Target Chiefs' Travis Kelce Sunday Based on Ravens Injuries

The Patrick Mahomes-Travis Kelce dynamic was on full display on Sunday, connecting six times for 76 yards and two touchdowns. 

While Kelce is always a threat for a high target share and several touchdown grabs, I’m expecting an even bigger role when the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday Night Football.

The Ravens are coming off of a Monday Night Football loss to the Raiders in overtime, 33-27. The story leading up to this season in Baltimore has been their injury report. The club is down their top three running backs already, but it’s the injuries on defense that may be the most concerning. 

Cornerback Marcus Peters tore his ACL last week, ending his season before it started, and fellow corner Jimmy Smith missed Week 1 with an ankle injury. 

Smith hadn’t practiced since Aug. 6 with an ankle sprain until last week, but was still held out of the opener in Las Vegas. With a high profile matchup against the Chiefs this coming week, maybe head coach John Harbaugh was focused on having his starting corner at full strength for the vaunted Chiefs passing attack, but it may have been a dagger to their hopes in Week 1.

With no Smith, the Ravens had nobody to cover 2020 Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller. Waller brought in 10 catches for 105 yards and a score, but what was even more notable was that he had 19 targets on the night. 

Considering Baltimore didn't have an athletic corner to stick to Waller, or a linebacker to hang with him downfield, Waller was targeted all game.

Even if Smith goes on SNF against Kansas City, the recipe can remain the same for Mahomes and the offense. Not only does Smith not have the size to bother Kelce, but also this will be Smith's first game after missing the entire preseason. It's a tall order for him off the injury report.

If Baltimore looks to stick a linebacker on Kelce, that'll spell even more issues, as evident on Monday night.

Kelce and Mahomes have given the Ravens defense fits over the last three seasons. Kelce is averaging more than seven catches for 84 yards in three games against the Ravens.

I see Kelce getting the rock a ton against a banged up Ravens defense that is going to be scrambling to stop this offense on a short week. 

Player props aren’t available yet at WynnBET, but this is a matchup I’m keying in the market when it opens. 

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