There are plenty of storylines heading into Monday Night Football, but the Giants won't entertain one of them.
"I think it's a foolish narrative for us to buy into if we think this team isn't as good as they are," coach Joe Judge said of the Chiefs. "This is a damn good team. They're very explosive. They're very dangerous. These guys are going to be playing their best ball Monday night. We're going out into a tough atmosphere. It's a lot of great energy out there, so we've got to get ready this week to play our best football."
The Chiefs are 3-4, their worst record through seven games since 2015. That year, they started 2-5, but won nine games in a row to finish the season 11-5 and earn a playoff berth.
Coincidentally, the Giants enter Arrowhead Stadium with a 2-5 record following a Week 7 victory over the Panthers. Their other win came in a hostile environment in New Orleans, similar to the one they will face on Monday.
Here are three things the Giants need to do for a primetime victory:
Minimize the game-wreckers
Judge and assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Patrick Graham didn't list every Chiefs weapon when they spoke with the media this week for one simple reason: not enough time.
For the sake of brevity, the list of weapons at Mahomes' disposal starts with perennial All-Pros Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. The tight end and wide receiver have combined for 1,174 rec yards this season, second-most by a teammate duo in the NFL behind the Rams' Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods (1,232). Kelce needs 86 receiving yards to become the eighth tight end in NFL history with 8,500+ yards. The fewest games to reach the benchmark at the position was 132 by Rob Gronkowski (earlier this season). Kelce will play his 119th game in Week 8.
"[You're] trying to minimize the game-wreckers, the guys who are going to wreck the game," Graham said. "I would say offensively, defensively, special teams-wise, that's how I was raised. Let's try to minimize the game-wreckers and then you've got to ID who the game-wreckers are. Again, that's the hard thing. When you don't get that done, you're probably not going to win the game because those guys are game wreckers for a reason. Anytime they get the ball in their hands, there's a chance for them to score, there's a chance for them to get an explosive play to put them in position to score. I would say most of the time you're trying to do that. It always starts for me [with] stopping the run, who are the game wreckers [and] can we minimize their impact on the game and then try to expose their weaknesses if they have any. Again, this team is really hard to find any weaknesses."
Turnovers will be the difference
No team has made the Super Bowl after averaging two giveaways per game since the 2007 Giants. The Chiefs, who have made back-to-back Super Bowls and won one, are averaging 2.4 in their pursuit of a third consecutive AFC championship. They are tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars with a league-worst, minus-10 turnover differential. Their 17 giveaways are five more than the next closest team in the league as Houston, Jacksonville, and the New York Jets have all turned the ball over 12 times.
Aside from the lopsided loss to the Rams in Week 6, when Daniel Jones threw three interceptions and lost one fumble, the Giants have taken strides in that department this season. They are tied for 13th with an even turnover differential (with nine giveaways and nine takeaways)
What do you know about pressure
According to Next Gen Stats, the Giants had 18 QB pressures and a 40.0 percent pressure rate in Week 7 (both season highs). Meanwhile, Mahomes has a 35.6 completion percentage with three touchdowns, three interceptions and a 51.8 passer rating when pressured this season.
Lowest Completion Percentage Under Pressure, per Next Gen Stats:
- Justin Fields (CHI) 29.0
- Zach Wilson (NYJ) 29.8
- Patrick Mahomes (KC) 35.6
- Jalen Hurts (PHI) 38.7
Panthers quarterbacks Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker had a combined 48.7 completion percentage last week. Entering that game, opposing quarterbacks had completed a league-high 73.9 percent of their passes against the Giants. It's easier said than done against Mahomes, who can make magic with his legs.
"It's super challenging," said second-year safety Xavier McKinney, who will take on an even greater role after Jabrill Peppers was placed on injured reserve this week. "It's always hard when you face a QB that's able to extend the play for a long time. Obviously, we've got another challenge in him. It's a lot of challenges that we'll face with this team. We've just got to be prepared and be ready for it, but he can extend plays for a long time. He does a good job of just being able to look different things off and be able to make plays for his team."
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs ahead of their Week 8 matchup on Monday Night Football.
Giants TE Mark Bavaro gathers in a Phil Simms pass over the Chiefs' Lloyd Burruss and Aaron Pearson, right, for a first quarter touchdown at Giants Stadium, Dec. 11, 1988.
