Prediction: Ravens vs Chiefs, 9.13.09
September 13th, 2009 | by Kevin Hanson |Before each Ravens’ game this season, I will attempt to predict the outcome. Today the Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that Vegas (and the rest of the country, for that matter) expects to be a rout. The Ravens enter the game as a 12.5-point favorite. Only the Saints, who host the Lions, are bigger favorites this week.
First off, the Chiefs know what the Ravens want (and are going) to do. With their trio of RBs — Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, and Le’Ron McClain, the Ravens led the NFL in rushing attempts (37 carries per game) last year. And they will continue to be a run-first team.
However, knowing what they’re going to do doesn’t mean that the Chiefs will be able to stop the Ravens. Last year, the Chiefs allowed 158.9 rushing yards per game, which ranked 30th in the league.
The Chiefs won’t be able to run the ball against the stout Ravens’ rush defense, either. The Ravens finished second in the NFL in rushing defense behind the Vikings in 2008.
With the Chiefs’ inability to run the ball against the Ravens and an early deficit, the Chiefs will need to try to move the ball in the air. And, per ESPN, quarterback Matt Cassel is out for today’s game and the Chiefs will go with Brody Croyle. With Tony Gonzalez, the NFL’s all-time leading receiver at the tight end position, no longer in Kansas City, the Ravens will be able to focus their attention on talented receiver Dwayne Bowe.
It’s going to be a frustrating day and a long flight back to Kansas City for the soon-to-be 0-1 Chiefs.
Prediction: Ravens 31, Chiefs 6
