In an AFC title game rematch of a season ago, the Baltimore Ravens are on the road at the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night. This is the first National Football League game of the 2024 season.
The Baltimore Ravens had the best record in the league last season. Baltimore went 13-4 on the season. The Ravens won seven out of eight games on the road. The Ravens were +203 in point differential last season.
The Kansas City Chiefs went 11-6 during the regular season, and then went on to beat San Francisco in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs have won back to back titles, and three out of the last four. Andy Reid is seeking his fourth with the Chiefs, and fifth overall.
The Kansas City Chiefs are -3 in this game at home. The Ravens and Chiefs total in this affair is listed at 46.5.
Baltimore Ravens on the Road
A season ago, Lamar Jackson won the Most Valuable Player award in the NFL. The signal caller was terrific, with nearly 3,700 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and an additional 800+ rushing yards. Jackson threw 7 interceptions on the season as well.
Gus Edwards was the top running back a season ago, but he is no longer with the team. Derrick Henry, the former Tennessee Titans is now with the team. He will turn the offense into a different look, but his history suggests he will get the football early and often.
The Ravens will look to top receiver Zay Flower and tight end Mark Andrews. Flowers had 858 yards and 5 touchdowns. Andrews finished the season with 544 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Ravens will host the Raiders in Week two, and then play at Dallas in Week three.
Kansas City Chiefs at home
When you think of the Kansas City Chiefs, you think of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid. Mahomes is back under center following a season where he tossed 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also threw 14 interceptions, and was sacked 27 times in on the season.
Kelce missed a chunk of the season, but finished as his top target. He was 16 yards shy of 1,000 in 15 games. Rashee Rice was 62 yards shy of 1,000, and had 7 touchdowns in 16 games. The Chiefs will give Isiah Pacheco the first chance at running back, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire after him.
The Chiefs are going to get back to back home games to start the season. Next, Kansas City hosts Cincinnati. The Chiefs will finish the month of September on the road with games at the Falcons and Chargers.
Chiefs Top Ravens
The Kansas City Chiefs made the mistake a season ago, and were downed by the Detroit Lions in the season opener. Look for Andy Reid to make sure that is not the case this season. The Chiefs seem to be healthier to start the season. We like the Chiefs chances in this game. Our final bet for the Thursday Night Football game is the Kansas City Chiefs -3 over the Baltimore Ravens. Enjoy the game and good luck!
