The Chiefs eked out a win over the pitiful Chargers last week and face another team that has been decimated by injuries and is looking ahead to next season. Kansas City sits atop the wild card race in the AFC and still has a chance to catch the Broncos in the West Division. Another showing like the one last week, however, could end those dreams.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Baltimore Ravens +7.5
Kansas City Chiefs -7.5
Over/Under 42
ODDS ANALYSIS
Opening as a 7.5-point home dog, the Ravens find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Baltimore has been a home underdog of 7.5 points or more just once since 2007. Kansas City’s run of six straight covers ended last week in a 10-3 win over San Diego as an 11.5-point fave. The Chiefs are 3-0 SU and ATS in their last three road games.
KEY INJURIES
Spencer Ware – The Chiefs’ running back does not have any fractures in his ribs, but he is “bruised, swollen and in pain.” It sounds like the sort of injury that could lead to at least a week of rest, particularly because of Ware’s physical style. Charcandrick West will be the lead dog against the Ravens.
Chris Canty – Baltimore’s defensive end was placed on injured reserve after suffering a pectoral injury in last week’s loss to Seattle. Lawrence Guy and Brent Urban will fill that void and see increased reps.
Matt Schaub – Is questionable to play Sunday due to a chest injury. He missed last week’s game and will play if he’s close to 100 percent, according to coach John Harbaugh. Jimmy Clausen would get another start if Schaub can’t go with Ryan Mallett signed to be a backup.
KEY MISMATCH
After a rookie season in which he barely got on the field, linebacker Dee Ford is showing the Chiefs why they made him a first-round pick. Starting last week in place of injured All-Pro Justin Houston, Ford finished as the Chiefs leading tackler and racked up three sacks of San Diego’s Philip Rivers. He also made the defensive play of the game breaking up a pass in the end zone on the game’s final play to preserve a 10-3 win, the Chiefs’ seventh straight. Ford spent the afternoon abusing Chargers’ tackle Chris Hairston, including one sack where he came off the edge and Hairston never moved out of his stance. Rushing the passer is what the Chiefs knew Ford could do, but he showed on the final play that he has the skills to be an all-around linebacker. He was part of a pass rush that sacked Rivers five times and has 39 on the season.
KEY STAT
39.0 – Kansas City’s quarterback sack total. The Chiefs have the fourth-most sacks in the NFL and face a Ravens offensive line that has allowed just 20.
BETTING ANGLE
If it was possible to end a season early, it’s likely the Ravens would choose that option and regroup for 2016. But before they can try to put a forgettable 2015 campaign in the rear-view mirror, the ravens will host the streaking Chiefs. It’s been a tale of two seasons for the Chiefs, winners of seven straight coming in. KC has turned its year around to improve to 8-5 and lead the AFC wild card race. The Chiefs are just 7-6 ATS this season and had their streak of six straight covers snapped last week.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Injuries are a part of the game and every team has to deal with them. But it’s hard not to feel for Harbaugh and the Ravens, who have been absolutely ripped apart. Baltimore will put a team on the field that’s nowhere near the talented group they had to start the year. If there is a silver lining, the coaching staff will get a chance to evaluate some players for roster spots moving forward. Otherwise, it’s wait till next year. Baltimore hasn’t quit on their coach, they just don’t have the talent to compete against one of the AFC’s best. The score will be closer than last week’s blowout loss to Seattle, but the outcome will be the same. The Chiefs will keep the pressure on the Broncos in the AFC West and move closer to securing a playoff spot with a cover win.
Kansas City 24, Baltimore 13
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