Chiefs Vs Seahawks: Key Matchups

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The Chiefs are set to take on the Seahawks this Saturday, as Seattle travels to Kansas City for a chilly Christmas Eve contest. Both teams are in the midst of playoff races. For the Chiefs, Kansas City has already clinched the AFC West division title. They are still fighting and hoping for the AFC’s number one seed, obviously. Kansas City currently has possession of the conference’s two seed.

As for the Seahawks, they are the first team outside looking in for the NFC playoff race. With a 7-7 record, Seattle sits a half game behind the Washington Commanders (7-6-1) for the final NFC wild card spot. The NFC West division title was already clinched by the San Francisco 49ers. Therefore, the only path for the Seahawks to make the playoffs is via a wild card spot.

Which position battles could have the greatest impact on Saturday’s outcome between the Chiefs and the Seahawks? Today, we will list four key matchups that we have our eyes on entering the contest between Kansas City and Seattle. Let’s kick it off.

Chiefs Wide Receivers Vs Seahawks Cornerbacks

The Chiefs may not have the best wide receiver group in the league. Yet, this group brings a mix of tremendous instincts, spatial awareness and separation ability. JuJu Smith-Schuster is probably the most notable, when it comes to all three of those aspects. His ability to quickly find the soft spots in zones leads to quick completions. Elsewhere, Marquez Valdes-Scantling can rely on elite long speed and vertical stretch ability to get on top of defenders. The dynamic athleticism of Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore speaks for itself.

Why will those instincts and spatial awareness matter so much against Seattle? Overall, the Seahawks are relying on plenty of youth at their cornerback position. Both Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant have been tested heavily, as you would expect for incoming rookies. Woolen has been exceptional at creating turnovers and being physical against opposing receivers. Bryant has also been sticky in coverage here and there, forcing quarterbacks to make perfect throws. Nonetheless, they will have to be able to match the size, power and football IQ of the Chiefs receivers this Saturday. Finally, Mike Jackson is looking to bounce back after a tough few weeks at outside cornerback.

Seahawks Running Backs Vs Chiefs Linebackers

The Seahawks enter Saturday banged up at the running back position. As of this writing, Kenneth Walker III did not practice either of Tuesday or Wednesday. DeeJay Dallas was limited Wednesday, after not practicing on Tuesday. Depending on availability from those two, the Seahawks may be using a lot of Travis Homer in this game. Other veterans like Wayne Gallman, Darwin Thompson or Godwin Igwebuike could be elevated from the practice squad.

Regardless of availability, the Seahawks have running backs who can be dangerous in between the tackles. All of their runners seemingly have excellent patience and vision. To boot, Seattle can generally create broken tackles and surprise with short area quickness from any of these running backs.

Kansas City’s linebackers have not been perfect lately. But when they need to make a run stop in crucial moments, the Chiefs have generally been dependable from the second level. Nick Bolton is more consistent and more comfortable as a downhill, thumping linebacker. As for Willie Gay, you have seen his reactionary quickness shine in recent games, especially when needing to make a play in space.

Chiefs Offensive Line Vs Seahawks Pass Rush

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The Chiefs have not been among the most steady offensive lines lately. Even when it appears they have their angles covered, the opposing pass rush is getting in way too many hits on Patrick Mahomes. You always have to hold your breath with the offensive tackle duo of Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie. Meanwhile, the interior of the Kansas City blocking unit has been more stout from a fundamental perspective. But from a communication and reads standpoint, there have been some hiccups.

Seattle has constructed a unique pass rush with younger defensive end/outside linebacker types. Uchenna Nwosu leads the team in sacks (nine). Darrell Taylor also has five sacks and is someone who has really become more confident in the Seahawks’ system. Like those two, Boye Mafe and Bruce Irvin can offer substantial length, swift hand counter moves and first step quickness. On the flip side, the Seahawks have some power to rely on from defensive ends Shelby Harris and Quinton Jefferson. This group can be quite exotic. Accordingly, they can create many headaches for opposing blocking units.

Seahawks Tight Ends Vs Chiefs Safeties

Tight end Noah Fant did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday for the Seahawks. Even if he were to miss Saturday’s game, do not expect Seattle to abandon their tight ends. This offense loves to use multiple tight end sets. As a result, the Seahawks will look to use Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson to test the defense vertically and on the outer perimeters in the intermediate passing game. Dissly is sneakily efficient after the catch and can make defenders miss. While the same cannot be said for Parkinson, he is a solid enough route runner for a team’s number three option at tight end.

Kansas City’s safeties will have to remain disciplined in space. Justin Reid and Juan Thornhill will have to watch for late releases upfield by Dissly and Parkinson. Not only will the Chiefs have to maintain adequate body positioning. Reid and Thornhill will also have to gain immediate depth in the defensive backfield, on top of that. If Bryan Cook receives some reps, the rookie will have to react quicker than what he has displayed recently.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.