Kansas City Chiefs: Predicting results of every game in 2019
Week 3 – Kansas City Chiefs vs Baltimore Ravens (Cullen)
Last year as Baltimore’s starting quarterback, Lamar Jackson started off with three wins and finished with another three wins. Sandwiched in between those losing streaks was his lone loss, a 27-24 overtime defeat in Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs.
This was the only game in which Jackson threw for multiple touchdown passes, and it took a late-game, across the body heave from Patrick Mahomes to Tyreek Hill to keep the Chiefs’ final drive alive. Without that completion, Jackson would have gone 7-0 and the Chiefs would have lost the AFC West.
At this point in the season, the Ravens should be 2-0 after games against the Dolphins and Cardinals. By adding Mark Ingram, Baltimore has doubled-down on grinding it out against opponents.
Jackson lost two of his top receivers in Michael Crabtree and John Brown. Baltimore also saw its defense decimated in free agency, though they did add Earl Thomas, outbidding the Chiefs for the safety’s services.
Baltimore is a solid opponent, and a tough foe for opening the home slate for Kansas City. A loss here wouldn’t derail the Chiefs’ season by any means, but it would slow the momentum. But that won’t be the case.
PREDICTION: The Kansas City Chiefs win their home opener against the Ravens in another nail biter, just like last season’s three-point victory in overtime. This time, the Chiefs’ improved defense is more prepared for the game making abilities of Lamar Jackson.
Chiefs win, 27-20
STANDOUT PLAYER: The defense shines in this one, led by offseason trade acquisition Frank Clark, who helps corral Jackson’s run game. That forces the young quarterback to drop back and pass in order for the Ravens to catch up. When that happens, Clark puts his head down and makes a couple of timely sacks, helping secure the victory.