Chiefs vs. Patriots: Why Tyler Palko's First NFL Start Will Be a Tough One

Rather than having Matt Cassel, the Kansas City Chiefs will be led by Tyler Palko tonight. This will be Palko's first career start.

Palko has jumped around the NFL, CFL and UFL before coming to Kansas City. The young journeyman will start on one of football's most popular stages, Monday Night Football.

Palko will take over a struggling Chiefs team as the Chiefs prepare to take on the New England Patriots.

How will Palko do in his first career game?

The Chiefs Offensive Line Is Not Good

Kansas City's offensive line has taken a big step back from last season. From left to right, the Chiefs have Branden Albert, Ryan Lilja, Casey Wiegmann, Jon Asamoah and Barry Richardson.

This core allowed Cassel to be sacked 22 times this season.

Although Palko showed off some of his scrambling abilities in the preseason, he may find himself on the ground behind the line of scrimmage a couple of times.

Chiefs Receivers Continue To Drop Passes

Dwayne Bowe has had a history of dropping easy receptions in his career. Bowe has dropped a couple of easy receptions this season.

Rookie Jonathan Baldwin has only been with the team for a month, but he has gotten off to a shaky start by dropping some potential first down passes as well.

Bowe and Baldwin, along with Steve Breaston, are capable of making big plays and can help the Chiefs do well against a 32nd-ranked Patriots defense.

It's up to them to make sure they minimize their errors.

Jackie Battle Is Unpredictable

Ever since Jackie Battle received more handoffs, he has had up-and-down games this season.

Battle has had a couple of high averages carrying the ball on the ground as well as some low ones.

With Thomas Jones averaging only 2.9 yards per carry on the ground and Dexter McCluster unreliable with the football, Battle might be Kansas City's only hope when it comes to rushing the football.

Battle hopes to bring his offense good fortune against a Patriots defense ranked 14th against the run.

The Patriots Will Score a Lot of Points

The New England Patriots are a powerhouse team, and everyone knows them for being one of the best offensive teams in the league.

Coming into Monday's game, Tom Brady and the Patriots are fourth in the league in points per game, scoring 28 points every week on average.

On the other hand, the Chiefs are 28th scoring only 15 points per game on average.

Palko will need to put together a huge offensive outing to help the Chiefs have a chance in this game.

Overview

Welcome to the NFL, Palko.

Palko is not taking over a team that is in stable condition right now. The Chiefs need a win in order to stay in the division race.

Palko's first game will be against a powerhouse Patriots team. Palko's chances against the Patriots may be slim, but that's why we play these games.

Last year, Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn started in Week 15 in place of Aaron Rodgers who missed one game because of a concussion. However, Flynn threw three touchdown passes, one interception and fumbled the ball to the Patriots.

Flynn and the Packers fell short, 31-27.

Everyone seems to have similar expectations. For all we know, Palko could be setting us up for an exciting game.

Follow Farzin on Twitter @Farzin21