Patriots vs. Chiefs: Bold Predictions

Patriots vs. Chiefs:  Bold Predictions

We’re about 48 hours away from kickoff between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. To help pass the time until the weekend, here are six bold predictions for Tom Brady’s 30th career playoff game.

6 Reasons to be excited for Divisional Round

6. Malcolm Butler will hold Chris Conley under 30 yards

With Jeremy Maclin’s status for Saturday afternoon doubtful, the attention turns to rookie wide receiver Conley. Fresh off a touchdown catch against the Houston Texans last weekend, Conley is a promising young player. Conley was the Chiefs’ fifth-leading receiver with 17 receptions for 199 yards and a touchdown, so he’s still pretty raw.

Against one of the most confident and suffocating cover men in the NFL, the cards are stacked against Conley. You can bet that Butler is licking his chops for this matchup.

Tom Brady’s career history in the Divisional Round

Look, Butler is very capable of completely shutting down a receiver. After Odell Beckham Jr. raced away for an 87-yard score in Week 11 (which was more Devin McCourty’s fault), Butler held the star wideout to just 17 yards on three receptions.

As a reward for his sticky coverage all game, Butler will be rewarded with a tip drill interception in the fourth quarter (more on what will transpire in the fourth quarter later in this slideshow).

No, Conley won’t be a major factor in this game. The Chiefs will experience success throwing to someone else, though…

Next: 5. Travis Kelce will outgain Gronk