A closer look at the lines and betting odds for the Chiefs and Ravens.
What did we learn last week from the Kansas City Chiefs win over the L.A. Chargers?
Well, divisional games are hard to predict, especially when doctors start stabbing players in the lungs. Also, like I had said last week, nine-point spreads are brutal. However, we did stay with the under despite the game going to overtime, and most importantly, the Chiefs won, so are we not all winners in the long run?
Switching gears to this week, the Chiefs have an electric matchup in front of them with the Baltimore Ravens. Opening for the first, and potentially only, time as an underdog this season, the Chiefs will be looking to bounce back from a terrible showing last week in the next chapter of the already legendary Lamar Jackson–Patrick Mahomes rivalry.
What do the lines look like? How should bettors use their money? Let’s find out.
Spread: Baltimore Ravens by 3.5
It is interesting how small this spread is, despite the fact that the Chiefs are +165 underdogs in this matchup.
Yes, most of the reasoning hinges on the Ravens as a run-heavy team that eats up the clock and keeps opponents off the field. The Chiefs are a team that come on the field and score with their eyes closed. This is expected to be a close game and one that could very easily come down to a game-clutching field goal from the two best kickers in the game.
Many experts are taking the Ravens to beat the Chiefs, so the question would be, “By how much?” The thing is, I am not taking the Ravens to win Monday night. I am taking the Chiefs.
The Chiefs have the ability to beat any team in the NFL as long as Mahomes is their quarterback, and with the rest of the talent on the team, the Chiefs should be able to blow out any opponent. However, that only works when the Chiefs are all on the same page and playing at 100%, because when they are not, that is how you see results like Week 2.
The Chiefs can exploit the Ravens’ weaknesses as long as Spags is willing to commit to putting in the right personnel at linebacker (Willie Gay Jr.). The Ravens also have legitimate concerns along the offensive line that could keep them from running the ball effectively.
I don’t think the Chiefs will merely escape Baltimore with a win. I think they stomp the Ravens and make many fans and analysts question who they thought both the Ravens and the Chiefs were. Take the Chiefs and take them big.
Over/Under: 54.5
That is a ton of points, and my official prediction for the score is 45 points, but I could see this being a 60 or 70-plus point game. This matchup reminds me quite a bit of that Monday Night Football game from the 2018 season.
In my honest opinion, just avoid betting on the over/under because it is way too volatile. If you must bet, I would take the under because it feels safer.