8 Chiefs stats to know for Week 1 | KCSN Daily 9.5

Chiefs news, Week 1 stats and more presented by DraftKings Sportsbook

Sep 05, 2022

Welcome back to the latest issue of KCSN Daily, where we deliver the best Kansas City Chiefs content directly to your inbox.

Before we jump right into Week 1, a quick correction on Friday’s issue. The Chiefs’ takeover of First Fridays at Crossroads Art District occurred on September 2. If you missed it and are still looking for something Chiefs-related for this upcoming Friday, the team has plenty of Red Friday festivities planned. We’ll have more on those later this week.

Players returned to the practice facilities at 1 Arrowhead Drive on Monday after three days off from practice. Andy Reid said the team participated in a “good tempo, fast-paced” practice to start the week. There were no new injuries to report and he said that everyone participated in practice outside of Blake Bell, who was officially placed on injured reserve today.

With the NFL season finally upon us, we’re taking a look at eight Chiefs stats to know for Week 1 presented by DraftKings Sportsbook.

The wait is over! DraftKings Sportsbook – America’s Top-Rated Sportsbook app – is officially LIVE in Kansas jun time for football season! Click here to sign for DraftKings Sportsbook today using code KCSN or download the DraftKings Sportsbook app NOW and use promo code KCSN to get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in FREE bets INSTANTLY when you place a five-dollar bet on ANYTHING! Only at DraftKings Sportsbook – America’s Top-Rated Sportsbook. Gambling problem? Getting help is your best bet. Call 800-522-4700. 21+. Physically present in KS. Eligibility restrictions apply. Bonus issued as free bets. Deposit and wagering restrictions apply. Eligibility and terms at draftkings dot com slash kansas. On behalf of Boot Hill Resort and Casino.

8 Chiefs stats to know for Week 1:

1. KC has ARI’s number historically: The Chiefs lead the all-time series against the Cardinals 9-3-1 dating back to 1970 when they resided in St. Louis. Arizona has only beat Kansas City once since Andy Reid became head coach (2014). The Cardinals lost their lone matchup against the Chiefs since Patrick Mahomes has taken over as starting quarterback.

2. Week 1 dominance under Andy Reid: The only thing harder than beating Chiefs HC Andy Reid off of the bye week is beating him when he’s had an entire offseason to prep. Since arriving in Kansas City in 2013, Reid’s Chiefs teams have an 8-1 record in Week 1. The lone loss came at home in 2014 to the Tennessee Titans, which means KC has never lost a road game in Week 1 under Reid. Each season where the Chiefs have won in Week 1 under Reid, they’ve gone on to make the playoffs.

Share KC Sports Network

3. Patrick Mahomes is undefeated: Over his four years as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, Patrick Mahomes has never lost a game in Week 1. He averages 295.5 passing yards and 3.25 touchdowns per game in Week 1 of the NFL season. He’s also never thrown an interception during a season-opening game.

4. Room for improvement for Spags: Since arriving as the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator in 2019, Steve Spagnuolo’s defenses have averaged 25 points allowed per game in Week 1 of the NFL season. They’ve never allowed more than 29 points in Week 1.

5. Bet on an interception: There are quite a few new pieces in the secondary in Kansas City, but that might not stop them from being productive early. In the last three seasons under Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defense has come away with at least one interception during Week 1.

6. A 100-yard WR is likely: The most receiving yards by a single receiver in a Week 1 game under Patrick Mahomes came from WR Sammy Watkins in 2019 with nine receptions for 198 yards and three touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In four seasons with Mahomes as the starting quarterback, he’s only failed to produce a 100-yard receiver in Week 1 just one time.

KCSN Update:

Listen to BJ Kissel chat with ESPN's Matt Miller about who's stock is rising and falling prior to the Chiefs' Week 1 tilt with the Cardinals.

Quotable:

“You know we’ll just see how it goes for who’s up and who’s down. Some of it depends on special teams and the play there. You know if they’re all up, they’ll have an opportunity to touch the football. If they’re not then whoever is up, there’ll definitely be three of them up, and they’ll touch the football.” - Andy Reid on the Chiefs’ running back situation heading into Week 1

Available for iOS and Android

“Yeah, so both those two are capable of it. We’ll mix and match people in. Noah (Gray) probably did more of it than what Jody (Fortson) did in that particular spot. But, they’re all going to play. Those are good players. And so, there are some things we can do with them – mixing personnels.” - Andy Reid on the Chiefs’ plans at tight end with Blake Bell heading to injured reserve

Quick hits:

From Twitter: The Chiefs are working out former Cardinals seventh-round draft pick James Wiggins per Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson. Our Kent Swanson, Matt Lane and Craig Stout gave the safety out of Cincinnati a third-round grade in their draft guide in 2021. He was compared to Antoine Bethea and given a medium fit for the Chiefs.

From New York: Giants HC Brian Daboll confirmed to reporters that former Chiefs QB coach Mike Kafka (now Giants OC) will be calling the offensive plays in New York this season.

Important dates ahead:

Sunday, Sept. 11 - Week 1: Chiefs @ Cardinals - State Farm Stadium - Glendale, Arizona

You make a lifetime of difference for a child or teen.

Boys & Girls Clubs is looking for dedicated men and women to invest in the lives of youth through coaching. Did you know by participating in sports, children learn the value of teamwork, responsibility, good sportsmanship, and self-esteem? By becoming a volunteer coach, you are helping to power the dreams—and successful futures—of Kansas City’s kids! The Clubs are currently seeking baseball coaches. Click here to sign up today! All equipment will be provided. No prior coaching experience is needed.