Previewing the opposition: Kansas City Chiefs

With five losses in six games, the season has completely fallen apart. And now they have to face the Jets! That's right, the Chiefs are in the same kind of a slump as the Jets and are now clinging on to the lead in the AFC West after having started off as one of the league's hottest teams at 5-0. Barring a tie, someone will have lost six out of seven by tomorrow night.

Let's review how their roster shapes up:

Quarterbacks

Alex Smith got off to a nice start to the season, but his performances have gone downhill during this losing streak. Smith began the season on fire, with 11 touchdown passes, no interceptions and a QB rating of over 125 in those first five games. Since then, he's not been as good and this has some wondering if rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes will get his shot soon.

Smith is now 33 but can still make plays with his legs. He's accounted for 14 first downs and one touchdown on the ground.

As for Mahomes, he has a tremendous arm and good instincts on the move.

Offensive line

Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz is the Chiefs' most reliable lineman, having signed a big money contract with the team last season. Former number one pick Eric Fisher is the left tackle.

The Chiefs have had several different configurations on the interior, but currently have Mitch Morse at center, Zach Fulton at left guard and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif at right guard. That group did a good job of limiting pressure against the Bills in their most recent loss, surrendering just two coverage sacks.

Reserves Brian Witzmann, Jordan Devey and Cameron Erving have all started games this year but all three struggled badly.

Running Backs

Kareem Hunt started off the year as a rookie sensation and still has excellent stats (890 yards and 36 catches). However, Hunt had six touchdowns in his first three games, but hasn't had one since. He also hasn't had a 100-yard game since opening with four in the first five games.

Charcandrick West has been ruled out of this game, so Akeem Hunt will back up his namesake.

Pro Bowl fullback Anthony Sherman will lead the way.

Receivers

The Chiefs' pass catchers are highlighted by tight end Travis Kelce, who leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. Just behind him in all three categories is speedster Tyreek Hill who is a big-play threat both downfield and on short passes.

With Albert Wilson questionable for this game and Chris Conley on injured reserve, last year's fourth round pick Demarcus Robinson may start and another speedster in De'Anthony Thomas should see more time.

Kelce is backed up by Demetrius Harris, who is more of a blocker with just nine catches on the year.

Defensive line

The Chiefs' defensive line is led by Chris Jones who the team drafted in the second round last year. He's been solid against the run and is second on the team with 3.5 sacks.

The Chiefs lost long time nose tackle Dontari Poe in the offseason. The role now belongs to Bennie Logan.

Allen Bailey is the other starter but Rakeem Nunez-Roches also gets a lot of reps. Ex-Jet Jarvis Jenkins is also on the roster but has usually been inactive.

Linebackers

Justin Houston is the team's best pass rusher with 8.5 sacks off the edge. He'll start along with veteran Frank Zombo as the outside linebackers in former Jets' defensive coordinator Bob Sutton's 3-4 scheme. Zombo has been starting for the injured Dee Ford.

Veteran Tamba Hali is still also on the team but he's barely played all year due to knee issues and will continue to have just a part time role, if he even plays at all.

On the inside, veteran Derrick Johnson has an every down role, while the other starter - youngster Reggie Ragland - primarily plays just against the run, although he's done well in that role.

Kevin Pierre-Louis also gets plenty of reps. He'll play more in passing situations.

Defensive backs

Safeties Ron Parker and Daniel Sorenson lead the team in tackles, which is rarely a good sign. Sorenson also leads them in missed tackles. Third safety Eric Murray has been ruled out due to injury.

Marcus Peters is Kansas City's number one corner with Steven Nelson currently listed as the other starter, even though he's only really played in a slot role so far this year.

Terrance Mitchell started the first seven games and leads the team with 12 passes defensed. Phillip Gaines, who also features in the slot, has also made two starts. Each of these have been relegated to third string though.

They also signed some guy called Revis but I don't know much about him.

Special teams

The kicking game is in good shape with rookie Harrison Butker having made all but one of his 24 field goal attempts. The Chiefs also have an experienced punter with a gross average of over 45 yards per punt in Dustin Colquitt.

They are dangerous in the return game too, with Hill having already scored once this year. Thomas and Akeem Hunt have been sharing kickoff return duties with each averaging just under 25 yards per return.

In kick coverage, rookie receiver Jehu Chesson sees some action as a gunner and Zombo and Pierre-Louis also contribute.