Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets: 5 Questions and NFL Week 4 Prediction
The Kansas City Chiefs are on the road for the second time this season, and the 1-2 New York Jets await them at MetLife Stadium.
Robert Saleh's squad won its 2023 debut against the Buffalo Bills but since then, it's proceeded to get outscored by a 45-20 margin over the course of the next two weeks. Quarterback Zach Wilson's struggles have continued into his third season, with New York desperately missing veteran Aaron Rodgers since he went down with a torn Achilles tendon early in Week 1.
On the flip side, the visitors come into this game riding high on the heels of back-to-back wins. Andy Reid's group put together a masterful performance a week ago against the Chicago Bears, and another opportunity is on the table for some serious momentum if Kansas City can secure a third victory in a row.
What's important to know about Sunday's Chiefs vs. Jets matchup? How could the action unfold? Ralph Ventre of Jets Country was kind enough to answer five questions for me to cover all of that and more.
1. How much of the Jets' offensive struggles are on Zach Wilson? Is there any route for him to improve over the course of the season at all?
RV: The Jets' offensive struggles stem from a combination of issues, including Zach Wilson's subpar performance, inconsistent offensive line play, questionable personnel usage and playcalling. When it comes to Wilson's part in the mess, he looks tentative and his numbers speak for themselves. He's not a rookie anymore, but still shows a troubling lack of decisiveness and savvy. I'm not sure Wilson will ever resurrect his career with the Jets. Maybe a change of scenery could help, but he seems to lack the processing and poise required of NFL quarterbacks.
2. New York's defense is great, but is it great enough to slow down Patrick Mahomes and company?
RV: In two home games, the defense has held its own by limiting Buffalo to 16 points and New England to 13. With that said, the lack of sacks and takeaways the past two weeks against the Cowboys and Patriots is concerning. Not only will the Jets' D have to contain Mahomes and Co. to win, but it will likely need to make a few game-changing plays as well. I'm not sure they have a good answer for defending Travis Kelce, but you could probably say that for every Chiefs opponent.
3. Who's an under-the-radar Chiefs player the Jets should be concerned about?
RV: With the Chiefs' passing game seemingly revolving around Kelce, Justin Watson is a player the Jets will not want to lose sight of. The former Ivy Leaguer has shown the ability to beat defenders down field and make the occasional big play. Not too many people knew who Pharoah Brown was before last week when he got behind the defense for a 58-yard touchdown reception. The Jets can't let that happen with Watson.
4. Who's an under-the-radar Jets player the Chiefs should be concerned about?
RV: Defensive end Bryce Huff has consistently shown the ability to get after the quarterback. His snaps have been limited and he primarily sees time as a situational pass rusher, but this guy features a tremendously impressive get-off. Huff, who creates pressure on more than 20 percent of his snaps, has two QB hits this year. He was responsible for the strip sack that injured Josh Allen's UCL in 2022.
5. How do you see this game playing out and who ends up winning?
RV: Despite the Jets' defensive prowess, this one could get ugly in a hurry. The Jets' offense appears stuck in neutral and I'm not sure they're ready to right the ship on Sunday Night Football against the defending champs. Assuming he's healthy, Chris Jones could feast up front and make things even tougher for Wilson, who has struggled to keep the offense on schedule. Should the Chiefs build an early lead, there's a potential for the Jets to unravel. I initially picked the Jets to pull the upset back when Rodgers was healthy, but not now. Chiefs 30, Jets 9.
For additional coverage of the Jets, be sure to follow Ralph's work on X @JetsCountrySI and check out Jets Country for in-depth Jets content.
