The Atlanta Falcons are tasked with slowing down Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Both are incredibly skilled and have put their respective names in the GOAT discussion. That said, the last three games Mahomes has played there have been a trend worth noting.

Mahomes has made it clear that he prefers to drop bombs by slinging the ball down the field and consistently trying to land the big plays. It’s understandable and speaks volumes to the greatness of a quarterback who has grown bored with the predictable throws and checkdowns defenses want to throw at him.

That mentality is understandable for a player used to Hill running the floor and a top-tier Travis Kelce finding ways to get lost on defense. Those players aren’t walking through the door, however, and the lack of elite talent and youth at the skill positions is apparent.

Mahomes has given the ball away in three straight games and thrown 4 interceptions. There was a clear argument last week that Mahomes should have thrown a 5th with a questionable call late in the game against the Bengals. Atlanta’s only hope in this game is that the trend continues for Mahomes and they get more possessions.

You don’t beat this Chiefs team without playing keep away and winning the turnover battle for good. That’s Atlanta’s only way to manage the upset, and Patrick’s recent history suggests it’s not entirely impossible.

It’s likely that Mahomes will throw at least one ball. The Falcons should be ready to take advantage and continue the trend that allowed the 49ers, Ravens, and Bengals to stick around. Although it’s fair to note that none of the three have been able to get the job done. Which lends itself to a healthy dose of cynicism that the same won’t be true for Atlanta.