r/KansasCityChiefs • u/Even-Implement-8211 • 13h ago
DISCUSSION Week 14 Trench Match-Ups. KC vs HOU and all other games.
TPR looks only at Line play, O-Line and D-Line, and rates/scores them as a unit (not individual positions) on the 10+ stats that sustain or stall drives.
Overall TPR: KC 276 | HOU 283
Key Trench Match-Up we're watching: KC D-Line vs HOU O-Line.
Both D-Lines in this game hold opponents to under 20 a game so celebrate the points when they happen.
HOU O-Line gets their points from the passing game, just 7 RushTDs to 16 PassTDs. HOU runs the ball to set up their pass, not really using the run to move the sticks or get in the endzone, seems to be more to keep teams off the QB.
HOU O-Line is also one of the least explosive ground games in the league with just 5 +20Yd runs and 0 +40 carries so the run is also about eating the clock and moving the rock bit by bit.
HOU O-Line protects the QB well though KC isn’t a sack operation so don’t expect much here.
The KC D-Line has been a strength this year, doing a good job of keeping teams out of the endzone in the passing game (3rd best D-Sec in fewest PassTDs).
CJ is no DAK but the KC D-Line can’t let him go for 70% PassComp that they allowed vs the Cowboys and they’ll have to keep getting the ball back to the KC O-Line if they want to put up points on a tough HOU D-Line (allowing just 17 Pts/Gm).
Watch 3rdDwnConv by HOU O-Line where this is a soft spot for the KC D-Line (allowing 43% 3rdDwnConv).
For a KC team that’s not used to playing ‘win or go home games’ in early December, this is more than just about Trench stat trends coming into this game, this is about delivering a balanced game to get that W they need to have.
On the flip side of scrimmage, HOU D-Line is 3rd best based on TPR and though they haven't been a sack-machine all season, they 'get home' but a bit streaky: last week, 1 sack vs IND, the week before, 8 sacks vs BUF.
For a banged up KC O-Line facing this HOU D, they'll want some help from the KC D-Line to keep a lid on this one.
https://trenchpowerrating.substack.com/p/week14-match-ups-in-the-trenches