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3 Key Matchups for the Arizona Cardinals vs Chiefs – Week 1

By Sion Fawkes

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 27: Malik Willis #7 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Nissan Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 27: Malik Willis #7 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Nissan Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 02: Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL game at AT&T Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Inside Linebackers vs Travis Kelce

You won’t find a pair of more athletic linebackers in the league than Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons. And they will lead the Arizona Cardinals inside linebackers in a quest to stop one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

For nearly a decade, Travis Kelce has epitomized the prototypical tight end of today’s game and even into his 30s, he continues to play at a high level. While neither Simmons nor Collins have played to expectations in their young careers, especially Collins, they ironically have the skill-set to contain Kelce.

If they can prevent Kelce from making too many big plays in this one, the Cardinals have a better chance at pulling off the upset. However, it is going to be a tall task for the young and still relatively inexperienced duo at inside linebacker.

Related Story. Reasons the Cardinals will win in Week 1 – 2022. light

The Arizona Cardinals, with their offensive arsenal, can hang with and overpower the Chiefs defense. Even with no DeAndre Hopkins. So it will be up to their defense, specifically the three matchups listed above, to make enough plays for the Cardinals to escape with a win.

(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)

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