Best Bets for Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco in Week 1 vs. Ravens
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs take on the Ravens on Thursday Night Football in Week 1 with a revamped offense and their sights set on a three-peat.
Unlike last year, Kansas City's stars are playing and healthy, so the Chiefs are poised to repeat last year's epic AFC Championship win. While the team didn't fare well in Week 1 against the Lions in 2023, they're in much better shape this time around.
Some players are poised for monster games as we get the year started. Let's look at the best bets to make for Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and Isiah Pacheco heading into Week 1.
Best Chiefs vs. Ravens Bets in Week 1 Thursday Night Football
Patrick Mahomes Over 19.5 Rushing Yards (-120)
This bet is available at DraftKings Sportsbook and is one Patrick Mahomes hit with regularity last season. He cleared this rushing total in eight of his first nine games in 2023, averaging just under 33 yards per contest in that stretch.
We've seen Mahomes use his legs frequently against top defenses. He only had 15 rushing yards against the Ravens in the AFC title game, though the final three plays were all kneels. Taking on the 49ers in the Super Bowl, Mahomes scampered for 66 to lead the Chiefs.
Baltimore led the NFL in sacks (60) last season and Mahomes won't be afraid to escape pass-rushers by running. Expect him to break a couple of runs and get over this total.
Travis Kelce Over 56.5 Receiving Yards (-120)
Unlike last season, Travis Kelce is healthy now. He may have suffered through his worst statistical season since his early years but he proved in the playoffs that he's still an elite pass-catcher by averaging over 88 receiving yards per game.
He caught 11 passes for 116 yards and a TD against the Ravens in that AFC Championship game and should remain heavily involved. First-round rookie Xavier Worthy's ability to stretch the defense will give Kelce extra room to operate underneath.
Kelce cleared this prop in six of his first seven games and in nine of 15 overall. He might not be a 1,300-yard player at this point, though he's still more than capable of clearing 57 yards with ease in Week 1. You can also find this prop at DraftKings.
Rashee Rice 8+ Receptions (+205)
This is an alternate receptions line available at FanDuel Sportsbook. Once Rashee Rice became a starter, he became Mahomes' top target. Rice had 92 targets over the last 11 games compared to Kelce's 86, and he cleared at least eight catches five times.
Rice only had a 4.8-yard average depth of target, so he's frequently involved in screen passes and short, quick throws that almost effectively serve as run plays. Those catches drive his receptions total up quickly, giving +205 (bet $10 to win $20.50) odds excellent value.
The Ravens will likely focus on keeping Kelce in check after his monstrous game in the playoffs and Rice is in line to take advantage of that depreciated attention.
Isiah Pacheco Over 14.5 Receiving Yards (-110)
With Jerick McKinnon gone and Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the reserve/non-football injury list, Isiah Pacheco should command snaps on passing downs. Samaje Perine might ultimately assume that role, but he's still learning the offense and won't be ready for major playing time on Thursday.
Pacheco cleared this prop in seven of his 14 games in the regular season in 2023, but that was with a more crowded backfield. He's worked hard to improve his skills as a pass-catcher during the offseason and this is his first chance to show he can handle a true dual-threat workload.
Similar to Rice, Pacheco will benefit from a strong Ravens defensive front that should force Mahomes to get the ball out of his hands quickly. With only 15 yards needed, Pacheco could cash this prop with just a single screen pass. It'll be a big season for the third-year running back and we might not see his receiving prop this low for much longer.
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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.