New England Patriots (2-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo. — TV: ESPN

*TV announcers: Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters

*Keys to the game: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has played fewer than 50 percent of the snaps through three weeks, but said he is ready for an increased role. And QB Tom Brady would certainly benefit from having another reliable target underneath as he faces a constant barrage of pass rushers behind his struggling offensive line. Brady hasn’t been able to consistently get the ball to anyone other than WR Julian Edelman and wants to spread the ball around more, while coordinator Josh McDaniels struggles to find the right personnel mix along the offensive line or in the wideout group.

New England’s defense has forced eight turnovers through three games, and ball security is an issue for Chiefs RB Knile Davis, who fumbled twice last week despite rushing for 132 yards. Jamaal Charles is likely to return to at least share the backfield load, and QB Alex Smith is careful with his decisions downfield if nothing else. The Chiefs will be content to play a field position game and take their chances in the fourth quarter.

*Matchup to watch — Patriots LT Nate Solder vs. Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali: Solder has suffered from some uncharacteristic lapses in technique this season. He has little room for error Monday night, as the Patriots can’t afford much help against Hali considering the inconsistent play throughout the interior of the o-line.

*Player spotlight — Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe: He has 12 catches for 136 yards and a touchdown in two career meetings, but Bowe continues to be a nonfactor thus far in 2014 with six catches for 72 yards in two games.

*Fast facts: Brady has thrown 44 career touchdown passes to Gronkowski, tying them for the third most among QB/TE tandems in history, trailing New England’s own pair in Drew Bledsoe/Ben Coates (45) and San Diego’s Philip Rivers/Antonio Gates (63). … Charles leads the NFL among running backs with at least 500 attempts with a 5.6-yard average since entering the league in 2008.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The Chiefs put together a very strong effort in Miami last week and will be charged up for a Monday night bout at home. Their ground game will keep the clock in their favor, and the Chiefs catch the Patriots at the right time with New England’s offense nowhere close to operating on all cylinders.

*Our pick: Chiefs 24-20