Game Preview: Week 12, Patriots @ Kansas City

In this week's Patriots Game of the Year, New England heads to Kansas City in a matchup of 6-4 teams. The Patriots lead the AFC East. KC is tied for 2nd in the West. A win for New England maintains at least a two-game cushion, while a win for Kansas City keeps them within two games of West-leading Denver. A loss for New England could allow Buffalo to creep within a game of the division lead, should they beat Carolina. A KC loss would probably eliminate the Chiefs from the playoffs.

The big story in New England of course is the passing of Bill Belichick's father Steve the night before last Sunday's win over New Orleans. It's a bigger story this week than last, because Belichick didn't announce his father's passing until after the game, and the Patriots were without their leader for a couple practices during what must have been a solemn holiday week in the Belichick household.

Will the story itself have any impact on the game? Absolutely not. And you have to believe that the well-oiled machine that New England is, the Patriots hardly missed a step in game-planning. Still, it's almost impossible to believe there wasn't a ripple or two in this week's preparation.

While New England's overall injury situation is improving (for once), there are still some big problems. Running back Kevin Faulk and offensive lineman Matt Light are still out. Running back Corey Dillon and receivers Bethel Johnson and David Givens are both out, too. Running back Patrick Pass is still nursing a hamstring, but he's expected to play. Heath Evans will get another start at running back with support from Pass and Mike Cloud.

Kansas City has a short list of various injuries. Standouts include tackle Willie Roaf (hamstring) and cornerback Patrick Surtain (ankle), both questionable.

Arrowhead stadium is one of those places most teams fear to tread. It's loud and a tough place for visiting offenses to play. But New England has had some success there, winning last year on Monday Night, 27-19. So eliminate that as a major story line until it has an obvious impact.

Kansas City has one of those combos the Pats have had trouble with this season: a good tight end, and a good running back (until recently, two good running backs). San Diego embarrassed New England at home with the tandem of tight end Antonio Gates and running back LaDanian Tomlinson. I've heard some people make the argument that Indianapolis was similar with tight end Dallas Clark and running back Edgerrin James, but I think we all know that Indy is a little more than that. New England beat Atlanta on the road, and they have tight end Alge Crumpler and a three-running back attack with Warrick Dunn, TJ Duckett and "quarterback" Michael Vick. So is tight end Tony Gonzalez and running back Larry Johnson enough to beat New England?

Well, there's another side of the ball, and the Patriots defense has been improving week-to-week with some of the injuries healing. The return of Tedy Bruschi and Richard Seymour have been monumental. Yes, monumental. The run defense has improved geometrically, and that has helped the pass defense to a great extent.

Oh, let's not forget the Patriots have an offense that can score points too. As long as Evans can keep the ground game legitimate, Tom Brady can manage the game like none other. He has lots of weapons, and he knows how to use them. Last I checked, New England had a couple decent tight ends too. KC's defense has definitely improved over last year, they have their work cut out for them.

One big key to the game will be field position. The Patriots special teams will be under pressure and need to perform.

Prediction: Patriots, 28-27.

Locally, this week's game will be broadcast on CBS, Channel 4 @ 1 pm with Dick Enberg and , and Armen Keteyian on the sideline. ... You can catch a better audio description of the game on WBCN 104.1 FM with Gil Santos and Gino Cappelletti.