1. Can the Chiefs gang-tackle Ashton Jeanty?
It’s easy to look at the rookie running back’s stats and think he’s been underwhelming. Through six games, he’s carried the ball 105 times for 424 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. Those are fine numbers — but not the kind of production you’d expect from the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft.
But they don’t tell the full story. Jeanty has only 134 yards before contact — 32nd in the league — averaging just 1.3 yards before contact per attempt. That ranks 43rd among 44 qualifying rushers.
But here’s the thing: Jeanty is elite at gaining yards after contact. He ranks third with 290 yards after he’s been hit, averaging 2.9 per attempt. That’s the league’s third-highest rate — and his 15 broken tackles lead the NFL.
This tells us that while Jeanty is often being hit behind the line of scrimmage, he has the strength and skill to turn those one-yard plays into four-yard gains. Coming into the league, his biggest strength was his contact balance — and that has fully translated to the next level. Jeanty is compact, powerful and difficult to bring down — and also possesses the vision and quickness to make defenders miss in space.
So even if the Raiders’ offensive line struggles, the Chiefs must swarm to the ball and tackle as a unit. Kansas City’s linebackers are strong against the run, making this a good matchup on paper. If the Chiefs want to make this game lopsided right off the bat, setting the tone up front will be a key.