Buck up, football junkies! The Chiefs are about to face the Falcons—and for all that’s worth, it’s going to be one helluva showdown. Patrick Mahomes throwing darts and Travis Kelce shaking off some early-season rust—question is, can Atlanta pull this off? Former Chiefs WR Danan Hughes has spilled the steamy tea, and it’s got all the spicy details!

In a chat with the former president of the Chiefs Ambassadors, Shawn Barber, on KC Sports Network, Hughes dropped a gem on how the Falcons can actually beat Mahomes’ Kansas City: “Each and every week, it’s about getting better. I was always taught that every day you’re either getting better or getting worse; you can’t stay the same.” That’s a mantra for life, and could definitely help the Chiefs after last week’s Cincinnati facepalm. So, how do they bounce back against a hungry Falcons squad?

Isaiah Pacheco, ladies and gents! With Pacheco sidelined, the ex-wideout asked the million-dollar question: “Who will be the playmaker now that Isaiah Pacheco is out? Who will step up besides Rashee Rice on offense? Who will be that other receiver to take some pressure off?” Sure, we love our TE Kelce, but he’s been quieter than a church mouse these past two weeks. “Kelce hasn’t had the best games… but we know he can break out at a moment’s notice,” Hughes reminded us. 

And that’s where the Falcons can get crafty. The former Chiefs star pointed out, “Without Isaiah Pacheco, we can double-team Rashee Rice inside and outside.” Rice has the potential to be a game-changer, but if he’s smothered, Kansas City needs another option to step up. “Focus on Kelce and say, ‘Challenge us with somebody else!’” That’s the mindset Atlanta’s got to adopt.

Here’s a little fun fact: the Chiefs only face the Falcons once every four years. And we know Mahomes. The three-time Super Bowl champ’s got a knack for making life miserable for teams that don’t see him often. Just last year, even with Kelce and Chris Jones out, the KC team nearly snatched a win against the Lions, losing by a single point. Talk about resilience!

Danan Hughes stressed that watching film’s one thing, but until you’re on-field, you can’t feel that speed and playmaking ability. “From a defensive perspective, it’s one thing to study as much film as you can, but when on field, you have to experience the players’ speed, continuity, and playmaking ability,” the ex-WR added. Mahomes and Kelce? The QB-TE duo’s pretty dynamic—can flip the script in an instant!

So, as Atlanta gears up for this epic clash, they’ve got to up their game. With Hughes’ insights in their back pocket, we’re in for a rollercoaster of a game. Can the Falcons crack the Chiefs’ code, or will Mahomes and Kelce remind everyone why they’re kings of the jungle? With a plot twist involving Kelce’s girlfriend, this matchup’s going to be anything but boring!

Jessie Bates III plans to rattle Travis Kelce with Taylor Swift mind games 

Atlanta’s safety Jessie Bates III’s laid out a game plan that involves getting under Kelce’s skin, and he’s ready to use none other than pop icon Taylor Swift to do it.

In a chat on The Pacman Jones Show, Bates III didn’t hold back: “I see red sometimes and might say some crazy stuff to him. It may involve Taylor, it may not. It’s just part of the game, talking your little smack.” Respect for Swift aside, it sounds like Bates is ready to play the mind games.

Swift’s pretty much attended all of Kelce’s games this season, but with this matchup being the Chiefs’ first road game, her attendance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s not a given. Whether the pop icon shows or not, the Falcons’ safety’s all in on the psychological warfare.

But this ain’t Bates’ first rodeo against Kansas City. He boasts a solid 3-2 record against them (the 2021 AFC Championship game with Cincinnati, anyone?) Clearly, he knows how to handle the pressure, and he’s got the experience to back it up.

What’s more, Ravens’ CB Marlon Humphrey took a shot at Kelce by saying Swift was the secret sauce behind his podcast success. Seems like trash talk’s the name of the game when facing off against the Chiefs!

As the Falcons gear up to take on Mahomes and Kelce, expect to see Bates and his antics. Will he succeed in throwing Travis Kelce off his game? Sunday night’s going to be fun!

Also, do take a look at our latest Think Tank exclusive interview with Doug Sanders. This session comes up with insights on the current NFL season, college football, NIL, and much more.