Break down what could be the game of the NFL of the year

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Reid vs McVay

With a new nod to the Saints and Sean Payton, there's nothing better than Chiefs 'Andy Reid and Rams' Sean McVay for groundbreaking, forward-thinking coaches. their space age offenses.

And while this is a familiar story for McVay, 32, who is in his second year at the helm, maybe Reid is not getting what he deserves for his ability to adapt to this 20th season as the NFL's head coach.

"Andy Reid, who is more respected than him?" said Riddick, who worked for him in Philadelphia. "Sean McVay – he's like a new face of the league.

"It's like the youngest version of the old man who was in opposition, and it's funny, it's only by his name that Andy is older, because in terms of intelligence and footballing innovations. , and willingness to adapt, change and stay at the point just right there.

"Look what he's done to his offense – this offense is nothing like his use in Philadelphia.Although she still has the principles of the West Coast, she's as radical as now. would never have thought that Andy would do that – he's done it – and it works. "

Kansas City owns the No. 4 offensive (423.1 yards per game) but ranks second with 35.3 points per game. Los Angeles is second in total offense (448 yards) and third in scoring (33.5 points per game).

Change of place

This match was to be played in Mexico City as part of the international series of the league. But poor playing conditions at Estadio Azteca led the NFL to move this showcase to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.

Last week, the Rams trained in Colorado Springs, a getaway originally scheduled to acclimate them to the height of Mexico City.

"The Chiefs do not care where they play," Riddick said. "It's probably less complicated, if you're a gambler, if you're in your home country and in a more familiar environment." Andy Reid has a home in Los Angeles. for them, they want to be fast track where there is no excuse for them or their opponent.

"Honestly, I think both teams are probably relieved that this is there and that there is no distraction or problem to worry about."

Where is Marcus Peters?

The former versatile unstable player – the Rams have taken over the Chiefs defense during the off season – is having a tough year, continually burned for big games. His propensity to play does not match the strategy of coordinator Wade Phillips, in which the lock ability is more appreciated, especially with Aqib Talib, in the upper corner of the corner, on the board for a few extra weeks.

Should we expect Peters to find himself frequently in Mahomes' line of sight?

"Who knows Marcus Peters better than Andy Reid, why do you think they exchanged it?" They thought he was so valuable, he would always be in their football team. So, if I'm Wade Phillips now, I'm worried about the general trend of my defense, "said Riddick.

"They could blow the doors of this offense in the same way that they did against the Saints, and that's just not acceptable."

So what about defenses?

The overall numbers in Kansas City are worse, although the Chiefs may have played better than the Rams, who have allowed 103 points in the last three games and have racked up 273 yards for Seattle in Week 10.

"These two teams have three guys who can really rush passersby," said Riddick, referring to Rams' Aarons Donald, Ndamukong Suh and Dante Fowler and to leaders Justin Houston, Dee Ford and Chris Jones.

"All that is needed is a game at a convenient time: a backpack, a break-in deep within the territory of the opponent."

But Riddick agreed that L.A. could be more suspicious at the moment, especially given the weapons Mahomes has in the Tyreek Hill speed receiver and striker Travis Kelce.

Running back Kareem Hunt, who overshadowed Gurley for the title in 2017, could even be threatened. the guy to watch.

"First, the defense of the race depends on the attitude." Second, then, it's about controlling the gap and doing it again and again, "said Riddick, adding that LA was "very, very suspicious" beyond the line.

"The Rams jump so much in front of people, that what's happening is – I think these guys are in such a sleight of hand, that when it comes to playing against a team that's going to hit you in the mouth, they are just not used to it.

"These two teams are a little victim of the seriousness of their mistakes and the way people are trying to attack them, and they may be a little understaffed."

Who wins?

I chose K.C. 37-33, and three of my four colleagues from the USA TODAY Sports NFL Selection Committee accepted.

You will need to select Riddick's choice.

"Obviously, it starts with the quarterbacks and which of these young guys can keep calm and stay in the context of his overall schematic plan and run without committing too many mistakes – because in this game I think that every possession is going to be They will need to stay in phase with each other, "he said.

"I really think it's going to be a situation where the last team that has the ball wins."

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