The last time the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts played, wide receiver Rashee Rice went for 141 yards, and running back Kareem Hunt had 104 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries. But it still took a fourth-quarter comeback to tie, and an overtime field goal for the Chiefs to get to 6-5 and preserve some hope for a competitive run to finish 2025.
Unfortunately, it would be the final victory of the season and the last time any player had over 100 yards rushing or receiving.
Last week, the Chiefs
leaned on a dominant run game and stifling defense to defeat the Denver Broncos while Patrick Mahomes knocked off some rust. Meanwhile, the Colts couldn’t slow down running back Derrick Henry or wide receiver Zay Flowers and lost by three touchdowns.
Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, but we’ll still look for trends that could matter in this week’s game.
Bulls:
Fullbacks Ben VanSumeren and Khyiris Tonga: A late addition to the roster, Ben VanSumeren was an instant contributor on special teams in Week 1. He saw only three offensive snaps, but the team quickly signed him to a contract to keep him on the 53-man roster. Khyiris Tonga was key to four first downs, including the 60-yard touchdown run on 4th down. Given the new-look Chiefs offense’s success running the ball behind both fullbacks, they should keep Tonga and VanSumeren in creative roles. Especially against a Colts defense that helped make Derrick Henry the NFL’s third-leading rusher (behind Walker and Jahmyr Gibbs).
Running back Kenneth Walker III: It’s hard to overstate just how great Walker was in his Chiefs debut. He leads the league in rushing and broken tackles after the first week, and we only saw glimpses of what he can do as a receiver. The Chiefs finally have another star running back, and he’ll likely feast again this week against the aforementioned Colts defense. Walker is already paying dividends, and his stock should keep rising.
EDGE R Mason Thomas: He might be the most important piece in a dynamic young defense. RMT was a force against Bo Nix last week, and will likely terrorize Daniel Jones on Sunday. The speed and technique jump off the screen, but it’s Thomas’s effort and motor that could make him a rookie-of-the-year candidate. The way Spagnuolo’s defense can operate with RMT changes everything, including getting home with a four-man rush, attacking at different levels of the backfield, and even taking pressure off Chris Jones (he played only 55% of the snaps last week). To see a speed rusher with “Thomas” on his back is another throwback to the Chiefs teams many of us grew up watching.
Others trending in the right direction this week: Running back Emmett Johnson, Cornerbacks Mansoor Delane and Nohl Williams, EDGEs George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Defensive Lineman Peter Woods
Bears:
Running back/returner Brashard Smith: Nikko Remigio was reliable but not dynamic as a returner in Week 1 —which is basically what we’ve come to expect. Brashard Smith didn’t get a chance to contribute on offense given the success of both running backs ahead of him—and he got only three special teams snaps. He’ll keep waiting for his opportunity as a playmaker, but it may not come this week.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy: The opportunity was there for a breakout performance. Worthy got six targets against Denver and may have gotten more if he’d delivered more than 18 yards on three catches. He, head coach Andy Reid and wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea have got to find ways to unlock Worthy’s potential, but he’s off to a rocky start.
Left tackle Josh Simmons: It looks like the Chiefs offense will take the field without their starting left tackle again this week. They had some good success in the opener bringing help for Kahlil Benson, and he performed admirably. But to get through the season, they’ll need plenty of depth along the offensive line—and it’d be nice to see Mahomes air things out a little more with better protection. Simmons is a critical piece this season, and the longer he’s out, the more concerns we’ll have.
Others trending in the wrong direction this week: Cornerback Jadon Canaday, Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, Tight end Noah Gray
Value (Sleeper) Picks:
Wide receiver Cyrus Allen: The rookie saw only one offensive snap in his debut, raising plenty of questions this week. He was targeted on that play, but the pass was tipped at the line. Mahomes and the Chiefs staff have kept insisting they trust Allen and that his time will come. Given the passing-game struggles against Denver, Chiefs fans are likely to be even louder in their calls for Cyrus Allen this week. Don’t be surprised if he gets a couple of plays scripted his way.
Quarterback Justin Fields: It was also only one offensive snap, but Reid’s use of Fields as a goal-line decoy was brilliant. It could also be Reid’s way of setting up similar plays he wants to use in the future. Fields is still an electric runner and could be a fun weapon for the Chiefs this season. Watch to see if they draw up some looks where he’s more than a decoy this week.
