2011 NFL AFC Playoffs Preview and Prediction: Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs

Despite going 12-4 in the regular season, the Baltimore Ravens had to settle for the AFC Wild Card after finishing with a worse division record than the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Kansas City Chiefs, meanwhile, were able to basically run away with the AFC West after the San Diego Chargers decided to never find any modicum of consistency this season.

Baltimore Ravens 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview

Despite having overall numbers that don't look overly impressive, the Ravens have put together a very impressive season. Baltimore finished at 12-4, with three of those losses to teams that also won at least 12 games (New England, Pittsburgh, Atlanta). In addition, the Ravens achieved a Week 1 road win against the New York Jets and a Week 15 home win against the defending champion New Orleans Saints.

The Ravens aren't a team that blows people out. Only two of their games (both wins) were decided by 14 or more points this season, and they had an amazing five games decided by three points or less, going 3-2 in those games. The Ravens offense scored more than 30 points five times this season while allowing 30+ points only once, and their consistency over the course of the season could give them a decided edge in the playoffs.

Kansas City Chiefs 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview

The Chiefs were one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season. Kansas City went only 4-12 last season, yet without making any huge personnel changes were able to improve to 10-6 this season and win the AFC West. The Chiefs finished the season with the best rushing offense in the NFL, getting 164.2 yards per game from their running game.

The Chiefs have quite a few holes, however. Their passing offense can show flashes of brilliance, but is mainly used to set up the running game. In addition, they only played one 10-win team the entire season, losing to the Indianapolis Colts 19-9 in Week 5. Kansas City is also entering the playoffs following one of their worst performances of the season, losing to the Oakland Raiders 31-10. In that game, quarterback Matt Cassell was a horrendous 11-33 passing, with no touchdowns and two interceptions, and the rushing offense mustered only 115 yards, way below their season average.

Ravens (12-4) at Chiefs (10-6) Conclusion

Until their season ending loss to the Raiders, the Kansas City Chiefs were undefeated at home. Three of the Ravens' four losses came on the road. I think that, overall, the Ravens are more talented than the Chiefs and will win this game, but it will be extremely close and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs continue their amazing season and sneak away with a playoff win.

2011 NFL Playoffs Prediction: Ravens defeat Chiefs, 20-17

Source:

All stats and standings from espn.com