Everything You Need to Know About Chiefs vs. Ravens Week 1 Thursday Night Football

The Chiefs take on the Ravens this Thursday in a thrilling rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship matchup to kick off the new season. Kansas City has a rare opportunity to win a third consecutive Super Bowl, so all eyes will be on this exciting contest.

Both Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes have two MVP trophies. After a 17-10 road victory last year to win the conference, the Chiefs have to feel confident about their ability to pick up another victory.

However, that confidence didn't go far in Week 1 of 2023 as Kansas City fell to the Detroit Lions. The team is determined to not repeat those mistakes, as evidenced by the resources allocated to the wide receiver group in the offseason with the acquisitions of Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and first-round rookie Xavier Worthy.

The Ravens finished with the No. 1 seed last year, but a win on Thursday would give the Chiefs control of the AFC. Football is officially back - here's everything you need to know about the highly-anticipated showdown:

Table of Contents

The Nuts and Bolts: Start Time, How to Watch, Etc.

• Home: Kansas City Chiefs
• Road: Baltimore Ravens
• Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — Kansas City, MO
• Date: September 5, 2024
• Time: 7:20 p.m. CT (8:20 p.m. Eastern, 5:20 p.m. Pacific)
• TV Coverage: NBC
• Radio: 96.5 The Fan in Kansas City

Chiefs vs. Ravens Prediction: Patrick Mahomes Won't Be Denied

Since Mahomes and Jackson were drafted, these teams have played each other four times including the postseason. The Chiefs are 3-1in those contests with the only loss coming by a single point in a 36-35 game back in 2021.

Kansas City and Mahomes represent a metaphorical mountain that Jackson has to climb to take Baltimore back to the promised land. Jackson infamously struggled in the AFC Championship loss, and he'll be eager to prove he's capable of taking down Goliath.

However, fans should feel confident backing the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. This is a better team on paper than it was in 2023 given the additions at wide receiver. Even with Brown injured, Worthy should stretch the field and give room underneath for Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice to run rampant over the middle.

A win would give Kansas City control of the AFC with another pivotal matchup against the Bengals on the horizon in Week 2. Steve Spagnuolo's defense limited Jackson to an underwhelming 54% completion percentage in that AFC title game and should feel confident in their ability to control the game once again.

Expect the Chiefs to manage the clock with Isiah Pacheco and those aforementioned drag routes while Spagnuolo gives Jackson nightmares in the passing game. The final score should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 23-10 with Kansas City proving they're still the dominant team in the conference.

The Chiefs are 16-4 in their last 20 September games. This is continually one of Andy Reid's most dominant months and he'll have his team fully prepared.

Chiefs vs. Ravens Injury Report: No Surprises

WR Hollywood Brown and DE Charles Omenihu are the only players of significance who won't suit up for the game. Joe Thuney will return at right guard for the Chiefs after tearing his pectoral muscle in the playoffs, while Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, and Justin Reid are all healthy despite various respective ailments throughout training camp.

The Ravens are at full strength with no notable injuries to report. Either Jackson will rise to the challenge and prove he can defeat Mahomes in a consequential matchup with no excuse or the Chiefs will show the world that they're destined for a third straight Super Bowl victory.

Weather Report: Potential Rain Raises Questions

The weather forecast at the start of the week indicates there's a 55% chance of rain starting at 7:00 p.m. in Kansas City. Given Missouri's weather tendencies, it's equally possible that it doesn't rain at all as it is that there's a monsoon.

In all likelihood, the weather won't have a significant impact on the contest. Fans may experience some sprinkles, though the temperature is expected to be between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and any rain impact should be minimal.

Considering how well the Chiefs played in the freezing cold against the Dolphins in the 2023 playoffs, this September breeze won't be an issue.

Chiefs vs. Ravens Betting Odds

Spread: KC -3 (-102) | BAL +3 (-120)
Moneyline: KC (-152) | BAL (+128)
Total: 46.5 — Over (-115) | Under (-105)

Kansas City is a three-point favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook with -152 odds on the moneyline, meaning you'd need to wager $15.20 to profit $10 on a Chiefs victory.

The total is set at 46.5. While the 2023 AFC title game finished with a total of 27, the previous 2021 matchup between these franchises ended at 71. Considering Kansas City's desire to run the ball and lean on the defense, a shootout doesn't feel likely.

In the Chiefs' last five September games, the under is 4-1.

Chiefs vs. Ravens Matchup History

Kansas City is 7-4 against Baltimore in 11 games throughout each franchise's history. Since Mahomes and Jackson were drafted, the Chiefs are 3-1 outright, though only one of those wins was decided by more than a single score.

While the Ravens won the last regular season meeting between the squads, Mahomes and Kansas City were triumphant in that 2023 AFC title game.

Baltimore's last win in Kansas City came in 2012 in a 9-6 victory. The Chiefs were on the road for the last three contests, outscoring the Ravens 86-66 in the process with a 2-1 record. With a win on Thursday, Baltimore could cement itself as a legitimate AFC favorite despite Kansas City's incredible track record.

For the Chiefs? It's business as usual in yet another marquee matchup highlighted by the best quarterback in the sport.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.