Charles is listed as 'probable' for this week's game, after dealing with an ankle sprain.
Monday night will bring together the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, live from Arrowhead stadium in Kansas City at 8:30 PM EST. The Patriots are 2-1 and have things going the right direction after a shaky start, but the Chiefs are 1-2 and want to win at home to even their record, after beating Miami last week. The game is on ESPN, but you can check out a live stream on the web from one of the links provided below (free for subscribers).
Surprisingly, the Patriots have been winning so far this season because of their defense, really. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower has really stepped up this year, with 18 tackles and 2 sacks so far, and he has added a threat that keeps quarterbacks on the quick step. Also, Against the Vikings, the Patriots had four interceptions, as they really do just about everything to harass an opposing team. Right now the unit is ranked third in the NFL, and they should bring it this week against the Chiefs, because all starters are listed as probable starters this week, too.
The Chiefs defense, on the other hand, is a different story. Kansas City will miss pro bowl safety Eric Berry who is out with an ankle injury. Overall, Kansas City's defense was ranked 18th before losing Berry, so Tom Brady and company will probably be looking for ways to dial up some big points against the hobbled Chiefs' D.
Brady seems to play well under the biggest lights.
Brady usually does well on Monday Night Football, and with the Chiefs' secondary hurt, he might have his best night yet on Sept. 29. For him to do that, the Patriots' offensive line is going to have to get better, though. Brady has been sacked 7 times now, and the team has only averaged 195 passing yards per game this season. Even with a suffering secondary, the Chiefs can still rush the passer, so a key matchup for this game will be New England's offensive line vs Kansas City's defensive pass rush. The winner of this game will win in the trenches first.
On offense for the Chiefs, Jamaal Charles is probably coming back this week, and he should bring a certain explosiveness with him. Kansas City has averaged over 125 yards per game this year so far, and Charles could do even better than that this week. The Chiefs will need a strong running game if they are going to win, and mobile quarterback Alex Smith may add another dimension to the ground game, too.
The game will kick off on ESPN at 8:30 PM EST, but you can watch a live stream with NFL Sunday Ticket. If you want to listen on the radio, check out the Patriots' broadcast at 550 AM WGR, or listen to the Chiefs' broadcast at 810 AM WHB.
