Baltimore capable of covering handicap on trip to Kansas City

Sky Sports Action, 6pm Sunday

The quality of Kansas City's offensive play has been turning heads for the entire season but they face one of their toughest tests of the campaign when in-form Baltimore head to Arrowhead.

No team have scored more points than the Chiefs - they average a whopping 33.8 on their own patch - but they face the meanest defence in the league and one who have put themselves in a great place to secure a post-season berth.

While other teams have seen their seasons collapse after key injuries, the Ravens are fighting their way back and are in the strong position of managing healthy quarterback competition.

Regular QB Joe Flacco has recovered from a hip injury but rookie Lamar Jackson has been inspired in their three-match unbeaten run and his ability to get out of the pocket and be a running threat provides an extra dimension.

And while running back Alex Collins has been ruled out through injury, Gus Edwards has been productive in his place and should be able to share the rushing responsibility with the returning Kenneth Dixon.

So while much of their progress is down to their proficiency on the other side of the ball, they do have offensive options.

The Chiefs have had to have a reshuffle their offence after running back Kareem Hunt was sacked after film emerged of him involved in an episode of domestic violence.

Spencer Ware is a solid replacement and the same could be said in the receiving ranks where the loss of the injured Sammy Watkins has been offset by the recruitment of Kevin Benjamin from Buffalo - a player who has plenty to prove.

It should prove to be an intriguing contest and would represent a significant scalp for either team, but the Ravens can cover the handicap if they are successfully in keeping Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the sidelines for as long as possible by using their running game.

Recommendation
Baltimore +6.5
2pts 10-11 general

The lowdown

Venue Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Surface Grass
Weather Partly cloudy, -3C
Vegas handicap Baltimore +6.5
Vegas points line 51

Team news
Baltimore
Quarterback Joe Flacco was a full participant in Friday's practice but Lamar Jackson looks set to continue under centre. Safety Tony Jefferson is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Kansas City
Wide receiver Sammy Watkins has been ruled out for the season with a foot injury but Kelvin Benjamin has been signed from Buffalo. Safety Eric Berry is questionable with a heel injury

Key stat
Baltimore have won four of their last five matches against Kansas City

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