BIG RED ON A BYE
Reid is so proficient at winning after a week off — he is 31-6 after a bye, including the postseason — that many coaches have tried to get some tips from him. But not even Reid can pinpoint the reasons behind his remarkable record, which includes a 13-1 mark during 14 regular seasons in Philadelphia and a 9-3 record in postseason games.
“I get asked that because we've had success,” Reid said, “but we just go play. I don't know. We've had good players.”
INJURY UPDATES
While the Chiefs come into the game healthy, the Eagles have had to adapt to some injuries. Defensive back Bradley Roby could be back after missing time with a shoulder strain, linebacker Nakobe Dean went on injured reserve this week after hurting his foot against Dallas, and star tight end Dallas Goedert is out after breaking his forearm in the same game.
“Anytime you lose a player to Dallas Goedert's capabilities, you have to compensate,” Sirianni said, “and it's never just one guy's responsibility to take all the brunt of that work. It'll be by committee.”
KINGS OF THE CLOSE GAMES
The Chiefs are 4-1 in games decided by fewer than 10 points, which falls in line with their ability under Reid to win the close ones. Philadelphia is 5-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less. Both are coming off close wins before their bye with Kansas City beating Miami 21-14 in Germany and Philadelphia beating Dallas 28-23.
CONFIDENT CHRIS
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who ended his holdout in Week 1 and promptly had at least one sack in each of his first five games, has been held without a sack since. But Reid defended the All-Pro this week, pointing out that the attention Jones demands has allowed others on the defensive line to make plays.
“I'm going to hit my numbers regardless,” Jones added. “I'm not going to trip over my numbers.”
OH, AND ABOUT TAYLOR
Travis Kelce spent part of his week off flying to Buenos Aires to watch Swift resume her Eras Tour, and video of the 12-time Grammy winner embracing the Chiefs tight end at the side of the stage blazed across social media. She was due to perform on Sunday night in Brazil, then does not perform again until Nov. 24, making it possible for her to make kickoff.
Swift is a noted Eagles fan, by the way, which is causing some consternation. The hosts of the “Bex and Buster” show on Q102 in Philadelphia have even “been forced to punt” her from their popular playlist until after the game.
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