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Patriots vs. Chiefs Divisional Round: Start Time, Live Stream, TV Info and More

By Cyrus Geller

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) speaks with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (center) during the second half of the New England Patriots 33-16 win over the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) speaks with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (center) during the second half of the New England Patriots 33-16 win over the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here we go.

After four months of regular season play, it’s finally playoff time for our New England Patriots. No more deflate-gate, no more reveling in last year’s championship, it is now win or go home time, and it starts today against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Date: Saturday, January 16thKickoff Time: 4:35 PM ETTV Channel: CBSRadio: 98.5 FMLive Stream: NFL.com"

The key matchups the Patriots have to win on the offensive side of the ball is along the offensive line. With Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski all playing, the Pats will have favorable matchups against the Chiefs linebackers and secondary. However the offensive line must give Brady some kind of time to throw, even though the quick passing game should be coming back in a big way with Jules in the lineup. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali aren’t 100%, but neither is Sebastian Vollmer. Those two edge rushers against Vollmer and Marcus Cannon will be a huge matchup to keep an eye on.

On the other side of the ball, it comes down to stacking the box to stop the run, and focusing in on Travis Kelce. Even if Jeremy Maclin plays, he will be extremely hobbled, and I like New England’s chances with Logan Ryan/Malcolm Butler on the outside against him. That leaves Kelce as the only viable pass catching option for Alex Smith, so the Patriots must key in on him. I expect Patrick Chung to see a lot of him, as will linebacker Jamie Collins. Tackling will be a top key for New England, as the Chiefs’ running backs are tough to bring down, as is the big tight end (Kelce).

One X-factor I have been talking about all week is Alex Smith’s legs. He can hurt you on the ground, so look for Bill Belichick to have his defense “mush rush” to keep him in the pocket, and force him to make accurate throws down the field.

Go Pats.

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