NFL Predictions Week 9: Teams That Will Pound the Ball to Victory

Here's a look at three NFL teams that will grind the ball out on the ground on Sunday en route to big wins.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are averaging just over 30 rushing attempts per game, which is sixth most in the NFL. 

Once Jamaal Charles went down with a season-ending injury, Kansas City struggled at first to find their running identity. However, they have found it now with Jackie Battle.

The 28-year-old out of Houston runs downhill with a purpose. With him, the Chiefs have re-established their hard-nosed run game. 

Against the Dolphins, the Chiefs will likely continue to hand the ball off to Battle in bunches. 

Matt Cassel and the passing game is starting to click, but the Chiefs will be protecting a lead for most of this one. Battle could see over 20 carries as a result.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens only average 26 rushes per game, but that's partly due to the fact that Joe Flacco never takes off. In terms of running backs, Ray Rice gets one of the largest workloads in the league.

On Sunday night against the Steelers, he's going to have to play a big part yet again. Pittsburgh's defense against the pass has been downright nasty this year as they proved against the Patriots last week.

Joe Flacco hasn't been throwing the ball very well. This week, if Baltimore relies on the passing game, they will lose. 

The Steelers have been much more generous against the run game. Since the Ravens are on the road, they will need to grind the ball out and win the battle for time of possession. 

Houston Texans

The Texans run the ball more than any other team in the league this season. If Andre Johnson misses another game, they will continue to do so. 

Arian Foster has been an absolute workhorse in the last few weeks for Houston. The Texans are a healthy favorite in this one at home against the Browns and I wouldn't be surprised if Foster got another 30 carries.

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