Only a few weeks ago, it seemed the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals were sure bets to make the playoffs in their respective conferences. Now, both are mired in two-game losing streaks and could be on the outside looking in without a big win in Week 14.
Chiefs vs. Cardinals 2014 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
With both teams on two-game losing streaks, the desperation is palpable in the desert for a pair of contenders.
Arizona began the season 9-1 but is without starting quarterback Carson Palmer, who tore his ACL in a win against the St. Louis Rams three weeks ago. Palmer's injury puts Drew Stanton in the driver's seat, a place Stanton was earlier in the year. Stanton went 2-1 in those three starts but has faltered in his second stint as the starter, falling to the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons. Stanton has only led the Cardinals to one touchdown in those two games, and has the lowest completion percentage (55.3) of any qualifying quarterback. Arizona needs to pass block in this game, with Justin Houston and his league-leading 14 sacks across the way.
In Kansas City, the main concern is run defense. Despite leading the league against the pass (allowing only 197 yards per game) the Chiefs rank last in yards per rush at 4.9. Over its last three contests, Kansas City has permitted 598 rushing yards to the Seahawks, Raiders and Broncos. On offense, the Chiefs have struggled all year to generate movement in the passing game. Alex Smith has been his usual game-manager self, but the receivers aren't getting the job done. Kansas City is the only team without a touchdown from a receiver, and only Dwayne Bowe has more than 176 yards.
Whoever wins this game will be in good shape once again for a postseason run. The Chiefs would be 8-5 and going home to play the Raiders. Arizona would improve to 10-3 and remain in the desert for a Thursday night showdown against the Rams.
How to Watch
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale
When: 4:05 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Announcers: Greg Gumbel, Trent Green
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds
The line is EVEN for Arizona and Kansas City, with an over/under of 39.5, per OddsShark.
Further Reading
For more on the Chiefs, head over to Arrowhead Pride.
To keep up with the Cardinals, check out Revenge Of The Birds.
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