What to Know About Falcons - Chiefs in Week 10 | the Falcoholic

The Atlanta Falcons head into their bye week facing a challenge against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game that carries weight for their standing in the NFC South. Whether the Falcons can move to 4-6 or fall to 3-7 depends heavily on their ability to contain the Chiefs offense and overcome their own recent struggles.

Can the Falcons disrupt the Chiefs?

Atlanta currently sits at 3-6. To secure a win, the Falcons must find a way to perform against a Chiefs team that remains one of the ten best teams in football. The difference between entering the bye week with a victory and facing a stretch against the Vikings and Lions is substantial, particularly with a schedule that finishes against the Browns, Commanders, and division rivals.

The Chiefs have evolved their identity this season, moving to a more balanced offensive attack. A major factor in this shift was the signing of running back Kenneth Walker, who has emerged as one of the great running backs in the league this year.

Alongside the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the team has managed a frustrating passing game by leaning on its ground attack and the veteran presence of Travis Kelce and Chris Jones.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons — NFL

How do the Chiefs stack up?

Beyond the production of Walker, the team has integrated new talent through the draft, including defensive players like Mansoor Delane, R Mason Thomas, Peter Woods, Jadon Canady, Emmett Johnson, and Cyrus Allen. Kansas City also recently acquired wide receiver Josh Downs from the Colts, though his immediate impact remains an open question.

The most critical factor for the game may be the status of Patrick Mahomes. While Justin Fields provides an alternative, the drop-off in the passing game when Mahomes is absent is significant. The Falcons’ secondary, recently challenged by the likes of Joe Burrow and Caleb Williams, will need to be at its best regardless of who is under center for Kansas City.

“The Falcons, by the eye test, the more advanced statistics, and the high level ones I share every week here, are a 3-6 football team that looks like a 3-6 football team.”

Will the Falcons find a rhythm?

For the Atlanta offense, the challenge is steep. The Kansas City defense has proven to be fundamentally sound, ranking in the top ten in counting stats, success rate, and EPA defensively against the pass and the run. Atlanta has struggled with consistency, and success will likely depend on their ability to establish a running game with Bijan Robinson, particularly on outside runs where the Chiefs have shown slight vulnerabilities.

The interior of the offensive line faces a test against the Kansas City front.

With uncertainty surrounding Corey Levin’s performance at center and Michael Penix Jr. having faced consistent pressure in recent weeks, the ability to protect the quarterback will be paramount. If the Falcons cannot establish a clean pocket, the Chiefs’ defensive talent could turn this contest into a lopsided affair.

Special teams could also play a role in a close game. While the Falcons have a new kicker, the Chiefs are continuing with Harrison Butker, who has been abysmal this season. Should the game remain tight, the performance of these two units could be the deciding factor.