Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at Miami Dolphins (1-1)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Sun Life Stadium, Miami – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon

*Keys to the game: The Chiefs are confident RB Knile Davis can step in for injured starter Jamaal Charles (ankle) and help the offense maintain the ball control approach that kept last week’s game against Denver within reach. QB Alex Smith doesn’t push the ball downfield often but if he receives protection then chunk yards should be there – Buffalo had five plays of 20-plus yards against Miami last week and has experienced some issues in the back end.

The pressure is on Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill to step up with RB Knowshon Moreno out and backfield mate Lamar Miller at less than 100 percent. Tannehill is completing only 60.5 percent of his passes and although coach Joe Philbin said the inconsistency of the passing game is a unit-wide issue, Tannehill’s accuracy has faltered even on many completions, limiting yards after the catch. If the Chiefs are able to negate Miller and rookie Damien Williams, Tannehill’s questionable pass protection will be put to the test.

*Matchup to watch – Chiefs S Ron Parker vs. Dolphins S Michael Thomas: Parker, a former cornerback, is expected to start in place of injured Eric Berry over safeties Kurt Coleman and Kelcie McCray. Thomas got the start last week ahead of veteran Louis Delmas. Which youngster can best hold up the back end of his team’s defense?

*Player spotlight – Chiefs RB/WR De’Anthony Thomas: The rookie is set to make his regular-season debut after missing two games with a hamstring pull, and the former Oregon Duck star could provide a much-needed dynamic element to the offense.

*Fast facts: The Chiefs are 0-2 for the eighth time in the past 11 years. In 15 previous seasons with 0-2 starts, Kansas City has finished with a winning record only one time (2006). … Dolphins WR Mike Wallace leads all AFC wide receivers with 39 touchdown catches since entering the league in 2009.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

With both quarterbacks struggling to move the ball consistently through the air, this quickly becomes a battle of backup running backs. While the Dolphins’ Lamar Miller has added some bulk, Davis has better shown the ability to step in and handle the load as a feature back.

*Our pick: Chiefs 20-17