Ravens vs Chiefs: Writers' Week 1 predictions favor the home team in season opener

Your Kansas City Chiefs are once again kicking off the NFL regular season, much to the chagrin of every other "contending" team. We have talked all offseason long about this team's three-peat chances, the improved roster, and running back Carson Steele's alligator, but that all takes a backseat right now. Now, there are tailgates to prepare for, merch to don, and a game to watch.

All that to say, I want you to put the word out there that we back up.

The Arrowhead Addict staff has been documenting and analyzing this team all offseason, so there is no one better to walk alongside you this regular season. Kansas City starts off their 17-game slate in a rematch of the AFC Championship game last year, hosting the Baltimore Ravens. Led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, the AFC North team looks to finally escape the long, looming shadow cast by the Chiefs.

Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens open NFL season in AFC heavyweight bout.

Will they do so this week, or will Kansas City start the season with a resounding victory? Our experts weigh in.

Patrick Allen
In past Chiefs, Ravens tilts, Steve Spagnuolo was fond of using the athletic Willie Gay Jr. to shadow Lamar Jackson. I'm not sure the current crop of linebackers can match Gay's wheels so it will be interesting to see how Spags handles containing last year's MVP. I'm guessing his defense will sell out to stop the run and play man coverage behind it, forcing Jackson to beat them with his arm, something he's never been able to do.
Chiefs 24, Ravens 20

Tyler Brown
Banner night was disappointing in 2023, but I just do not see the Ravens catching the Chiefs by surprise like the Lions did. Sure, Baltimore added Derrick Henry and Kansas City is sans L'Jarius Sneed, but defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo always has something for Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes will put a show on in front of Chiefs Kingdom and the 2023 MVP.
Chiefs 27, Ravens 20

Price Carter
Week 1 can be a crazy time in the NFL. It always seems a few games or storylines are truly unpredictable. The Chiefs often start red-hot because their level of preparation for the season is almost unmatched. Unfortunately, the Ravens have been an excellent Week 1 team historically too. This game feels like it could go either way. Both defenses lost some important pieces but no unit feels more improved than the Chiefs offense, which has the best player in the league on it too. I think both defenses look a little shaky but the Chiefs can get enough stops to get a lead.
Chiefs 28 Ravens 22

Max Cashio
An above-average offseason of re-signings and acquisitions has given way to a sort of uneasy feeling in the air as Kansas City looks to begin its title defense with a win against Baltimore. Look for a cohesive offensive unit that doesn't dazzle but shows its dominance nonetheless.
Chiefs 21, Ravens 17

Matt Conner
This matchup might be the best of the entire NFL season with star power for miles, but the x-factor here is how Week 1 in the NFL always produces wonky results. That tilts this thing unfavorably. The Ravens look soft in the trenches (offensively) for such a long run and the Chiefs are improved in a few key categories. I’m going with the Chiefs anyway, but nothing would surprise me in this opening salvo. 
Chiefs 21, Ravens 18

Braden Holecek
The Chiefs have some depth questions on the defensive line. But entering Week 1, there are significant question marks on the Ravens offensive line. Can Kansas City and Steve Spagnuolo continue to frustrate Lamar Jackson like they did last January? Go out and make life challenging for Jackson to open the year and just play clean on the offensive side of the ball against Baltimore's defense.
Chiefs 31, Ravens 23

Scott Loring
The Cincinnati Bengals will stay true to form and announce a Ja’Marr Chase extension on Thursday afternoon, but the Ravens and Chiefs don’t have time to care about last-place finishers. Harrison Butker might break David Akers’ season record of 44 field goals this year. He gets off to a good start with four on Thursday, and the Chiefs' offense romps.
Chiefs 33, Ravens 23

Jacob Milham
Kansas City has the advantage in this game on paper—a better overall roster, betting head coach, and home-field advantage. I would be lying if I expected this game to be a blowout, though. Baltimore has the emotional edge, trying to avenge being embarrassed in front of their home crowd earlier this calendar year. There are going to be some shenanigans, with two big special teams plays going Kansas City's way. This is a very entertaining game that kicks off 2024 with a new Scorigami entry.
Chiefs 32, Ravens 26

Greg Morse
Believe it or not, I have reservations about this game and I’m not quite sure why. I think the Chiefs are the better team, but don’t sleep on the Ravens. I’ll be curious to see how the Chiefs defense contains new running back Derrick Henry. Spags has contained him before, but he’s not called the king for nothing.
Chiefs 28, Ravens 21

Shawn O'Brate
First game of the season, banner night nerves, and a solid opponent. It won’t be easy to win, as we saw last year on banner night, but I think the Ravens lost some serious pieces that kept them in the AFCCG. I think the Chiefs score early and fast, showing off as best they can with new and old reliable weapons. They’ll go up on Baltimore then they’ll just hold the lead with Pacheco, Perine, and Steele on the ground.
Chiefs 31, Ravens 20

Charles Robinson
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce drop the banner in style connecting twice for touchdowns, the Chiefs run the ball early and often and control the line of scrimmage against a Baltimore defense that will leave with more questions than answers, and the noise at Arrowhead will be too much for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense to work through. This will be a tight game between what is probably the league's two best teams, but ultimately the leg of Harrison Butker will prove to be the difference.
Chiefs 26, Ravens 24

Stacy D. Smith
The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens are set for a Thursday night rematch of the 2024 AFC Title Game. This time, the two teams won't be at the peak of their powers. They'll largely be adjusting to recent changes to their offensive line groups. I suspect both will struggle a bit with protection and subsequently with offensive production. Kansas City edges their conference rival with a pair of touchdowns from Isiah Pacheco and Travis Kelce and three field goals from Harrison Butker. The two-time defending world champions start their three-peat campaign with a dub. 
Chiefs 20, Ravens 17

Lucas Strozinsky
After losing in last year's season opener, I don't see this year's team falling into the same trap. The Ravens are a great team, but their defense should take a step back without Mike Macdonald and their offensive line isn't very good. No Hollywood Brown might make it a little tougher, but expect the Chiefs to come out on top. I'll just add a touchdown to each team's score from the AFC Championship.
Chiefs 24, Ravens 17