Worthless NFL Playoff Pick: Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Welcome back for Sunday's edition of worthless NFL playoff predictions. As you can tell from yesterday's picks, I use the word "worthless" for a reason.

Today we have two solid matchups, both with spreads under three. I've made my picks, but I'm not going to brag about them. In fact, my picks, unlike the NFL, are sponsored by Coke Zero. I have the same amount of confidence as Coke Zero has calories.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs (+2.5, 41.5)

The Ravens are one of two road favorites in this year's Wild Card Weekend. Are they really better than the Chiefs this year, or is it based solely on reputation? Most of the focus will be on the matchup between the Chiefs run game vs. the Ravens run D. KC is first in the NFL in rushing yards (164 rushing yards per game). The Ravens are fifth against the run, holding teams to 94 rushing yards per game.

Typically this just tells me one thing: nothing. The fact is, the Chiefs won't match their season average, while the Ravens will give up more than they normally do. This means something else will decide this game. That something...Matt Cassel and Joe Flacco.

The former Patriot is actually starting his first playoff game. The Ravens D has been battling injuries all season long and have struggled to stop the pass from time to time.

Typically I would want to see big, strong receivers to go up against the smaller Ravens corners (Carr is 5'10", Wilson is 5'9"), but only Dwayne Bowe offers up a mismatch and he's proven he can get taken out of games by a third-rate defensive coordinator.

As for the Ravens, they're going to need to be patient. Romeo Crennel will sit back and force the Ravens to make mistakes. He's not going to put his young secondary in a bad spot. The advantage for them is, Flacco has struggled to go deep, often checking down too early and too often.

The Chiefs have some nice pieces, and Jamaal Charles can make life tough for the Ravens defense, but experience matters in the NFL. The fact is, the last time the Chiefs won a playoff game, Joe Montana was their quarterback (1993). Jesus, that's shocking.

WORTHLESS PREDICTION: Baltimore, 28-24

BETTER'S GUIDE(LESS): If it was my money, I wouldn't touch that 2.5 point spread. If Seattle taught us anything Saturday afternoon, home-field is the great equalizer. However, the over/under is just 41.5. I'd jump on that in a second. Worthless Playoff Picks, Take 2

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