The Kansas City Chiefs embark on a historic quest to become the first team since the 1960s to win three consecutive NFL championships as they host the Baltimore Ravens in a highly-anticipated season opener this Thursday night.
This electrifying matchup is a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game, where the visiting Chiefs clinched a hard-fought 17-10 victory.
TAXES AND TRENDS
Kansas City is a consensus 3.0-point favorite, largely due to the overwhelming home-field advantage at Arrowhead Stadium.
Bets are split at BetRivers, with 52% backing the Chiefs on the total money line spread bets, an equal 52% for the Ravens on total bets. Meanwhile, Kansas City enjoys 55% and 56% backing at BetMGM, causing the spread to inch up slightly from an initial 2.5 points.
“Bettors are currently split on the Chiefs-Ravens season opener,” said Tristan Davis, senior business manager at BetMGM. “We expect more Chiefs action as kickoff approaches. Sportsbooks will want the Ravens to cover the game.”
The over/under of 46.5 points at BetRivers has been a favorite, taking in 67% of the money and 66% of the bets. Notably, four of the Ravens’ last six Thursday night games have gone over the total points line.
ACCESSORY SELECTIONS
Patrick Mahomes 268.5+ passing yards (-115 at BetMGM): This has been immensely popular at BetMGM, ranking just behind a couple of Henry-related bets. The Chiefs’ superstar quarterback eclipsed that number eight times last season, and while Baltimore’s defense is formidable, they lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to Seattle in the offseason.
KEY STATISTICS
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson boasts a 13-game regular-season streak without an interception when Baltimore trails. Plus, he has rushed for at least 54 yards in four of his last five games.
THE NEWS
Surprisingly, the Ravens opted to run the ball only 16 times (eight by Jackson) for 81 yards in last season’s AFC title game, even though they finished the regular season with the NFL’s top rushing attack. Expect a revamped game plan featuring Derrick Henry, a four-time Pro Bowler, who has racked up 672 yards and eight touchdowns in six career games against Kansas City.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta tried to acquire Henry at last season’s trade deadline, but the Titans held onto him. Henry became Baltimore’s primary free-agent target and was signed to a two-year, $16 million deal in March.
When asked if he would have made a difference in the playoffs, Henry remarked, “Hell yeah. I wish I could have put the uniform on that day (when I was) watching that game. But yeah, it’s my turn now, so (I’ve got to) take advantage of it. It’s going to be a spectacular game. The Chiefs are always tough, (and) they’re solid in all three (phases), so we’ve got to be focused this week to be able to execute on Thursday.”
The Chiefs are chasing history, aiming to become the first team to clinch a third consecutive Super Bowl title. The Ravens stand as one of their stoutest rivals in the AFC, and Kansas City wants to issue a resounding statement that they are still the team to beat.
The Chiefs will have the opportunity to showcase their resolve Thursday night, shortly after raising the Super Bowl LVIII championship pennant. Mahomes anticipates another grueling contest.
“What they have in common is physical ability and speed. That’s what the Ravens are,” Mahomes noted. “They’re a team that’s going to play hard, they’re going to play physical, and you’ve got to accept that challenge. If you don’t, they’re going to dominate the game of football.”
“Even though they changed their defensive coordinator, they maintain the same principles. I think it’s more indicative of their team and culture, and I’m sure there will be some specifics we’ll need to adapt to. They have a great football team and a terrific defense. It’s a big challenge for us.”
INJURY REPORT
Chiefs wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Kansas City listed eight others on their injury report, including defensive tackle Chris Jones and offensive lineman Wayna Morris, but all practiced Wednesday and are available for Thursday’s game.
Rookie Rasheen Ali, Baltimore’s No. 3 running back, missed practice all week and is doubtful with a neck injury. Ravens rookie outside linebacker Adisa Isaac (hamstring) is also out.
THEY SAID IT
“Whatever game I play, I feel like it’s a revenge game. I’m not going to look at this game as a revenge game. Whether it’s a game we won or lost in previous years, they just want to make money,” said Jackson, who has lost four of five previous meetings against Mahomes.
FORECAST
This game is a crucial litmus test early in the season, with potential playoff implications for home-field advantage. The Chiefs look poised to outscore their 27-point total from the AFC Championship Game. With their rested stars and the electric atmosphere at Arrowhead Stadium, the final projection is — Chiefs 27, Ravens 23.
