When the Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, they're likely going to face an easier challenge up front. Veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy is expected to miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury stemming from the Ravens' win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. That timeline will keep Van Noy out of the AFC showdown.
Van Noy led Baltimore with 12.5 sacks last season and has 21.5 over the last two seasons. Somehow, the 12-year vet has found a way to stave off Father Time, as he made his first Pro Bowl just last season. Van Noy is also a voice of experience and team leader among a group of younger pass rushers.
The loss of Van Noy puts second-round pick Mike Green in the crosshairs. The Marshall product led collegiate pass rushers a year ago with 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss, and now he'll get a prime opportunity to show what he can do in a highly anticipated matchup with K.C.
The Week 4 matchup between KC and Baltimore looks a bit different now.
For Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, the loss of Van Noy reduces the potency of the Ravens pass rush by a degree but no one is going to be convinced that a victory will prove any easier in Week 4. The Ravens enjoy the sustained success that they do because they have a loaded roster that's well-coached, and the loss of a single player—even Van Noy—doesn't change the bigger picture.
That said, the demands placed upon left tackle Josh Simmons and right tackle Jawaan Taylor will feel different unless younger players like Green and Tavius Robinson can step up. Odafe Oweh is also on hand as an edge rusher up front for the Ravens. It will be interesting to see if David Ojabo will be in the mix by Week 4.
The Chiefs' offense has been slow to get moving in 2025, and a poor showing in Week 2 was neutered by questionable play calling and limited options in both the ground game and passing attack. Xavier Worthy returns in Week 3, and it's possible Jalen Royals is back in time to make his debut against the Ravens. However, Kansas City will still be without Rashee Rice for another few weeks at this stage of the schedule.
The Ravens are still a tough draw, but the equation changes at least a bit when one of their most versatile rushers isn’t out there. It will be interesting to see just how much the Ravens miss Van Noy when the AFC powers play in Week 4.