NFL playoffs: X-factors for each game on Championship Sunday
By Dylan Broady
New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs
X-Factor: Patrick Mahomes
You all might be wondering why we didn’t place the Patriots defense as the x-factor for this matchup. We could’ve placed Tom Brady as one, mentioned how he is on the road in the playoffs, something that doesn’t happen too often. While those are all great x-factors, we like Patrick Mahomes. He is young, talented, and can make throws nobody has seen before.
Mahomes will be playing in front of his home crowd. All the hype surrounds him and his teammates. Can the defense step up once again? Will Damien Williams play at such a high level against the Patriots? We all know how well-coached the Pats are each and every season. We all know that Bill Belichick will find a way to take away your best weapon. This is where Mahomes will come into play.
It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when Mahomes will have to make a tough decision when Travis Kelce and or Tyreek Hill won’t be open downfield. Belichick will take away some easy reads for Mahomes. We have seen Mahomes make some crazy baseball-style throws. Can he do it again? That’s the main question. Mahomes has everything to lose in this matchup. They are favored, at home, and playing against the best dynasty we have ever seen in the NFL.
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How will Mahomes adjust in such a huge matchup? The biggest game of his career to this point. Is he talented? Absolutely. Can he rise to the occasion? Absolutely. But can he beat Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the evil empire? That’s the question. We can’t wait to see what Mahomes will bring to this matchup.
The Patriots have already beaten Kansas City as well, winning 43-40 in Week 6 at Foxborough. What adjustments has Andy Reid made to make sure the Chiefs head to the big show? Can he keep his talented quarterback calm when he makes some mistakes? Should be a fun one at Arrowhead Sunday evening.