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!
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.
It is “normal” 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.
The new face of the Chiefs
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.
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. “Hollywood” Brown, however, injured his shoulder in the first preseason game and will be out four to six weeks.
The Chiefs 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’ primary receivers until Brown recovers, with Justin Watson, Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman sharing time with Smith-Schuster as WR3.
“King” Henry and Lamar
The 2024 version of the Ravens includes one of the best running backs in the league: Derrick Henry.
“King” 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’ offensive line lost three starters in the offseason.
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.
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.
What to expect from the Ravens vs Chiefs?
The Chiefs are favored by 3 points, with a 46.5 over/under. 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.
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.
Verdict: 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.
Iván Pirrón’s Best Picks for Week 1 NFL Betting
| Green Bay vs. Philadelphia (at Sao Paulo, Brazil) | Best pick: Packers +2.5 |
| Pittsburgh at Atlanta | Best pick: Under 42.5 |
| Minnesota at New York Giants | Best pick: Under 41.5 |
| Jacksonville at Miami | Best pick: Dolphins -3.5 |
| New England at Cincinnati | Best pick: Over 40.5 |
| Arizona at Buffalo | Best pick: Bills Moneyline |
| Houston at Indianapolis | Best pick: Texans -2.5 |
| Tennessee at Chicago | Best pick: Bears Moneyline |
| Carolina at New Orleans | Best pick: Over 41.5 |
| Las Vegas at Los Angeles Chargers | Best pick: Over 41.5 |
| Denver at Seattle | Best pick: Broncos +5.5 |
| Washington at Tampa Bay | Best pick: Under 43.5 |
| Dallas at Cleveland | Best pick: Browns -2.5 |
| Los Angeles Rams at Detroit | Best pick: Over 50.5 |
| New York Jets at San Francisco | Best pick: 49ers -3.5 |
Gambyl Team Week 1 NFL Betting Picks
Be ready for the 2024 NFL football season with our NFL Betting Guide and follow every NFL football game with our printable NFL schedule; available for download as a spreadsheet, Google Sheet for the entire season or get every week from Week 1 through Week 18 with free picks.
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