Week Four Preview: Giants Could Use Some Luck Against Chiefs

Forcing takeaways, involving Hakeem Nicks should be primary goals

The Giants have committed 13 turnovers on their way to an 0-3, and is 13 ever a fitting number, because the Giants have been unlucky in the turnover realm. They have lost all four of their fumbles, and they have endured some bad bounces on multiple interceptions.

The 3-0 Chiefs, on the other hand, have no turnovers. They have fumbled once, but they retained possession.

We know how the Giants have fared in the face of a flurry of turnovers. It hasn't been pretty.

Some time this season, the Chiefs will have to deal with this, too. The mistakes will come for Kansas City, just like they do for every team in a sport where the participants hit each other very hard.

The Giants hope it’s Sunday.

Here is NBC 4 New York’s preview of the Giants-Chiefs matchup:

Reasons why the Giants can win Sunday

Hakeem Nicks: Prediction: He’ll have closer to 10 catches than zero on Sunday. The Giants have to get him more involved, and he’s motivated to get more involved, as his contract’s up at season’s end.  

History: The Giants know Chiefs coach Andy Reid and his offense well. There shouldn’t be any surprises Sunday. Maybe familiarity paves the way for the difference-making play or two needed for an upset.

Hope: The Giants have shown they can win tough games in Tom Coughlin’s tenure as head coach. Yes, we know they have lost six in a row away from MetLife Stadium dating back to last season. There’s a reason we didn’t file this under “Unassailable Logic.”

Hang loose: Smile, guys. You’re 0-3. And you’re better than this. The week has been filled with stories lamenting your demise, but you’re only two games out of the division lead.

Reasons why the Giants could run into trouble at Kansas City

Hurting offensive line: Center David Baas (neck) and right guard Chris Snee (hip) sat out Wednesday and Thursday. Perhaps David Diehl (thumb) will return, giving the line a little reinforcement. Nevertheless, the Giants have their hands full against the Chiefs’ defensive line and outside linebackers on Sunday.

Homefield advantage: When the Chiefs play well, Arrowhead Stadium can be an imposing place to play. The Chiefs haven’t shown this much promise in several seasons. It will be loud on Sunday.

They're due: This is applicable for Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. Charles doesn’t have a rush of more than 18 yards this season, and Bowe has just 90 receiving yards in three games.

Hardly imposing: The Chiefs’ run defense was gashed by the Eagles’ ground game in Week Three. However, the Giants’ rushing attack is much, much less formidable. The Chiefs could force the Giants to be pass-happy once again. That’s not ideal.

Prediction

The Chiefs are no fluke. Their defense is strong, and their offense has just enough punch. They are in better form than the Giants, whose offensive struggles in Week Three were unnerving. The Giants have some skill, but can they consistently show it? It hasn’t happened yet. Look for the Chiefs to grind their way to 4-0.

Score: Chiefs 27, Giants 17.

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