Chiefs vs Jaguars: Game and Predictions

It's that time of year again! Arrowhead Pride staff predictions.

The Chiefs take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in their first game of the season on Sunday at Noon Arrowhead Time. Let's see how the staff feels about the matchup:

Tom Childs

After an offseason of reading and hearing that Patrick Mahomes HAS I'm here for No. 15 quickly silencing the talking-heads everywhere. A race for two-to-one ownership, a perfect position for a race, a perfect position for a race in the race. Chiefs 30, Jaguars 22

John Dixon

A few national pundits have been introduced to the game by predicting the Jaguars will prevail. I will not be joining them. Nick Foles – goal they will be facing a revamped Chiefs defense. And Patrick Mahomes has something to prove. Last season's game against the Jaguars was one he'd like to have back. He'll get his chance on Sunday. Only a fool would bet against him. Chiefs 35, Jaguars 21

Ron Kopp Jr.

Last time we saw these two teams matchup, the Jaguars defense was able to intercept Patrick Mahomes twice and hold the offense to 24 points. It was Jacksonville's offense that it was leaving them close. Nick Foles is the starter now and should be a leader under John DeFilippo. The Chiefs Offense Has Been Improved, and Comes Week 1, Andy Reid will be dialing up some big plays for his improved arsenal of weapons. This will be a closer game than anyone wants a victory for Kansas City nonetheless. Chiefs 27 Jaguars 20

Matt Lane

There have been a lot of surprises in this game, as the Chiefs are riding extremely high and the Jaguars are coming off a disappointing season. Then you hear Patrick Mahomes or Andy Reid talk about the upcoming game and there is a different kind of confidence and edge than they had even last year. When the Jaguars have the ball, it will be a game against a revamped front seven that has looked stout in the preseason. Cam Robinson, who is returning from an injury, will be a key matchup to watch. When the Chiefs have the ball, look for Kansas City to yet again abuse the Jaguars' over-aggressive defense with misdirection, screens and drag routes. Look for Jalen Ramsey to get the Chris Harris treatment (also known as Tyreek Hill until completely exhausted). Chiefs 33, Jaguars 17

Craig Stout

The Chiefs added speed to the receiving body, and Patrick Mahomes' timing and touch (somehow) look even better than his MVP season. They also overhauled their defense to add more power to the front and back end. The Jaguars have a defense that can slow down great offenses, but the Nick Foles led-offense lacks the firepower to keep up with a Week 1 Andy Reid game plan. Chiefs win bigger than the score indicates. Chiefs 24, Jaguars 14

Kent Swanson

There are two types of teams in the NFL: those who have Patrick Lavon Mahomes and those who do not. Say out loud the list of things that went wrong for the Chiefs last year, and you'll appreciate the kid even more. He makes you forget the depth of adversity last year's experienced team. That team was so deeply flawed, and yet they were still in a Super Bowl appearance. People have gone all the way to the next day. Do not put limitations on the kid. He is an obvious generational talent that has surprised every step of the way. Those surprises do not stop Week 1 in Jacksonville. Chiefs 31, Jaguars 21

Robert Rimpson

Last year, the Chiefs dealt with Jacksonville with 30 points without Mahomes throwing a TD. But both teams have made some significant changes to their roster since last year. Leonard Fournette available, while KC will have LeSean McCoy in their running back rotation of Kareem Hunt and is sporting an almost completely different defense of personnel to scheme. I think of these changes (among others), the Chiefs defense will still be bad at defending the run, and Patrick Mahomes will still outperform whoever has the Jags have at quarterback. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Chiefs 30, Jaguars 14

Joel Thorman

I can not wait to see what's going on. The Chiefs offense will be the focal point but I'm excited to see the new-look defense. Frank Clark and Tyrann Matheiu have the potential to be big additions and Chris Jones is still on the new contract, so I expect a monster season out of him. This game will be surprisingly low-scoring as we kick off the 2019 season. Chiefs 24, Jaguars 17

Matt Stagner

Every team in the NFL is motivated for Week 1, but I think the Chiefs are on a different level this year. Patrick Mahomes is eager to rid himself of the taste of the AFC championship loss and that he benefits from watching film just as much as defenses do. Tyreek Hill has plenty to prove, and he'll reward the team for sticking with him, as they work to give him a new contract. The Spags-lead defense will stand up and show off a bullying leader. Expect the offense to get involved: Hardman Mole can continue his touchdown streak, along with big plays from Travis Kelce and Hill. It's coming together starting Sunday. Chiefs 45, Jaguars 17

Pete Sweeney

I think in later weeks (with regular-season tape), teams will have a better luck, but unfortunately, Andy Reid Pro Bowl offense. The Jaguars sensed this, and I think that is at least part of the reason why they added Chase Litton to the practice squad. I'm not sure it helps. Chiefs 42, Jaguars 21

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