce more in this game….