Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs AFC Wildcard Sunday: The Chiefs head into this game as home underdogs, having gone from a 4-win team to hosting a playoff game. They are solid on both sides of the ball, but great nowhere. Much of the credit has to go to Quarterback Matt Cassell, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, yet gave up only seven interceptions. The KC defence was good, but not great, finishing 14th overall. But they are facing a very good, playoff hardened Baltimore team.
The Ravens are led by all-world middle linebacker Ray Lewis, who continues to be one of the top defensive players in the NFL today. He will have to be on his game, as the Chiefs had the NFL’s number-1 ranked rushing attack, which will help keep the pass rush off of Cassel.
Baltimore is led by the two-pronged attack of running back Ray Rice and quarterback Joe Flacco. The Ravens should be able to have success running the ball, and that could open up some play action throws for Flacco down the field.
As long as the Chiefs stay away from turnovers, and can limit the amount of yards that Rice and the Ravens rushing attack gain on first down, this game should be very close and come down to who executes best in the fourth quarter.