New England Patriots vs Kansas City Chiefs: Week 1 Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
WHAT IS THE HIDDEN KEY TO THE GAME?
Even if the New England Patriots are able to slow Travis Kelce, they still have to deal with the dynamic wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill is a threat to take it to the house anytime he has the ball in hand.
Kansas City will do everything in their power to get the ball off to Hill as often as possible on Thursday night. He will likely be returning punts, evolved in the screen game, lining up in the backfield to run the ball on occasion and be a downfield target.
Hill had just 61 receptions for 593 yards last season but found the end zone a dozen times. Hill had two punt return touchdowns and a kickoff return for a score on special teams. He had three rushing touchdowns and six receiving scores as well. No matter where and how he gets the ball, he is a legitimate threat.
Hill puts pressure on the special teams, on the opposing secondary, and forces opposing defensive coordinators to game-plan for him. If Hill is able to make big plays on special teams in the offense it could be a long night for New England.