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jim Burt (64) takes out Kansas City Chiefs running back Ken Lacy (40) during an NFL game in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants linebacker Carl Banks (58) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants running back Rob Carpenter (26) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 25, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 25, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler enjoys a scoring moment with teammate Mark Ingram during the first quarter of game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford, New Jersey Saturday, Dec. 20, 1992. Hostetler connected for Ingram for a 21 yard touchdown pass, one of two tossed by the quarterback, after being out for three weeks with a severe concussion. The Giants downed the Chiefs 35-21. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants receiver Chris Calloway runs with a reception during an NFL Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 17, 1995 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton dives forward for yadage during an NFL Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 17, 1995 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants, Michael Strahan (92) during a game against the Kansas City Chief on December 20, 1998 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants beat the Chiefs 28-7. Michael Strahan played for 15 years all with the Giants. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 20, 1998. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-7. (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants coach Jim Fassel wears a New York Police Department cap while pausing during a moment of silence before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001. New York coaches and officials wore New York emergency services caps to honor those killed at the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez blocks against New York Giants Brandon Short during an NFL football game on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins calls signals at the line during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs for yardage against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants won 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive back Jason Sehorn defends on a play during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Ron Dayne runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green (10) looks for a receiver as New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) forces him out of the pocket in the third quarter Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, in Kansas City, Mo. New York won 13-3. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants cornerback Will Allen (25) brings down Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez during the first half Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. New York won 13-3. (AP Photo/Ed Zurgal)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber escapes from Kansas City Chiefs' Kendrell Bell during the third quarter in NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber ran for 220 yards and the Giants won, 27-17.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giantswide receiver Plaxico Burress gains 15 yards on a pass-play as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Eric Warfield, reart, attempts to bring him down during fourth-quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber powers his way to the end zone as Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley tries to bring him down in the fourth quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, left, heads down field ahead of Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley (25) to score a touchdown during the second quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer manages to keep his knee from touching the ground despite the efforts of Kansas City Chiefs Kendrell Bell, left, and Sammy Knight during the fourth quarter in NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. Toomer broke free on the play and scored a touchdown. The play was reviewed but the call stood. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) holds up the ball after scoring a touchdown despite the efforts of Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley (25) during the fourth quarter of NFL action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer, right, drags along Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley on his way to the end zone during the fourth quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, left, grabs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green by the jersey during fourth quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) breaks a tackle by Kansas City Chiefs safety Sammy Knight, left, as he runs 31 yards for a touchdown during fourth-quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Chiefs, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Kendrick Allen during first quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, center, is pulled down by New York Giants safety C.C. Brown, left, and safety Michael Johnson after running up the middle for a 15-yard gain during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Corey Mays (51) defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss, center, catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page, left, and safety Jon McGraw, right, defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) celebrates after stopping Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson during second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City. The Giants won 27-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs past Kansas City Chiefs safety Jon McGraw (47) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City. The Giants won 27-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith, front, catches a 25-yard pass for a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page looks on during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) is knocked to the ground by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora after throwing during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells instructions during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith, right, catches a 25-yard pass for a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page looks on during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham, left, catches a pass under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) for a 43-yard gain during the first quarter of a their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) gets past Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Brown (30) to score a touchdown during the second quarter of a their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) is tackled by New York Giants middle linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
The New York Giants defense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs offense during an NFL football game on Sept. 29, 2013 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 31-7. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) catches a ball against New York Giants middle linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) and cornerback Aaron Ross (31) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) recovers a ball fumbled by the Kansas City Chiefs with help from defensive tackle Mike Patterson (93) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Akeem Jordan (55) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) is run out of bounds by New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to hand the ball off during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) runs in the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes to a teammate during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive back Terrell Thomas (24) brings down Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) during the second half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks to advance under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks to advance under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) reacts with teammates after rushing for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) greets Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce (87) after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 12-9. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Jerell Adams (89) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs' Reggie Ragland (59) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87 is tackled by New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (27) in action Sunday Nov.19, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs' Eric Murray (21) chases New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) is tackled during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) prepares for the snap during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) rushes as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) and Chris Jones (95) watch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) celebrates with teammates Brett Jones (69) and Chad Wheeler (63) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball during the game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is tackled by New York Giants' Ross Cockrell (37) and Calvin Munson (46) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs with the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
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