If the title of this article comes to fruition, then you heard it here first. The Washington Football Team will defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6. Both teams are entering the match-up with a 2-3 record. Both teams are also coming off of a loss in Week 5. Washington lost to the New Orleans Saints 33-22, and the Chiefs lost to the Buffalo Bills 38-20. While the oddsmakers have the Chiefs favored by about a touchdown, Washington is on the verge of capturing a signature win against a team that played in last year’s Super Bowl.
Why The Washington Football Team Will Win in Week 6
The Chiefs Defensive Woes
The Chiefs defense has given up the most points in the NFL through Week 5. The defense has also given up an average of 437.4 total yards per game. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the only quarterback that has not thrown for over 300 yards against the Chiefs defense this season. Jackson did, however, lead a Ravens-rushing attack that ran for 251 yards against the Chiefs. The Los Angeles Chargers are the only team that has not rushed for over 100 yards against the Chiefs.
A focused and balanced Washington offensive attack led by quarterback Taylor Heinicke, running back Antonio Gibson, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin can continue the Chiefs defensive woes. Washington has the 12th ranked scoring offense. The offense also ranks 10th in the percentage of drives that end in an offensive score. Washington also ranks 14th in trips to the red zone that result in a touchdown. The Chiefs defense ranks first in the percentage of drives that end in an offensive score and 28th in trips to the red zone, resulting in a touchdown. 77.3 percent of the time an opposing team enters the red zone against the Chiefs, the opposing team comes away with a touchdown.
Mahomes is not Mahomes-like
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL. Mahomes was the 2018 NFL MVP and 2019 Super Bowl MVP. As the starting quarterback, Mahomes has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, along with 130 touchdown passes. However, this season Mahomes has not been himself.
Through Week 5, Mahomes has thrown six interceptions. In 2020, Mahomes threw six interceptions for the entire season. This season, Mahomes is completing a career-high 69.2 percent of his passes while averaging a career-low in yards per attempt (7.6). In 2020, with Mahomes, the Chiefs did not lose their third game of the season until the Super Bowl. The 2021 Chiefs have already lost to the Ravens, Chargers, and Bills.
Washington’s defensive struggles are well documented. However, a Washington defense that can avoid miscues, get pressure on the quarterback, and continue to force turnovers will be difficult for Mahomes, who is not playing like himself.
An Added Motivation for Washington
On Sunday, the Washington Football Team will retire the jersey of former Washington safety Sean Taylor. Washington players will feel a deepened sense of obligation to play with focus and intensity on a day that honors Taylor, who was a fierce competitor. While Taylor’s life ended tragically, his life and dedication to his craft inspire many current NFL players. This added motivation can and will propel Washington to victory on a day that will honor number 21.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
