The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens meet in a monster Week 4 AFC showdown with both teams still looking to fully get into the 2025 season.
Both sitting at 1-2, a loss for either would sound alarm bells, and as for the Chiefs, having been the dominant force for so long, they are starting to appear less than dominant through three weeks.
However, in the second half of the 22-9 win over the New York Giants, the Chiefs appeared to have something rolling, and more specifically, the run game got going, something that hadn't happened this season.
Now coming up against a Ravens team that gave up rushing yards at will to the Detroit Lions, there might be an avenue to exploit.
But Patrick Mahomes has warned that Baltimore will want retribution for last week.
“I thought this last week, we did a better job of running the ball," Mahomes said. "The offensive line did a good job of run blocking and the chemistry building between them. You saw Monday night at the Ravens, but they're a prideful group, I don't think they're going to be very happy with the film, and they're going to come out with the mentality of stopping the run. So, it'll be a great test for us. It'll be a great football game."
MORE: 1 'encouraging sign' for Chiefs' offense ahead of Ravens showdown
Are playoffs on the line for Chiefs vs. Ravens?
Granted, even at 1-3, playoffs would still be in play, but the margin for error would be nearly gone, and after just a month into the season, that isn't a great spot to be.
The state of the AFC West would likely mean winning the division could be out the window if the Chiefs lose and the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Giants to move to 4-0, so there are a couple of important things on the line for Kansas City.
Would a loss rule them out of the playoffs? Absolutely not, but that road back to the tournament would be a tough one.
The Chiefs have been the dominant force for so long in the AFC. Are the kings showing signs of weakness? We're about to find out.
More Chiefs news:
- Patrick Mahomes offers ominous message on Chiefs' offensive struggles | Sporting News
- Will Xavier Worthy's return impact Tyquan Thornton's playing time on Chiefs WR depth chart? | Sporting News
- Chiefs' Andy Reid reveals hidden benefit of WR injuries | Sporting News
- Chiefs get huge Xavier Worthy injury update ahead of Ravens showdown | Sporting News