NFL Week 5: What The Chiefs Need To Do to Remain The Last Unbeaten

It's probably the game to watch in Week 5. The Kansas City Chiefs, the league's last remaining undefeated team, head into Indianapolis to take on the struggling (by their standards) Colts.

While the Colts have looked more beatable this year than in previous years, they are still one of the NFL's elite teams as long as Peyton Manning is under center. The Chiefs haven't beat a team with a wining record yet and their opponents combined record is 3-9, so this will be their first real test, a chance to prove they deserve their position among the league's elite.

However, a win this week for the Chiefs could depend on their ability to execute on a few key points.

1. Run the Ball

In Indy's two losses, opponents racked up 411 yards on the ground combined. In their two wins, opponents only ran the ball for 167 yards. Running the ball helps the Chiefs win the time of possession battle, thus keeping the defense fresh and the ball away from the Colts' potent offense.

The Chiefs offensive line will need to open up some holes and Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles will both need to find them.

2. Get Pressure on the Quarterback

Manning is consistently one of the league's least sacked quarterbacks. The Colts have a very good offensive line and he knows how to get the ball out quickly. However, if a team can get pressure it can throw off his rhythm and disturb his synergy with the rest of his offense.

The Chiefs need Romeo Crennel to dial up some effective blitzes and rely on sack leader Tamba Hali to help knock Manning out of sync.

3. Win the Turnover Battle

Revisiting the wins and loses from this season, the Colts have a plus four turnover ratio in their wins and minus two in their losses. The Chiefs haven't lost the turnover battle in any of the three games they've played this season.

Cassel has thrown three interceptions through three games and Manning has thrown just one through four games, so a lot of this will come down to Cassel not making mistakes and the Chiefs defense forcing the Colts to make them.

Overall, I would tend to lead toward the side that says the Indianapolis is going to win this weekend, these keys to success are going to be extremely difficult to achieve on the road against the Colts.

But if Kansas City is able to run the ball, get pressure on Manning, and win the turnover battle, they might just be able to leave Lucas Oil Stadium with their title of last unbeaten intact.