2024-25 NFL Season Kick-off Preview - Baltimore vs. Kansas City: Can the Ravens beat the SuperBowl champion Chiefs? September 5, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

The 2024 NFL season kicks off with an exciting match between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, at 8:20 p.m. ET. This highly anticipated game, taking place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, promises to be an electric showdown as it serves as a rematch of the previous year's AFC Championship game, where the Chiefs narrowly defeated the Ravens 17-10.

The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to start the season with momentum after a productive 2023 season, where they finished with an 11-6 record and won Super LVIII. The team's potent offense was led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who recorded 4,183 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. The Chiefs averaged 43.6 points per game, underlining their high-caliber offensive capability. With a strong home-field advantage, the Chiefs will be looking to assert their dominance early in the season.

On the other hand, the Baltimore Ravens also enjoyed a successful 2023 campaign, finishing fourth in the league for total points scored and boasting a record of 28.4 points per game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns, complemented by his impressive 821 rushing yards. The Ravens are eager to redeem themselves after last season's playoff heartbreak and aim to set a decisive tone for the upcoming season.

Baltimore vs. Kansas City Sports Bet Odds

The Chiefs are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Chiefs are favored by 3 points, with a money line of -155.
• The Ravens are the underdogs by 3 points, with a money line of +135.
• The over/under is set at 47 points, with the over at -112 and the under at -108.

In this matchup, the Ravens will likely focus on establishing a potent ground game to control the clock and open up play-action opportunities for Jackson to exploit. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken will need to utilize Jackson's athleticism and the diverse skill set of his offensive players effectively. Conversely, the Chiefs are expected to employ a balanced offensive strategy that can attack in multiple ways. With Mahomes at the helm, they will look to exploit mismatches against the Ravens' defense through quick passes and deep routes involving Kelce and the swift receiving corps. Defensively, the Ravens will aim to pressure Mahomes while relying on their backfield to limit big plays. This battle in the trenches will be crucial in determining the game's outcome.

The historical rivalry between these two franchises has proven competitive, with the Chiefs holding a slight edge in a series that has featured tight contests. Kansas City has won three straight meetings against Baltimore since Mahomes became the starting quarterback, including the critical playoff clash last season. The stakes are high for both teams as they enter the 2024 season; both squads have rosters filled with talent and a desire to establish themselves as top contenders.

As the 2024 NFL season begins, the match between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs holds significant importance for both teams. With offensive firepower and historical rivalry fueling the contest, fans can expect an exciting kickoff to the season. The outcome will not only impact the early standings but may also set the tone for both franchises as they strive for playoff success in the months to come.

2023 Comparative Baltimore vs. Kansas City Stats

Baltimore Ravens		Kansas City Chiefs
28.4	Points Per Game	21.8
213.8	Passing Yards Per Game	246.4
156.5	Rushing Yards Per Game	104.9
60	Total Sacks	57
18	Total Interceptions	8