The Bears are a huge 12.5-point underdog this week, likely leading to an extreme passing game script.
Opposing quarterbacks have averaged 35.8 pass attempts per game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs defense since the start of last season: 6th-most in the NFL.
THE BLITZ projects Cole Kmet to accumulate 5.4 targets in this game, on average, ranking in the 88th percentile among TEs.
Cole Kmet has been an integral part of his team’s pass game, posting a Target Share of 20.3% since the start of last season, which ranks in the 97th percentile among tight ends.
Cole Kmet has posted a colossal 33.0 air yards per game since the start of last season: 88th percentile among tight ends.
Cons
THE BLITZ projects the Chicago Bears as the 6th-least pass-heavy team on the slate this week with a 53.6% pass rate, given their underlying tendencies and matchup dynamics.
THE BLITZ projects the Chicago Bears as the 3rd-most sluggish paced defense in the league (adjusted for context) at the moment, leading opposing offenses to average 29.10 seconds per snap.
Cole Kmet’s receiving reliability have declined this year, with his Completion% falling off from 74.3% to 68.8%.
Cole Kmet’s pass-catching efficiency has worsened this season, notching just 6.84 yards-per-target vs a 8.00 mark last season.
The Kansas City Chiefs pass defense has excelled when opposing TEs have gotten into space, surrendering an average of 4.07 yards-after-the-catch since the start of last season: the 10th-least in football.