Kansas City Chiefs vs. St. Louis Rams: 5 Key Matchups to Watch in Week 15

Let me get a show of hands: how many of you thought the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Rams would be playing a meaningful game in Week 15? I don't see anybody raising their hands, probably for two reasons:

1. I can't see you, and

2. neither team was supposed to be any good.

Well here we are, Week 15 is approaching and the game has significant meaning. The two Missouri darlings will battle for the Governor's Cup, which isn't a trophy, just bragging rights. How exciting... not! (Borat voice.)

The two teams have met five times in the regular season with the Rams going 1-3-1. They desperately need to put another game in the win column just in case the Seahawks somehow find a way to beat the Falcons in Seattle. 

In a week with five powerhouse matchups on the docket (PHI at NYG, JAX at IND, NO at BAL, NYJ at PIT, GB at NE), the battle of first place Missouri teams won't get any love. 

It's a shame too because this game will probably go down to the wire. If Gus Johnson is on the call for CBS, you can be sure it will be a ridiculously crazy game. Let's hope so.

Keep reading for the five matchups to watch in Week 15.

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CB Ron Bartell Vs. WR Dwayne Bowe

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 12: Ron Bartell #24 of the St. Louis Rams attempts to pick off a pass intended for Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinalsduring the NFL season opener at the Edward Jones Dome on September 12, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The

Dwayne Bowe has been a model of inconsistency for the Chiefs this season. He either can't be stopped or can't be found. In seven of 14 games, he's been held to three catches or less and in the last two games, he's hauled in only one one reception for three yards. 

Bowe can be stopped—all the Rams need to do is get in his head early before he can establish his presence on the field. 

The task of tailing Bowe all game will likely be given to CB Ron Bartell. At the moment, Bartell is dealing with a neck injury. From the looks of it he'll play, which is a great sign for the Rams. 

Now if Matt Cassel misses his second consecutive game, this matchup becomes less important. 

Whichever quarterback the Chiefs decide to throw out there will have a very tough time holding the ball in the pocket. Keep reading for matchup No. 2.

Advantage: Push

DL Chris Long Vs. OT Ryan O'Callaghan

Elsa/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 03: Justinn Forsett #20 of the Seattle Seahawks carries the ball as Chris Long #72 of the St. Louis Rams defends on October 3, 2010 at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Rams have the clear advantage in this matchup. Chris Long has played like a beast all season long, sacking the quarterback, forcing fumbles, recovering fumbles, going out in pass coverage. The kid can do it all. 

As for the Chiefs, Ryan O' Callaghan has been in and out of the right tackle position because of injury, inconsistency and ineptitude.

Long's performance will go a long way for the Rams in Week 15. If Cassel plays, it'll be his job to bury his helmet into the surgically-repaired Cassel. If the 0-10 Brodie Croyle plays, you can bet the farm that the Rams will be bringing heavy pressure all game. 

Advantage: Rams

LT Rodger Saffold Vs. DE Glenn Dorsey

Rodger Saffold has been the most consistent Rams lineman this season. The 2010 second-round pick from Indiana has only given up three sacks this season according to my unofficial count.

For the Chiefs, DT Glenn Dorsey has been lackluster, to say the least. Since the start of the '09 season, he's only been able to muster up 1.5 sacks. That's just not enough production from the 2008 No. 5 overall pick. 

Not only is this battle important for Sam Bradford and the passing game, it will play a key role in the run game as well. 

Advantage: Rams

RB Steven Jackson Vs. the Chiefs' Left Side

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams is tackled by Malcom Jenkins #27 of the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

I can't say enough about the importance of Steven Jackson.

Against New Orleans, Jackson looked to have an extra gear, something he's struggled to find all season. Jackson ran the ball 16 times for 96 yards for an average of six yards per carry, his highest of the season.

The left side has been very good to Jackson in 2010. It's where he's seen the most success. 

Right side: 3.7 yards per carry (YPC)

Middle: 2.8 YPC

Left side: 4.4 YPC

You now see why the Saffold-Dorsey matchup is so important? If Saffold ends up dominating like I think he will, Jackson should put up monster numbers. 

I had a chance to spend some time with Steven on his off day this past week down at Cowboys stadium for a Nike event. He seemed giddy when talking about the Rams' playoff chances. Let's remember that Jackson hasn't played a postseason game since '04 when he played backup to Hall of Fame runner Marshall Faulk. 

Here's a link to the interview with Jackson. 

Advantage: Rams

QB Sam Bradford Vs. CB Brandon Carr

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams scrambles to pass the football during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeate

Now this one is fairly simple. Strength against strength. 

Brandon Carr roams the right side of the secondary for the Chiefs. He also ranks second in the league in passes defended with 18, trailing only Giants CB Terrell Thomas, who has 19. 

Carr is parked right in Bradford's sweet spot. Sam's had a ton of success throwing to his left throughout the season. It's where he's accrued the most yards, most touchdowns and highest completion percentage. 

Pat Shurmur needs to be careful not to put Sam in any dangerous throwing situations, especially late in the game. 

I'm going to give the edge to the Chiefs here, you may not like it, but Sam needs to show that he can beat the best. So far he hasn't. 

Advantage: Kansas City

What matchups will you be watching? Let's discuss in the comments section below. Happy Holidays!