The St. Louis Rams managed a surprising win last week, but many expect the Kansas City Chiefs to come out on top this weekend.
Rams vs. Chiefs 2014 picks and predictions: Kansas City starting to turn heads
After beating Philip Rivers and the Chargers in San Diego, the Chiefs return home to face an upset-minded Rams team.
Stephen Dunn
The Chiefs and Rams meet Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, both coming off impressive victories. Kansas City went on the road and dispatched a hot San Diego Chargers team, holding the ball for 39 minutes in a 23-20 victory. Meanwhile, St. Louis topped the Seattle Seahawks 28-26, with a terrific special teams effort and a methodical game by Austin Davis.
At 3-3, the Chiefs find themselves squarely in the AFC playoff picture with the Rams and New York Jets coming into Arrowhead over the next two weeks. Kansas City has relied on its rushing attack to win, led by All-Pro Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis. Last week, Charles had 95 yards and one touchdown while setting the franchise record for career rushing yards. Defensively, it is the pass rush that dominates. Justin Houston has seven sacks, tied for second-most in the NFL. Tamba Hali has also contributed as Houston's bookend with four sacks.
The Rams are only 2-4, but have played close games against the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys along with their win over Seattle. Davis has been somewhat of a revelation for St. Louis, completing 65.9 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns and four interceptions. Davis is without top weapons around him, but has managed to keep the offense moving along with the two-prong ground attack of Zac Stacy and Tre Mason.
Over at USA Today, Tom Pelissero is the only expert out of seven picking the Rams to pull the upset. Mike Ditka is also a man on an island at ESPN, with the other analysts all siding with the Chiefs to improve to 4-3. Three of the eight men at CBS Sports believe the Rams will cover the 6.5-point spread, but all eight think Kansas City will walk away victorious.
Here at SB Nation, five of the seven experts are rolling with the Chiefs, but both Ryan Van Bibber and ex-NFL player Stephen White see the Rams as the better team.
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