EDGE >> CHIEFS
With Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith carrying the ball, the running game should have a different look and has a chance to be more effective. Last week, Jacksonville was shredded for 305 yards by Chris Johnson and the Titans. The Chiefs would be happy with more modest numbers. They are most comfortable with Charles running open-field plays, like draws and sweeps. Smith may get the rest of the work.

When the Chiefs pass

EDGE >> JAGUARS
The Chiefs can get some things done here as well, if they can protect quarterback Matt Cassel. The Jaguars have only five sacks, so if there’s a game where the Chiefs can get some rhythm going, this figures to be it. While the Chiefs won’t immediately ask for heroics from Chris Chambers, they hope at a minimum he provides a deep threat who can loosen the underneath coverage.

When the Jaguars run

EDGE >> JAGUARS
The Chiefs have yielded some long runs in recent games, and the trend will likely continue today. Maurice Jones-Drew gains 5.5 yards for every one of his carries, and the Chiefs might be doing well to hold him under that average. He also leads the league in rushing TDs with 10. He got the ball only eight times in last week’s game but will carry much more than that today.

When the Jaguars pass

EDGE >> JAGUARS
Quarterback David Garrard likes to spread the ball among several receivers, so the Chiefs have much to worry about. Garrard goes downfield frequently to wide receivers Mike Sims-Walker and Torry Holt, Jacksonville’s two top pass catchers. He also frequently targets Jones-Drew, whose ability to run after the catch in the open field is better than that of Darren Sproles, who burned the Chiefs last time out.

Special teams

EDGE >> CHIEFS
Jacksonville is the only team in the league that has covered punts better than the Chiefs, but Kansas City has been stronger in most other areas. Adam Podlesh is a good directional punter whose kicks are easy to cover, but he doesn’t get as much distance as the Chiefs’ Dustin Colquitt. Ryan Succop has better range on field goal attempts than his Jacksonville counterpart, Josh Scobee.

Coaching

EDGE >> JAGUARS
Todd Haley’s peculiar brand of motivational tactics was in evidence again this week. The Chiefs posted a sign in their locker room testing player loyalty with regard to the Larry Johnson saga. So Haley (left) has in essence made this game about the Chiefs either being with him or against him. He might not like the result if the Chiefs go into the tank against the Jaguars.

X-factor

EDGE >> CHIEFS
The Chiefs are coming off the open date and had an extra week to feel the sting of the horrendous loss to San Diego. Having time to stew over a defeat like that might be a good thing. We’ll know for sure in a few weeks, but the Chiefs might eventually come to look at the Chargers game as the day they officially hit bottom.

Bottom line

The Chiefs could be poised for one of their better offensive games of the season because the Jaguars have some weaknesses defensively. Cassel should have more time to throw, running lanes for Charles and Smith could be more prevalent, and it will be a disappointment if the Chiefs don’t score more than they have in the past couple of games. If they can slow Jones-Drew and eliminate turnovers, it’s a winnable game. Prediction: Chiefs 23, Jaguars 20.