Chiefs at Ravens: Preview and prediction

Previewing the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.

The Chiefs are making an epic run toward the playoffs. Only one team since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 has ever started the season 1-5 before actually reaching the postseason. Should the Chiefs be playing after Week 17, they would happily become the second.

Kansas City is riding a seven-game winning streak and at 8-5, are the fifth seed in the AFC playoff picture. The Chiefs are hoping to close the season strong with three more victories, perhaps even doing enough to beat out the Denver Broncos for the AFC West title.

Meanwhile, Baltimore is cooked and has been for some time. The Ravens watched as outside linebacker Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles tendon in Week 1, and it was a precursor for things to come. Since then, Baltimore has seen Joe Flacco, Justin Forsett, Jeremy Zuttah, Eugene Monroe, Breshad Perriman, Dennis Pitta and Chris Canty go on injured reserve.

At 4-9, the Ravens are simply playing for pride. Baltimore is hoping to pull the upset, being more than a touchdown underdog in its own building. The main question is whether Matt Schaub or Jimmy Clausen will be starting under center. Clausen started last week and could only generate six points with a rough cast of characters around him.

While the Ravens are well coached and have heart, expect the Chiefs to come out and play like the playoff team they are about to be.

Pick: Chiefs 27, Ravens 9