Your Chiefs vs Ravens game cheat sheet: Prediction, what to watch for, more
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
TV: NBC
Spread (BetMGM): Chiefs by 3
Ravens’ keys to victory: Avoid turnovers and dominate in the run game. In last year’s AFC title game, the Ravens turned it over three times, including two giveaways in the red zone. The offense also rushed for only 81 yards, getting just 27 from non-Lamar Jackson runners. Can the Ravens safeguard the ball and create a dynamic run game in the rematch?
Chiefs’ keys to victory: Win the pressure battle. In a matchup of MVP quarterbacks, the team best able to pressure the opponent’s passer will gain a huge advantage. Can the Chiefs, with a rookie left tackle (Kingsley Suamataia), give Patrick Mahomes time in the pocket? And will Chris Jones and George Karlaftis be able to disrupt Lamar Jackson in big passing situations?
Matchup to watch: Ravens S Kyle Hamilton vs. Chiefs TE Travis Kelce: An All-Proshowdown. Mahomes will look Kelce’s way often, especially in the red zone. Hamilton must limit his impact and possibly make a game-turning play.
Who wins? The Chiefs lost the opener after winning the Super Bowl a year ago. The quest for a three-peat starts with a hard-fought win. Chiefs, 24-20
– Zach Kruse, Packers Wire