ClutchPoints
The Kansas City Chiefs enter their Week 4 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in unfamiliar territory. They are 1-2 and sit two games behind the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West. The Chargers face the winless New York Giants on Sunday. So, a loss this week would likely place the Chiefs three back, having already lost the first head-to-head meeting.
That makes this game crucial for Kansas City.
But it is equally important for the Ravens. Not so much because of the standings. The AFC North is a mess. No one believes in the 2-1 Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cincinnati Bengals are without Joe Burrow for three months. The Cleveland Browns, well, are the Cleveland Browns.
But this game means a lot to the Ravens psychologically. Lamar Jackson is 1-5 all-time against Patrick Mahomes, including the playoffs. They need to prove to themselves that they can beat the reigning AFC Champs.
They are also coming off a surprising loss to the Detroit Lions. It is not surprising because of the opponent. The Lions are one of the best teams in the NFL. But Jackson had been 24-2 in his career against the NFC.
The Ravens will be motivated to get back on track. The Chiefs are in a dire situation, providing their own sense of desperation. It should make for a fantastic football game.
So, let’s get to our bold predictions for the Chiefs in Week 4.
The Chiefs’ offense has looked mostly dreadful this season. But they have been playing shorthanded.
Rashee Rice is still serving his six-game suspension. Then, on the third snap of the season, wide receiver Xavier Worthy separated his shoulder after running into Travis Kelce on a crossing route.
Without the team’s top two playmakers, Kansas City’s offense has garnered the nickname ‘pop gun.’ That is because everything is underneath. Nearly all of Patrick Mahomes’ throws are at or near the line of scrimmage. Their star quarterback is good enough to keep drives alive. But far too often, they go on long drives with double-digit plays, only to end in a field goal.
But Worthy is practicing this week, and all signs point to him making his return this week.
The former Texas Longhorn is not your typical alpha receiver. He is 5-foot-11, weighing 165 pounds. But he is quick, is great after the catch, and possesses top-end speed. That is something that has sorely been missing with the Chiefs’ offense.
Look for Mahomes to get him involved early and often. I would expect Worthy to catch at least six passes and go over 75 all-purpose yards.
One of the big reasons for Kansas City’s struggles on offense has been the lack of a running game. Through three weeks, the Chiefs’ leading rusher is none other than Mahomes himself. And it’s not even close.
Mahomes has 125 yards rushing. Starting running back Isiah Pacheco has 92...
