The Tennessee Titans will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9. Both teams sit atop their divisions in the AFC.

Last season, the Titans bested the Chiefs in every fashion.

The offense was efficient, and the defense dominated. Tennessee won by a score of 27-3.

It was a bit of a stunner that pushed the Chiefs to 3-4 on the season. They bounced back, but the Titans gave the Chiefs a clear wake up call.

This year, Chiefs' QB Patrick Mahomes refuses to take the Titans lightly again.

Patrick Mahomes on the Titans: "Last year, we weren't ready and they beat our ass. This team is a lot better than (people) talk about them. People don't talk about their D-line."

— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) November 2, 2022

Mahomes points to the Titans' defensive line. He is smart to do so because it is one of the best DL units in the AFC.

Even without Harold Landry III, the Titans have been dominant often upfront.

Jeffery Simmons continues to be the special force weekly while Teair Tart has stepped up as an important piece.

Bud Dupree has been productive when he has been healthy. Rashad Weaver has been a bit of a revelation for the defense when he has been on the field, too.

They have plenty of talent, and the Chiefs must be ready for it.

Kansas City does have one of the best offensive line units in the NFL as well. Accordingly, it won't be an easy matchup for the Titans.

Although, they proved that they could get consistent pressure against them last season. Forcing Mahomes into quick decisions can be his demise at times.

Of course, he is arguably the best QB in the game, so that is much easier said than done.

Clearly, Mahomes and the Chiefs won't be taken by surprise by the defensive line of the Titans.

Regardless, the DL will be key if Tennessee gets a victory.

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