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3 Keys to Victory: Atlanta Falcons vs Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13

By John Follett

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) celebrates with quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) celebrates with quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after a run during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after a run during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

#1. Cover Travis Kelce

The Chiefs offense may not be overly sexy but they do have Travis Kelce. Yes, the same Travis Kelce of the E Networks’ Catching Kelce.

His good looks and TV personality aside, Travis Kelce can flat out ball. Currently ranked 3rd in receptions and yards for his position, the Kansas City tight end comes into Atlanta following an 8-catch, 101 yard day against Denver. He has posted more than 70 reception yards in 5 games this season; of which the Chiefs won 4.

Covering Kelce is no easy task. He offers the combination of size and speed that presents a perennial mismatch for any defense. Sunday being the first time the Atlanta Falcons line up against Travis Kelce doesn’t make the task any easier.

One would assume a team that faces Greg Olsen twice each season would be well prepared. In reality, the Atlanta Falcons have been one of the worst in covering tight ends. 2015 metrics exposed the Falcons within the bottom 10 for tight end receptions allowed. Things haven’t improved in 2016 where the Falcons currently rank within the bottom 5 for tight end receptions allowed.

Alex Smith will undoubtedly target his Pro Bowl tight end as much as possible on Sunday. It is unreasonable to  expect the Falcons to shut Kelce down but mixing up coverage may limit the damage, especially on key down and in the red zone. It’s also worth knowing Travis Kelce recently caught 7 balls for 108 yards in a losing effort against Tampa Bay.

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