Let's take a look at exactly what the New York Jets will be facing Sunday when they meet the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium. The Jets are 7-5, trying to stay in the AFC playoff race. The Chiefs (5-7) are having a down year, but are coming off a 10-3 victory over the Chicago Bears.
OFFENSE
The Chiefs have struggled offensively since losing quarterback Matt Cassel to injury, scoring just 22 points total in the three games in which Tyler Palko has been the quarterback. Kansas City has just one touchdown during that time. Palko, a second-year-player who had only two games of experience and no starts prior to this, has completed 64-of-102 passes (62.7 percent) for one touchdown, six interceptions and a passer rating of only 57.7.
Running back Thomas Jones spent three seasons with the Jets from 2007-09 and totaled 3,833 rushing yards with 28 touchdowns on the ground. Dexter McCluster has 425 yards rushing and 203 receiving for Kansas City. The Chiefs also have a potent pair of receivers in Dwayne Bowe (59 receptions) and Steve Breaston (48) if Palko can get the ball to them.
DEFENSE
Kansas City's defense is led by linebacker Derrick Johnson, who has 100 tackles and two sacks so far this season. Linebacker Tamba Hali has eight sacks for the Chiefs. Cornerback Brandon Flowers has four interceptions for Kansas City.
Kansas City has been susceptible to the run, giving up 130.3 yards per game, which is 25th in the league.