Errict Rhett is averaging 4.4 yards a carry, third-best in the AFC.

The Ravens receivers, other than Jermaine Lewis, don't have much experience. Qadry Ismail has never been a full-time starter until this season, and Justin Armour and Pat Johnson have combined for 54 career receptions. And Lewis, a Pro Bowl return man last year, hasn't been productive this year as a receiver.

The Ravens and Chiefs are almost mirror images of each other. Defensively, their strength lies in the front seven. The Chiefs have Donnie Edwards, Marvcus Patton and Derrick Thomas, who is playing a new position at strongside linebacker. And the Ravens have Peter Boulware, Jamie Sharper and Ray Lewis, who has a shot at being the Defensive Player of the Year. He is playing that well.

Offensively, Baltimore likes to run with Errict Rhett and Priest Holmes. Kansas City, with Kimble Anders out for the season, hands the ball to Donnell Bennett, Rashaan Shehee and former Raven Bam Morris. If the Chiefs play with Bennett (240 pounds) and fullback Tony Richardson (232) together, you don't get a much bigger backfield than that.

The game will not be one of smoke and mirrors, like the Redskins-Cardinals game last week, when Washington ran a lot of different formations and shifting and was prone to throw the ball more. The Ravens will probably throw the ball more than the Chiefs, but both teams start on the ground.

If you are a real football aficionado who loves every element of the game, this one will intrigue you because critical to the outcome will be the kicking game, the defense and the running game, along with some passes in key situations.

Here are the keys to Thursday night's game for each team:

Kansas City Chiefs
1. Pound it: The Chiefs have rushed for at least 120 yards in four consecutive games, and they've won three. So they want to pound the ball. In passing situations, Elvis Grbac will get rid of the ball quickly; he's only been sacked six times. But the Chiefs want to run the ball on first down for four yards and run the ball on second down for three or four yards, giving them the option to either run or pass on third down, convert the first down and do it over again. That's the basic way Kansas City will approach the game -- get Grbac in convertible third-down situations, let him make the play, and then if you have to, punt the ball and go play defense.

2. Go to Gonzalez: What distinguishes the Chiefs offense from the Ravens is that Kansas City wants to use the tight end. Tony Gonzalez could be the difference in the game. He is a big part of the Chiefs offense, leading the team with 19 catches. He is becoming a much better football player than he was a year ago. Gonzalez could be a big factor against the Ravens, especially with the play-action passes the Chiefs like to run.

3. How Thomas adjusts: The Chiefs' Thomas is being asked to assume a different role on defense. Thomas had played in the Falcon-style defense, where he was put in a position to make plays. That won't be the case anymore; he's now the strong-side linebacker, and he's going to be asked to do more than rush the passer. He will be used not only as a pass rusher, but against the run and in pass coverage against the tight end and backs out of the backfield. How well Thomas adjusts could determine how the Chiefs' front seven performs against the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens
1. Run Rhett: Although Brian Billick's offense in Minnesota last year was noted more for its passing attack, Billick's Ravens will first hand the ball to Rhett, who has gained 100 yards in three games this season. In their two wins, the Ravens have averaged 163 yards rushing, and only 84.3 in their three losses. Billick calls his offense the Dirty Dozen, a bunch of guys who have come together that no one really wanted.

2. A Case for the rollout: It's a little unfair to knock Stoney Case for being a bit erratic so far. He's like Rick Mirer of the Jets in that he just joined the Ravens midway through training camp. Scott Mitchell got most of the work, and much of the offense was geared to what Mitchell does as a pocket passer. Now for the last three or four games, Billick has had to incorporate movement into the offense for Case, a much more nimble quarterback. So the Ravens have had an offensive philosophy change, part of the growth that they have to go through.

3. Turnovers and special teams: The last four Ravens' games have been decided by seven points or less. Since Thursday's game might also be close, the difference for the Ravens will be turnovers. The Ravens, who don't have an explosive offense, must protect the football and score at every opportunity in the red zone. The defense needs someone like Lewis to cause a fumble, or Boulware to do the same off a sack. On special teams, a blocked punt or a big return from Jermanie Lewis might be factors. Plus, punter Kyle Richardson has done an excellent job, backing teams a league-high 16 times inside the 20-yard line. In a game like this, special teams and field position take on added importance.

Former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann works as a game analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Football. He breaks down the Sunday night matchup every week for ESPN.com.