The most recent memory we have of the NFL is this one: Patrick Mahomes lifting the Vince Lombardi trophy in the Super Bowl. What a surprise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since Mahomes became the starting quarterback in Kansas City in 2018, the Chiefs have played in four Super Bowls and won three NFL titles, including the last two, against the Eagles and 49ers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is \u201cnormal\u201d to see Mahomes and the Chiefs in the first game of the season, as will happen this Thursday Night against the Ravens, in the rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship Game, which Kansas City won 17-10 in Baltimore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kansas City was a very active team in the offseason and free agency with a clear objective: to give Patrick Mahomes more and better weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest acquisition was wide receiver Marquise Brown, a five-year veteran who played his first three seasons in Baltimore and comes to Kansas City after two seasons in Arizona. \u201cHollywood\u201d Brown, however, injured his shoulder in the first preseason game and will be out four to six weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Chiefs<\/a> brought back JuJu Smith-Schuster, who played in Kansas City two years ago, catching 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns. Rashee Rice and speedster rookie Xavier Worthy will be the Chiefs\u2019 primary receivers until Brown recovers, with Justin Watson, Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman sharing time with Smith-Schuster as WR3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2024 version of the Ravens<\/a> includes one of the best running backs in the league: Derrick Henry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKing\u201d Henry joins a backfield that includes Justice Hill, rookie Rasheen Ali and, of course, quarterback and MVP Lamar Jackson, who signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension. Jackson, however, did not play well in that AFC Championship last January, and the Ravens\u2019 offensive line lost three starters in the offseason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The defense is built around linebacker Roquan Smith and Baltimore gave defensive lineman Justin Madubuike a new contract, but also lost linebacker Patrick Queen and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many experts believe that, despite the losses, the Ravens are the team that can challenge the Chiefs in the AFC and we are about to find out very soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Chiefs are favored by 3 points, with a 46.5 over\/under.<\/a> Last season, Kansas City didn’t get off to the best start, losing 21-20 at home to the Detroit Lions in Week 1 in a game many remember for the Chiefs’ wide receiver mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s hard to expect a high-scoring game with two teams that have so many changes on offense and often base their success on defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Verdict:<\/strong> The Chiefs have won five of the last six in the series, and four were decided by a touchdown or less. Plus, Kansas City has the best home record in the NFL since 2014, at 61-21-0. Chiefs 20-16 Ravens.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cKing\u201d Henry and Lamar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to expect from the Ravens vs Chiefs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iv\u00e1n Pirr\u00f3n’s Best Picks for Week 1 NFL Betting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n