It’s Kelce Bowl II, Andy Reid towards his outdated workforce as soon as once more, the Super Bowl rematch and the conflict of the perfect two groups within the NFL this season.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ protection has improved to the purpose the place they need to be a motive for optimism. But the storylines for this one come all the way down to the changes the Chiefs may make popping out of the bye in an effort to get the offense going.

Who goes to emerge from the receiver room? Will they constantly run the ball? Many questions must be answered, and the workforce appears to imagine the solutions are within the room already.

Here are a couple of Chiefs who might be trending heading into Monday Night Football towards the Philadelphia Eagles:

Bulls

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Running again Isiah Pacheco: In an try to talk it into existence, I’m highlighting the younger operating again on this matchup. The Chiefs want the spark and steadiness that Pacheco brings to this offense. They want to have the ability to management video games within the second half. They must get their display screen recreation going towards an aggressive Eagles’ entrance. For all of those causes, they need to be constructing their offense round No. 10 going ahead.

EDGE George Karlaftis: The Chiefs’ cross rush is working effectively as a unit, and the man main the way in which is Karlaftis. His six sacks within the first 9 video games tops even Chris Jones (although CJ has 5.5 in 8 video games), however “Furious George” is impacting video games every week, with 4 tackles for loss, three batted passes and a compelled fumble. He appears to have improved his flexibility, added to his pass-rush strikes, and nonetheless has the nonstop motor that was his calling card within the draft. With Charles Omenihu and Chris Jones complementing his recreation, Karlaftis ought to hit double-digit sacks in his second NFL season, exceeding all expectations. The Eagles’ offense can beat groups in a lot of alternative ways, and it’s going to take all of those guys being aggressive however disciplined to maintain them out of third-and-short conditions.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: I’m breaking my rule of not together with Mahomes as bullish within the “Market Movers” items. He’s already primary on the roster and within the league over the previous few years, however the first half of the season was just a bit bit under his traditional excessive requirements. So, our expectation must be that he’ll be on an upward pattern in manufacturing within the subsequent 9 video games and into the postseason. Mahomes tends to play as much as the competitors in massive video games — and what common season recreation is larger than this one? Watch for some Mahomes magic on Monday night time.

Others trending in the appropriate course this week: Trent McDuffie, Rashee Rice, Drue Tranquill, Bryan Cook, Charles Omenihu, Trey Smith, Noah Gray, Justin Reid

Bears

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Tight finish Blake Bell: I nonetheless love the thought of the “Belldozer” — the previous quarterback recognized for profitable in short-yardage runs, now (arguably) one of many higher blocking tight ends within the league. But it’s been tough to see the contributions from Bell this season. The brief yardage stuff isn’t working, and he’s not a menace within the passing recreation (three catches on 5 targets for 19 yards and a landing this season), and he misplaced a key fumble. The Chiefs’ offense has been dynamic prior to now, utilizing a number of tight ends and profitable on downfield passes. But they’re lacking that different passing menace — beforehand, it was Jody Fortson. Bell nonetheless helps as a blocker, however there’s little motive to imagine he’s going to be a weapon towards the Eagles.

Running again Jerick McKinnon: Has final 12 months’s playoff hero misplaced a step? He nonetheless appears to have a nostril for the top zone, scoring three receiving touchdowns thus far. But he’s averaging simply 1.9 yards per stick with it the bottom and appears to lack the burst we’re used to seeing. Perhaps they’re saving him for the postseason run once more, or possibly he’s slowing down and received’t be as helpful. Now that the Chiefs had their bye week to self-scout, we’ll see what reps McKinnon will get towards the Eagles.

Wide receiver/returner Richie James: He’s again from injured reserve, however what position is there for James? Coaches have already confirmed that Mecole Hardman will retain the return duties. James has just one catch this season for six yards in his two video games performed — in order that doesn’t give us quite a lot of confidence that he’ll step in on Monday night time and assist. In truth, it appears like he’ll in all probability be on the game-day inactive listing.

Others trending within the incorrect course this week: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Joe Thuney, Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Value (sleeper) decide: Wide receiver Skyy Moore

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Moore’s inventory has been low for a really very long time. Far from what we hoped he’d be at this level, he has not elevated his goal share or taken over the JuJu Smith-Schuster position. But, his two catches towards the Dolphins earlier than the bye had been strong — a 23-yard catch and one other chain-mover. Maybe it’s an indication of excellent issues to come back?

Moore is an energy-giver, taking part in with a youthful enthusiasm each week, and there are some forms of performs the place he could be actually efficient (like slants, crossing patterns, screens, and brief out patterns). If the Chiefs slender the sphere of receivers down, and on the similar time let Moore do what he does finest, maybe there’s nonetheless an opportunity that the coaches’ religion in him pays off within the second half of the season. This week, he’ll face the Eagles, towards whom he scored his first NFL landing within the Super Bowl. If he can discover success once more on Monday night time, he might be a part of the answer as an alternative of a part of the issue within the extensive receiver room.