The Baltimore Ravens kick off their 2009 season, as a 13 point favorite over the Kansas City Chiefs.

CBS Sportsline has an updated Power Rankings out today, where they rank the Ravens 12th overall, and the Chiefs 30th.

Fox Sports has not updated since August 5th, but also had the Ravens 12th, with KC 26th.

USA Today updated September 1st, and has Baltimore 6th, with the Chiefs 31st.

These are just stated examples of the obvious; the Ravens are expected to contend for at-least the playoffs, and KC is not.

However, I do not see many people picking the Ravens to finish above 11-5. Myself, I have stated 10-6.

Tom Danyluk of Pro Football Weekly, released his AFC predictions today, and has the Ravens finishing 9-7. Interestingly, he has predicted a 7-9 season for KC. I believe Peter King of Sports Illustrated has predicted an 8-8 season for KC.

So, you could look at KC as an also-ran that has no business being on the same field as Baltimore; or you could look at the teams maybe winding-up only a game or two apart at the end.

Baltimore simply can not afford to lose a conference game at home to the Chiefs.

This game Sunday will boil down to the mismatch of the Chiefs Offensive-line, vs. the Ravens Defensive-line.

A few weeks-ago, I had the opportunity to interview Kent Babb of the KC Star, who follows the Chiefs. He reiterated how KC has 2008 1st-rounder Branden Albert at LT, and 4-time Pro-Bowler Brian Walters at LG. After-that, there are questions at C, RG, and RT.

A team with that many questions on the line, simply has no chance against the Ravens Defensive-line. However, it does bear watching to see if Trevor Pryce can bring some pass-rush. Ngata, and Gregg will collapse the pocket, and swallow the run. The fact that Bannan, Edwards, McKinney, and Talavou can rotate into the game, is just unfair.

KC will know this going in, so while they could max-protect and use a FB, and 2 TE’s – I tend to think they will spread the field, and try to attack the Ravens through the air. With 3-4 wide sets, they will try and pull defenders out of the box. The Chiefs could have some success with their bigger, stronger receivers like Bowe, and Bradley.

The most interesting match-up in my-mind is the KC Front 7, vs. the Ravens Offensive-line.

The Chiefs will be using a 3-4 scheme this year. KC will have 2008, and 2009 1st-rounders Glenn Dorsey, and Tyson Jackson on the line, backed up by 2005, and 2006 1st-rounders Derrick Johnson, and Tamba Hali at LB. After cutting Zach Thomas, the other two LB’s are 34-year old Mike Vrabel, and Corey Mays who had a strong-camp.

I am excited about the Ravens Offensive-line starters, and want to see Gaither, Grubbs, Birk, Chester, and Oher show they can handle pressure, with out extra-helping blockers.

QB Matt Cassel practiced today for KC, wearing a brace. It appears he will play, but his mobility figures to be limited. That has to hurt KC’s chances for an upset.

I am also wondering how the organization is handling the dismissal of Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey so late into camp.

All-in-all, the 13 point line seems appropriate, and it should be a good start to the year for the Ravens.

Still, it needs to be stated that Baltimore can not come out of this game without a W; and the Chiefs come into this game, with absolutely no pressure on their shoulders.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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