Chiefs-Payments NFL Week 11 predictions from Arrowhead Delight

Earlier than the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ Week 10 recreation towards the Denver Broncos, our panel of Arrowhead Delight contributors all picked Kansas Metropolis to win, mixed to foretell a 26-15 victory. In comparison with the 16-14 ultimate, the prognostication carried 20 factors of error: it missed the purpose unfold by 9, the Chiefs’ rating by 10 and the Broncos’ rating by one. Only a quarter of our staffers anticipated an in depth Kansas Metropolis win, in comparison with practically half of our readers.

In Week 11, the Chiefs face the Buffalo Payments at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. In accordance with FanDuel Sportsbook, Buffalo is favored by 2.5 factors.

Let’s see what the workers — and our readers — take into consideration the matchup.

Nate Christensen (@natech32)

If you happen to requested me to foretell the Chiefs’ 2024 report, I’d have guessed 13-4 or 14-3 — however I didn’t suppose Kansas Metropolis could be undefeated via 9 video games. So whereas the group is surpassing my expectations, I don’t suppose it’s going to go undefeated. Earlier than the season, I’d have stated this recreation could be a loss — and I nonetheless suppose so as we speak. I believe Buffalo will be capable of reap the benefits of the Chiefs’ accidents at cornerback. I additionally suppose that towards Kansas Metropolis’s tackles, Buffalo will be capable of get sufficient pass-rushing manufacturing to restrict the Chiefs’ passing offense. If this matchup was within the postseason, I’d see it in a different way — however within the common season, I believe the Payments will give the Chiefs their first lack of the 12 months.

Payments 23, Chiefs 20

The Payments come into this recreation scoring the league’s third-most factors — whereas permitting opponents the league’s ninth-fewest. However they rank 14th and 18th in yards gained and allowed. In distinction, the Chiefs are ranked eleventh and fifth in factors and tenth and fourth in yards. By themselves, these rankings would recommend a reasonably even matchup. There’s little doubt, nevertheless, that the Chiefs have confronted a considerably harder schedule. For that purpose, I’ve no drawback selecting them on this recreation. However given the historical past of those groups, I can’t see it as something however an in depth win.

Chiefs 26, Payments 23

The final three matchups between the Payments and the Chiefs have been nailbiters determined by a complete of solely 10 factors. This weekend’s recreation guarantees to be simply as intense. Josh Allen’s mobility and play-extending talents can be a big problem for a Kansas Metropolis secondary that’s nonetheless determining who the No. 2 cornerback can be. If the Chiefs can get vast receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster again on the sphere, they’ll give their offense a much-needed enhance. One different issue working in Kansas Metropolis’s favor is its time-of-possession benefit, which is the league’s second-best. Dominating possession may very well be a key to protecting Allen and the Payments’ offense off the sphere, giving the Chiefs a slight edge.

Chiefs 24, Payments 20

Make no mistake: it is a pivotal recreation within the Chiefs’ quest for a 3rd consecutive championship. The No. 1 seed is so useful that I see this group rallying to all however clinch it on Sunday. The Kansas Metropolis operating recreation will set the tone, establishing quarterback Patrick Mahomes to play on schedule towards Buffalo’s disciplined move protection. It can come all the way down to how effectively the Chiefs can warmth up quarterback Josh Allen with out sacrificing protection. Even when it isn’t all the time fairly, I see Steve Spagnuolo scheming up sufficient performs to disappoint Payments Mafia for the second time on this calendar 12 months.

Chiefs 27, Payments 24

My largest concern on this recreation is the Payments’ move rush towards the Chiefs’ tackles. Even when left deal with Wanya Morris can go, he gained’t be 100% — and Kingsley Suamataia shouldn’t be an possibility. In the meantime, Jawaan Taylor nonetheless doesn’t encourage confidence on the best aspect. Gregg Rousseau and A.J. Espenesa are dynamic younger move rushers — and Von Miller is again from his suspension. Fortunately Buffalo’s receivers are simply as banged-up as Kansas Metropolis’s — which implies DeAndre Hopkins might give the Chiefs an edge. This can be an in depth recreation with some ugly moments, however I believe Kansas Metropolis has proved it may well discover a technique to win.

Chiefs 20, Payments 17

10-0 has been an elusive mark for any Chiefs squad to succeed in — and I don’t see it occurring this 12 months. Up to now two weeks, we’ve seen tough wins towards what appeared like inferior opponents. This has clearly proven that enjoying Kansas Metropolis is all the time the opposite group’s Tremendous Bowl — and nobody has a much bigger ax to grind than the Payments. I believe this one performs out like most matchups. It can commute for the entire recreation — and just like the final three regular-season contests between these groups, I believe the Payments will prevail. I see Josh Allen exploiting a few of the Chiefs’ defensive weaknesses. In a hypothetical (and extra vital) postseason matchup, I’d decide Kansas Metropolis — however on this recreation, I’ve to go together with Buffalo at dwelling.

Payments 24, Chiefs 20

If there’s a recreation that we needs to be frightened about this season, that is it — and it’s been that method all alongside. Similar to the Indianapolis Colts have been to the New England Patriots throughout their dynasty, the Payments have been the thorn in Kansas Metropolis’s aspect. It’s a heated rivalry that includes two nice quarterbacks that’s all the time a one-score recreation. Something can occur — and with the Chiefs, something most likely will occur. Whereas each groups have been combating accidents, Buffalo has been getting much less wholesome, whereas Kansas Metropolis is beginning to get its guys again. If the Chiefs’ offensive tackles can defend Mahomes, there’s no purpose to consider the group can’t get to 10-0 this week. Nonetheless, it’s a toss-up — however I can’t decide towards Mahomes (once more).

Chiefs 35, Payments 31

After eight years of conditioning, we’ve it in our heads that the Denver Broncos are clearly a nasty soccer group when in comparison with the Payments — which is clearly a superb one. That was a enjoyable stretch for Kansas Metropolis followers, however I’m right here to share some bittersweet information: the Broncos aren’t unhealthy anymore. That doesn’t imply the Chiefs’ division dominance gained’t proceed — however as is pure, the AFC West is getting a bit tougher. I deliver this as much as remind you that Denver has one of many league’s prime defenses — and the group might be headed to the playoffs. So how the Chiefs’ offense appeared towards the Broncos doesn’t dictate the way it will look towards the Payments’ protection — which in 2024, falls nearer to the center of the league in yards and factors allowed. I believe Kansas Metropolis’s offense will look extra just like the one we noticed within the two weeks main as much as the Denver recreation. If Wanya Morris can keep on the sphere (and if cornerback Nazeeh Johnson performs effectively) I’ve the Chiefs by a landing — even on the highway in Buffalo.

Chiefs 27, Payments 20

With their predictions aggregated, our panelists count on the Chiefs to win 25-23.

What do you suppose?

In Week 10, John Dixon’s prediction for a 20-13 Kansas Metropolis win led our panel with 10 factors of error, which moved him to the highest of our standings. Ron Kopp’s decide — for a 23-16 Chiefs win — was second with 14 factors. The subsequent-best prediction missed by 20 complete factors.