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3 matchups to watch for Washington vs. Chiefs in Week 6

bryan manning
·4 min read

Can the Washington Football Team pull off the biggest upset of Week 6 on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs?

Anything is possible in the NFL, but anyone who has watched Washington through five weeks would have a hard time believing Washington could limit the dangerous Kansas City offense, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

For Washington to win this game, it will need to win individual matchups. Easier said than done.

Here are three matchups in Washington’s Week 6 game against the Chiefs that could determine the outcome:

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce vs. Washington's linebackers and safeties

Oct 2, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) catches a pass and is tackled by Washington Redskins outside linebacker Martrell Spaight (50) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

This is an almost impossible matchup for Washington. Kelce is tremendous because he’s too athletic for linebackers and too strong for safeties. Sometimes, he’s too strong and fast for both positions. No one usually stops Kelce because head coach Andy Reid constantly searches for the best matchup for Kelce.

Washington rookie linebacker Jamin Davis was drafted for this moment. He’s struggling to get on the field right now, so he’s certainly not ready to be locked up against Kelce. It can’t be safety Landon Collins. Or Bobby McCain.

So, who does Washington line up opposite of Kelce? I don’t know that there is one player who will match up with Kelce. Regardless of what defensive strategy coordinator Jack Del Rio uses to combat Kelce, it will play a significant role in the game’s outcome.

Something worth noting is Del Rio spent plenty of time in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos and the Raiders, so he knows firsthand how difficult of a matchup Kelce presents.

Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill vs. Washington's secondary

Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs the ball as Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White (27) misses the tackle during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

If things weren’t difficult enough for Washington in having to deal with Mahomes and Kelce, there is also Tyreek Hill. Hill is such a unique player he is in a class of his own, much like DeSean Jackson was for so many years. Hill can beat teams deep or take a short slant or hitch and go to the house.

How does Washington limit Hill? Well, much like with Kelce, it will not be with just one player. I would expect Hill to see plenty of double coverage. Washington is aware this week, of all weeks, it can’t get beaten deep again.

Hill has received at least 12 targets in three of Kansas City’s five games this season. If Washington can limit Hill to a performance like he had last week against the Bills, it has a chance to win. But the problem with devoting so much attention to Hill is another of Kansas City’s explosive wideouts could have a big game.

Chiefs LT Orlando Brown Jr. vs. Washington DE Chase Young

Oct 3, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Getting pressure is more important than ever this week against Patrick Mahomes. In the rare games where Mahomes has struggles, it’s because he’s received pressure, especially in his face. Washington defensive end Chase Young had his best game of the season last week, recording his first sack and also accounting for several pressures.

Orlando Brown Jr. will present a challenging matchup for Young. Washington hopes his performance last week against both of New Orleans’ offensive tackles, including former All-Pro Ryan Ramczyk, has the coaching staff encouraged.

When Young gets to the quarterback, good things usually happen for Washington.

Brown is having a solid season in 2021. He’s not the best pass-blocker in the NFL, although he is stout. He and Young should have some intense battles on Sunday. Washington needs Young to win more than he loses.

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