Whose strength will prevail?
Chiefs lead league in forcing turnovers, but Falcons can score
ATLANTA — The Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons have found different ways to win despite ranking near the bottom of the league in yards allowed. Those winning formulas will be tested when the teams square off Sunday.
The Chiefs ( 8- 3) rank 28th in total defense but lead the NFL with 24 takeaways and a plus- 14 turnover differential. The Falcons ( 7- 4) rank 27th in total defense but lead the NFL with 32.5 points per game.
‘‘ You could argue that they’re the best in the league right now,’’ Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of the Falcons’ offense.
Bolstered by the return of running back Tevin Coleman from a hamstring injury and the continued emergence of speedy receiver Taylor Gabriel, the Falcons’ offense looked deep and explosive last Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Matt Ryan completed passes to eight players, and Gabriel scored on screen passes of 25 and 35 yards. Gabriel has scored in four consecutive games.
‘‘ They just go and run their offense with a purpose,’’ Chiefs safety Eric Berry said. ‘‘ They’re not just out there running plays. They have a specific plan, and they know they’re a good offense. They run their plays like they know they’re a good offense. They’re very confident in what they do. We know we have a challenge.”
The Chiefs are 7- 0 when they win the turnover battle this season, and their 24 takeaways have led to 72 points.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn, who frequently emphasizes takeaways, appreciates the Chiefs’ success.
‘‘ Plus- 14 on the year, that’s a hell of a year,’’ said Quinn, who predicted the turnover battle ‘‘ is going to be a real factor in the game.’’
It’s an important game to both teams’ playoff hopes. The Falcons lead the NFC South by a game over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chiefs are one game behind the division- leading Oakland Raiders in the AFC West. Here are some more things to watch for Sunday:
Tyreek the freak
Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill scored touchdowns through the air, on the ground and on a free- kick return last Sunday against the Broncos. The speedy rookie has been a breakout star for the Chiefs, and his importance only has increased with Jeremy Maclin still dealing with a groin injury. Maclin returned to practice last week, but he will miss his fourth consecutive game.
What a rush
Chiefs pass rusher Justin Houston’s second game back from offseason knee surgery resulted in three sacks last Sunday against the Denver Broncos. He looked every bit the four- time Pro Bowl player he was before requiring surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in February.
Decimated defense
The Falcons have lost defensive end Adrian Clayborn for at least a few weeks to an injured left knee. He is second on the team with 4 ½ sacks. It will be the Falcons’ third game without top cornerback Desmond Trufant, who went on injured reserve last week with a torn pectoral muscle.