In our week 14 writer predictions, the Kansas City Chiefs were unanimously predicted to beat the Baltimore Ravens despite their tough defense.
Coming off a shootout win against the Oakland Raiders last week, the Kansas City Chiefs are turning to face the Baltimore Ravens. This game will be a true test for the Chiefs, who boast the NFL’s best offense, as the Ravens boast the NFL’s best defense.
Though the news of wide receiver Sammy Watkins re-injuring his foot emerging is bad news for the Chiefs, they were able to hang with the Los Angeles Rams and beat the Raiders without him. They also beat the Denver Broncos earlier in the season without Watkins for the majority of the game. Of course, losing an offensive weapon in Watkins hurts, but the Chiefs should be able to manage without him.
The biggest test for the Chiefs will be against the Ravens tough run defense that has only allowed 87.2 yards per game. With the Chiefs planning to finish the season utilizing running back by committee, it’s doubtful they produce much on the ground.
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This is a crucial game for the Chiefs in multiple respects. In the battle for the AFC West, they currently hold a one-game lead ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers. They also currently hold the tiebreaker of the Chargers, but this, of course, could change in next Thursday’s primetime meeting at Arrowhead. In the playoff race, the Chiefs have little room for error because the New England Patriots are just a game back for the #1 seed, and hold the tiebreaker. Also, the Chiefs can clinch a playoff berth if they beat the Ravens.
As the Chiefs prepare for this key matchup, we’ve asked our writers for their predictions. None of them are too worried about the Ravens defense, as the Chiefs were unanimously picked to win.
Drew Brooks
The Ravens defense will be a hard test for the Chiefs, but, as we’ve seen this season, Patrick Mahomes can handle anything. In the absence of Sammy Watkins, I think we’ll see another breakout game from Chris Conley. Mahomes needs to throw at least five touchdowns to keep on pace for his ketchup, and, ultimately, I think he will. Chiefs 38, Ravens 30
Matt Conner
The Ravens play a different scheme than anything Patrick Mahomes has seen yet this year, and they’ve got vets who are right at home within it. For that reason, I think the Chiefs will score fewer points than any other game this year, but they still come out on top because there’s no way Andy Reid lets a rookie beat him at this point. Chiefs 24, Ravens 14
Jalon Dodson
Defense holds fast. Offense starts quick, finishes all the same. Won’t be a problem at all. The Ravens defense won’t be able to keep up with Mahomes & company. Chiefs 38, Ravens 24
Jacob Harris
The Ravens try to play a slow, run-heavy, clock-eating game. It works for two or three quarters, then the Chiefs get a turnover and score quickly. It’s not particularly competitive from then on, and the Chiefs roll easily. Chiefs 35, Ravens 21
Matthew Loomis
Despite facing the #1 rated Defense in the NFL, the Chiefs will score 27 points on the Ravens and the Chiefs Defense will get the job done at home. Look for Kelvin Benjamin to get some targets in the Red Zone. Chiefs 27, Ravens 20
Ellen Tolsma
This will be a tough test for the chiefs. The Ravens come in with the number one defense but it still won’t be enough to stop Mahomes. The Chiefs win a close one. Chiefs 27, Ravens 24
Thomas Welte
This is going to be a tough game for the Chiefs, I think they’ll struggle early but hang around long enough to pull it out. Baltimore’s defense is no joke, but their offense is still finding its identity. The Chiefs Defense always plays better at home and that’s a big factor in the win. Chiefs 34, Ravens 21