Chiefs (13-6) at Ravens (14-4)
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Ravens by 3.5
Chiefs’ keys to victory: For Kansas City, it’ll be about RB Isaiah Pacheco and his ability to find running room against the Ravens’ No. 1-ranked defense. The Chiefs will look to feature TE Travis Kelce in the passing game, and it’ll be on head coach Andy Reid to schematically put his tight end in position to win one-on-one matchups against All-Pro S Kyle Hamilton. On defense, Kansas City will look to adjust after allowing Bills QB Josh Allen 72 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 12 carries. In the passing game, the Chiefs will need key performances from WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie WR Rashee Rice.
Ravens’ keys to victory: Ride a punishing rushing attack led by QB Lamar Jackson, coupled with timely play-action pass attempts to WRs Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman. First-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken will likely get Pro Bowl TE Mark Andrews back, and his job will be to incorporate two tight end looks while maintaining the growth and downfield potential of TE Isaiah Likely. The defense will look to pressure QB Patrick Mahomes while figuring out a way to nullify Kelce.
Matchup to watch: Chiefs’ Kelce vs. Ravens’ Hamilton. In a 33-19 win over San Francisco earlier this season, the Ravens allowed tight end George Kittle to rack up seven catches for 126 yards. A huge performance from Kelce on the biggest stage could ruin Baltimore’s dream season.
Who wins? Baltimore has been dominant all season, and Jackson will be the best player on the field.
Ravens, 35- 31