Injuries have plagued the Ravens to open this season ahead of their Week 2 matchup with the Chiefs.
The Ravens will go into Sunday Night Football without key position players on both sides. Their secondary and running back depth has completely disappeared over the last few weeks.
For cornerbacks, Jimmy Smith is questionable to play with an ankle injury. He missed their Monday Night Football appearance in that crazy overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Former Chief Marcus Peters tore his ACL during practice. This leaves Marlon Humphrey as the only notable piece still standing.
The Chiefs’ offensive onslaught could really test this inexperienced secondary. Tight end Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill didn’t skip a beat to open the season against the Cleveland Browns.
Hill had 197 receiving yards with a touchdown, Kelce hauled in two touchdowns with 76 receiving yards. The duo joined by Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson could give the Ravens defense issues in the passing game.
Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire wasn’t able to get much going, but could also be a real threat in the passing game on Sunday.
The Ravens have also had trouble staying healthy at running back. From J.K. Dobbins to Gus Edwards, season-ending injuries have led them to signing veterans Latavius Murray, Devonta Freeman, and Le’Veon Bell.
One way the Ravens can win this game is if they control the time of possession. In their run-heavy style of offense, not having their young, premiere backs could be an issue with controlling the game.
The Chiefs have never lost to Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in three appearances. This game will be an even larger hill for Baltimore to climb given their recent injury woes.
On the offensive side, Jackson is going to have to make some incredible plays to keep Baltimore in this game as Mahomes exploits their wounded defensive secondary.
