- What: NFL Regular Season Game
- When: Thursday, September 5th
- Who: Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Time: 5:20 p.m. ET
- Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
The NFL season starts Thursday night with the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, hosting the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ offense is led by Lamar Jackson, who threw for 3,678 yards last year with a 67.2 percent completion rate, 24 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
He also rushed for 821 yards and scored five times. With Gus Edwards leaving, Derrick Henry from Tennessee brings his impressive rushing record, having run for over 1,000 yards in five of his last six seasons.
While Odell Beckham Jr. is no longer with the team, Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, and Rashod Bateman are poised to make an impact in the receiving core.
Let the games begin ???? pic.twitter.com/YelOPcfeXI
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 5, 2024
Although currently questionable, Mark Andrews provided 544 yards and six scores in ten games last season, while Isiah Likely is a reliable backup with 411 yards and five scores.
There are important changes on defense, with Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen leaving, but Justin Madubuike returning with impressive stats, leading the team with 13 sacks and 12 tackles for a loss.
Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton also make key contributions. Smith led the team in tackles last year, and Hamilton excelled in pass breakups and interceptions despite being listed as questionable.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs rely heavily on quarterback Patrick Mahomes to power their offense. Last year, Mahomes completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns, although he did throw 14 interceptions.
He also demonstrated his running ability, finishing second on the team in rushing yards with 389 and two touchdowns.
Mahomes’ key targets, including Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, are set to return, providing valuable options for the passing game. Additionally, rookie Xavier Worthy could see increased opportunities due to Marquise Brown’s uncertain status.
NFL KICKOFF. OUR HOUSE. TONIGHT. pic.twitter.com/mmYNotPV1G
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 5, 2024
In the backfield, Isaiah Pacheco had an impressive season with 935 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, 244 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire sidelined, Samajae Perine is expected to take on a larger role.
Defensively, George Karlaftis and Chris Jones, who recorded 10.5 sacks last year, will bolster the pass rush. However, the secondary has changed, with L’Jarius Sneed being traded, and Trent McDuffie and Justin Reid will need to fill those gaps.
Ravens-Chiefs Best Bet
These two teams only scored a total of 27 points in the AFC Championship game.
Although the Ravens’ defense is missing some key players, it is still one of the best in the NFL and is expected to perform well.
The Ravens will likely focus on getting Derrick Henry involved and controlling the ball in what is expected to be a close and low-scoring opening game of the regular season.
We also have some rain in the forecast, so I don’t see a lot of points being scored in this one. I would bet under 46.5 points at -110 odds.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
