Dissecting Best Individual Matchups to Watch in Kansas City's Week 3 Action

The Kansas City Chiefs are still searching for their first win of 2014 and will have a chance to capture one this Sunday when they visit the Miami Dolphins. Unlike the Chiefs, the Dolphins were held to few expectations going into this season. But after a stunning Week 1 win over the New England Patriots, the Dolphins are being taken more seriously than before the season.

When you look at their roster, you have to respect who they have and what kind of problems they could create in certain matchups.

This week, Chiefs and Dolphins fans are in for a treat with some exciting one-on-one matchups that fans should keep an eye on this week.

1. LT Eric Fisher vs. RDE Oliver Vernon

No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher has struggled since he entered the league. This year, he reverted to left tackle, his old position. So far, Fisher’s best game as a Chief came this past Sunday when he silenced one of the best pass-rushers in the game today in DeMarcus Ware.

This week, Fisher has to prove he can continue his performance by doing it in back-to-back games against highly rated defensive ends and outside linebackers.

Dolphins defensive end Oliver Vernon is coming off an impressive second season in which he registered 11.5 sacks.

If Jamaal Charles is out, the team may go pass heavy against the Dolphins, and Fisher will need to come through again.

2. WR Dwayne Bowe vs. CB Cortland Finnegan

Dwayne Bowe will have his hands full in Week 3 when he goes up against Pro Bowl cornerback Cortland Finnegan.

Bowe had a quiet return when he rejoined the Chiefs against the Broncos in Week 2. He pulled in three passes for 40 yards, and Donnie Avery had the same amount of catches for 14 yards.

Although Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has a tough challenge ahead of him this week, he managed to do well against Denver’s secondary, consisting of Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, Bradley Roby and Rahim Moore. Smith should do well distributing the ball, even against Finnegan

3. OLB Tamba Hali vs. LT Branden Albert

It is always fun to see two former teammates go at it. This will be Branden Albert’s first game against the Chiefs since he left the team this offseason.

So far as a Miami Dolphin, Albert allowed half of a sack. The former Chiefs Pro Bowler will be going up against old teammate and fellow Pro Bowler Tamba Hali.

Hali, a four-time Pro Bowler, earned his first sack of the season last week against Peyton Manning. Even in games when he doesn’t record a sack, Hali always finds a way to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Both players are familiar with each other from past matchups in practices in Kansas City since 2008. But Hali’s speed might be a little too much for Albert.

4. OLB Justin Houston vs. RT Ja’Wuan James

It has been a rough start to the season for Ja’Wuan James. He’s allowed a sack, but he also committed a holding and false-start penalty as well, costing the team 15 yards in two games.

Justin Houston is coming off a strong 11-sack season and is already off to a good start after collecting a pair of sacks in the season opener.

With Hali also providing pressure from the other side, expect Houston to get in on the fun with quarterback pressures and sacks.

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