How the Packers can upset the KC Chiefs without Aaron Rodgers

3. Run the football

Without Davante Adams and Allen Lazard last week, the Packers’ ran the football well against the Arizona Cardinals. Without Aaron Rodgers, Kansas City might be willing to stack the box more and force Jordan Love to throw.

Regardless, Green Bay can’t win this game without finding some success on the ground.

As noted earlier, the Packers’ offensive line has been excellent in run blocking, while the Chiefs are allowing 121.8 yards on the ground per game. They are 22nd against the run this season.

The Packers also have one of the league’s top rushing duos in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Both running backs are averaging 4.5 yards per carry this season.

The two combined for 137 yards on 31 carries last week against Arizona, with Jones finding the end zone. The Packers leaned on the ground game and dominated time of possession by over 15 minutes. Green Bay held the football for an entire quarter longer than Arizona.

To beat the Chiefs, the Packers don’t want this game to be high scoring. They need to dictate the tempo, sustain long drives, and limit the Chiefs’ offense. That starts with running the ball early and often, forcing turnovers on defense, and not allowing this to become a battle of the offenses.