Bold Predictions: Ravens vs. Chiefs

In a matchup featuring a battle between a top rated offense and a number one defense, the Ravens have a chance to make a huge statement on the road if they can upset the Chiefs. With every week influencing Baltimore’s postseason outlook, Baltimore Beatdown boldly predicts how the game will turn out.

Sage’s predictions:

• Lamar Jackson will finish with his best passer rating as an NFL starter.

In a field goal fest against Atlanta in Week 13, Jackson threw for the fewest yards in his short stint as Baltimore’s starter. However, Kansas City is dead last in passing defense, giving up 295 yards per game through the air. For comparison, Baltimore’s second ranked passing defense allows 100.6 less yards per game. The Chiefs are going to put up points, but their glaringly weak defense will leave the window wide open for Jackson to become more comfortable using his arm to make an impact.

• The Ravens defense will keep Tyreek Hill out of the end zone.

In a win over the Raiders last week, Hill was targeted just six times and finished the day with only one reception. With Sammy Watkins injured and Kelvin Benjamin slated to make his Chiefs debut in Week 15, the Ravens will be keyed in on the receiver who leads the team with 11 touchdown receptions this season.

Dustin’s predictions:

• The Ravens defense will force Patrick Mahomes into multiple turnovers.

Baltimore’s top ranked defense will face it’s toughest test this week at Arrowhead Stadium against the young MVP frontrunner Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes has thrown a whopping 41 touchdown passes to just 11 interceptions this season. While the Ravens defense has not forced nearly as many turnovers this season compared to last year, they will force multiple this afternoon. Mahomes has a gunslinger mentality, often throwing ill-advised passes that somehow work out due to his incredible arm and Kansas City’s talented crew of playmakers. Mahomes will not get away with those throws this week, as Baltimore will pick him off twice.

• Baltimore will hold Kansas City to under 20 points.

The Chiefs have the highest scoring offense in the NFL, averaging 37 points per game. On the other hand, the Ravens have the stingiest scoring defense, only allowing 17.8 points per game. Something will have to give today. Lamar Jackson will continue to dominate time of possession this week, leading Baltimore to contain Kansas City in a shocking upset.