The Baltimore Ravens will host the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium with only pride at stake after a heavy defeat to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson turned on the style as his side ran away with a 35-6 victory, keeping the Baltimore offense to just two field goals, which were both scored in the second quarter.
As for the Chiefs, they come into this one with their playoff hopes still alive, as they are riding a seven-game winning streak, which is the longest active streak at this point in the season. But a win on Sunday is a must to keep up with the other playoff hopefuls.
Young players to be given a chance this week
The Ravens are set to inject some young talent into their team this week, as head coach John Harbaugh made it clear at the start of the week that they will be getting more young players onto the playing field during the final three games of the season.
Harbaugh also has a big decision to make at quarterback. Will it be Jimmy Clausen or will it be the recently-signed Ryan Mallett? It seems very likely that it will be Clausen with Mallett only being on the roster for under a week.
They will be going up against divisional rivals in their final two games, on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 and the Cincinnati Bengals in the final week, therefore, these young players coming in will have the chance to make a name for themselves.
Chiefs hitting form at the right time
The pressure is on Kansas City to win the game on Sunday with Baltimore already being out of playoff contention - they are two games behind the division leading Denver Broncos so they must keep up with the others.
They have certainly peaked at the right time this season, and the Chiefs are coming off an ugly 10-3 win over the San Diego Chargers at the Arrowhead Stadium. Quarterback Alex Smith led the team with the game’s only touchdown, but their defense is to thank.
Although it wasn’t the best game Smith has ever played, the job still got done and it is quite possible that the Chiefs could go unbeaten between now and the rest of the season, with the Cleveland Browns (3-10) and the Oakland Raiders (6-7) coming to Arrowhead.
Injury Report
Baltimore has been hit with an injury to tight-end Crockett Gillmore (back), who has been ruled out for the game on Sunday. Kyle Arrington (back), Marlon Brown (back) and Albert McClellan (ankle) are doubtful for the game.
Elvis Dumervil has been a standout performer for the Ravens this season, just like last, but he is probable for the game. Kelechi Osemele (knee), Matt Schaub (chest) and Marshal Yanda (ankle) are all probable as well. Terrance West (Calf) remains questionable.
The Chiefs were dealt with three major blows as linebacker Justin Houston (knee), defensive back Husain Abdullah (concussion) and running back De’Anthony Thomas (concussion) are all out of the game.
Spencer Ware (ribs) is listed as questionable for the trip to M&T Bank Stadium, but tight end Travis Kelce (groin/quad), Tamba Halli (knee) and Mike DeVito (toe) are all likely to feature in the game.
Prediction
Kansas City Chiefs 27, Baltimore Ravens 13