For the first time in over three years, a December game means something for Missouri's two NFL teams. The 8-5 Kansas City Chiefs stand atop the AFC West with a one-game lead over the San Diego Chargers while the St. Louis Rams, at 6-7, maintain first place in the NFC West along with the Seattle Seahawks. Neither team is used to success in the last few years so it's hard to predict how they'll react late in December.
NFL Picks Week 15: Chiefs Will Take Down Rams In A Close One
The big question entering the game this weekend is the availability of QB Matt Cassel. Most oddsmakers have taken the game off the board until the Cassel question is answered but the early signs are that he'll be playing this weekend. That's great news for the Chiefs who, before last week's thrashing courtesy of the Chargers, was rolling offensively. If Cassel can get back into the groove, this Chiefs offense is surprisingly dangerous.
But the Chiefs aren't built around the passing game and neither are the Rams, even with QB Sam Bradford. Both teams are interested in establishing the running game. For KC, that comes with RB Jamaal Charles and RB Thomas Jones and for St. Louis it's all Steven Jackson. Whoever runs the ball well -- and stops the run well -- will win this game.
The few places that do have this game on the board are putting the Rams as 1-2.5 point favorites. Don’t listen to them. The Chiefs will win this game (full disclosure: I’m SB Nation’s Chiefs blogger) -- by a field goal or more. KC’s running attack won’t be shut down like it was last week against San Diego.
Check out Arrowhead Pride and Turf Show Times for more on the game.
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