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Ravens vs. Chiefs Predictions: Ebony Bird round table

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 21: Tight End Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after catching a touchdown in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 21: Tight End Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after catching a touchdown in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Running Back Mark Ingram #21 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Running Back Mark Ingram #21 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

Garrett Ferguson’s prediction:

This is going to be one of the biggest games of the year and we’re only three weeks into the 2019 NFL season. The Ravens have started extremely hot this year, especially on offense, so this game features two juggernaut offenses. With such a big game comes bold game day predictions so let’s get started.

Ravens offense will rush for 250+ yards: The Chiefs run defense is averaging six yards per carry so far this season. Yes, you read that right SIX (6) yards per carry. This Ravens offense is going to have a field day running the ball against this defense. Add in the horrible weather conditions (rain and thunderstorm warnings) and there won’t be much luck throwing the ball. It’s also being reported that the winds are supposed to reach up to 20 mph during kickoff so the ground game is going to be vital.

I expect Greg Roman to rely heavily on running back Mark Ingram II as they control time of possession to keep Patrick Mahomes off the field and grind the clock. If the Chiefs defense allows their average of six yards per carry Ingram only has to carry the ball 17 times to reach 100 yards, but I’m sure it’ll take much less than that.

Lamar Jackson is going to be a major threat on the ground as well. Last week, Jackson rushed for 120 yards against the Arizona Cardinals on 16 carries which may seem like a few carries too many, but most of them were quick sprints to the sideline picking up 7-10 yards without initiating contact. With muddy weather conditions the Chiefs pass rushers are going to have a tough time corralling Mr. Action Jackson.

Earl Thomas III will get his second interception: Earlier this week Earl Thomas was asked about the 4th and 9 hail marry play from last season and he had this to say:

Thomas’ quote shows just how confident he is in his abilities which obviously makes me a lot more comfortable having him patrolling the back-end of the defense this time around. Even though the weather is going to be bad Patrick Mahomes is still going to take his shots down field and if you throw it at Thomas enough he’s going to get you eventually. This game is going to be a chess match not only between Andy Reid and Don Martindale, but also between Mahomes and Thomas.

If the Ravens win this game it’s going to be one of their biggest wins in recent memory (maybe even bigger than their win against the Los Angeles Chargers last season) and it’s only going to dump more coal on this Ravens hype train. Lamar Jackson has downplayed this game all week but we all know how much he wants to beat this Chiefs team considering they gave him his only regular season loss. I was a bit hesitant on the Ravens winning this game just because Patrick Mahomes keeps me up at night, but given the weather conditions I believe the Ravens have the advantage now.

Score Prediction: 30-27, Ravens 

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