St. Louis Rams Week 8 Predictions Roundup: Kansas City Chiefs

Oct 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is chased out of the pocket by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Reggie Walker (52) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Not too long ago, the St. Louis Rams community felt trapped in a hopeless pit of NFL despair. The team had won only game in the opening seven weeks, despite holding leads as large as 21 points over arguable Top 5 squads. Mental mistakes, ill-timed turnovers, and costly penalties were making an impact on the outcome of nearly every game, leading some to begin questioning personnel decisions, coaching, and the overall direction of the franchise.

It is funny how quickly a win can change everything. After an impressive, albeit stressful, victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, the Rams seem poised to make a statement this year. They will have plenty of opportunities, playing arguably the toughest schedule in the NFL over the next quarter of the season, facing off against (at least) four playoff-caliber teams in a five-week span. So, coming off their best game of the season, will anyone be jumping onto the St. Louis bandwagon as they head to Kansas City?

NFL.com: 23-17, Chiefs

"For the first time since Bill Kenney and Todd Blackledge were embroiled in a blazing-hot quarterback controversy, fans in Kansas City are more excited about the Royals than the Chiefs. Kansas City hasn’t been involved in the Fall Classic since 1985, when the opponent was, ironically, the St. Louis Cardinals. Don Denkinger blew a call of Hochulian proportions in Game 6, allowing the Royals to ultimately prevail in seven. But I think the real question here is, can the visiting Rams’ offense score seven? Or can Buddy Biancalana play wideout for either of these teams?Yes, St. Louis toppled Seattle on Sunday, but its offense mustered just 275 yards — special teams can’t bring home the barbecue every week. Meanwhile, these two clubs might boast the two most ineffective wideout groups in the league. Thank goodness for No. 25 in cherry red. #STLvsKC"

CBS Sports: 28-21, Chiefs

"The battle of Missouri got some juice when both teams pulled off upsets last week. St. Louis seems to have found a runner in Tre Mason, but we know the Chiefs will be good on the ground with Jamaal Charles. I will take Alex Smith over Austin Davis. Chiefs take it at home."

Sporting News: 27-13, Chiefs

"The Royals and baseball Cardinals just missed out on having a World Series, but I-70 still rules here with another “Governor’s Cup” battle. Both St. Louis and Kansas City took down some NFL powers in Seattle and San Diego last week, so there are good feelings on both sides of the state. But the Chiefs “Showed Me” a little something more with Jamaal Charles and their defense, while the Rams escaped after being outplayed in every phase except special teams. Whatever happens with the Royals at Kauffman, the Chiefs rule in Arrowhead and get back above .500."

Ramblin’ Fan: 27-12, Rams

"I think we all saw how fun the Rams are when Jeff Fisher just throws caution to the wind. Though most people completely washed their hands of the Rams against the Seahawks, inventive and ingenious play calling ensured a win. Aside from that, the biggest takeaway for the Rams was the improved play of Tre Mason. With both the rookie back, offensive line and Austin Davis playing better; St. Louis looks like they could be a real offensive threat that teams need to respect. Add that to a defensive line that finally became deserving of their ‘Sack City’ moniker and there could be some joyous days ahead for the Rams.Fisher will see a foe he dominated in Andy Reid, who has gone 0-4 in their careers against each other. The Chiefs have been wildly inconsistent this season. Kansas City has beaten teams (Patriots and Chargers), but have fallen flat against the Titans and 49ers. I believe Fisher has finally opened up the ‘desperation’ playbook and I think he will continue to play gutsy football and lead the Rams to a second straight win."

Some sites prefer to merely throw out their picks, instead of outlining boldly predicted scores. In a nearly-unanimous vote, the USA Today went with the Chiefs to pull out the victory on Sunday, with only one voter taking the underdog Rams. In the Week 8 “expert picks” for ESPN, a grand total of one out of 14 picked the St. Louis Rams to win; that being the infamous Mike Ditka. In CBS Sports’ “Against the Spread” predictions, the vote was split 50/50, the four taking “underdog” Rams and four taking the Chiefs, who are set as 7.5 point favorites. However, with their “Straight Up” picks, the votes unanimously went back to Kansas City, with all eight experts picking Andy Reid and Co. to break his losing streak (0-4) to Jeff Fisher.