Thursday Night Football Ravens at Chiefs
It is officially football season once again! The fans get a rematch from the 2024 AFC Championship Game in which the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-10. In their respective careers, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have won four out of five games against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Overall, Mahomes scored 14 touchdowns and has had a passer rating of 115.5 and Jackson has scored 8 touchdowns and has a passer rating of 78.1. From a fan’s perspective, Thursday night football games have been lackluster, especially throughout the 2023 NFL season. Expect that to change this Thursday night as we are in for a treat with the defending Super Bowl Champions taking on a serious AFC contender. Watch the game at 8:20 EST only on Amazon Prime!
Notable Offseason Acquisitions
It has been a busy offseason for both teams, acquiring players that could change their respective offenses’ dynamics. The Kansas City Chiefs drafted speedy wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who ran a 4.21 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine and left tackle Kingsley Suamataia in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Baltimore Ravens started off hot in free agency, signing All-Pro running back Derrick Henry to a two-year, $16 million contract. They then drafted cornerback Nate Wiggins, right tackle Roger Rosengarten, and wide receiver Devontez Walker in the 2024 NFL Draft. Both teams have received significant upgrades to their roster.
DFS Sleepers
$8,000 Fanduel
The Chiefs have been drawing up plays all offseason to get Worthy the ball, and I believe it will show early in the game. Worthy has shown his speed and big play ability to torch defenders over the top. With safety Kyle Hamilton most likely manning up on Travis Kelce, Worthy will be receiving some of the target share. Worthy is a sneaky sleeper in Thursday night’s matchup.
$7,500 Fanduel
I understand I just faded Zay Flowers, but Bateman is a sleeper for this matchup. Nobody has really seen what Bateman can accomplish, especially with his injury history. Earlier this week, Lamar Jackson mentioned that he believes Bateman will have a good year. I’m taking that as a hint that he will be involved in the offense. I think we forget that he was a first-round pick, and Thursday night we may be reminded.
Prop Bets
Any Time Touchdown Scorer
Henry scoring a touchdown in this matchup is an automatic hit. The new Ravens star running back will make a statement in Thursday night’s game against a weak Chiefs rushing defense. In 2022 as a Titan, Henry rushed for 115 yards on 17 carries and scored 2 touchdowns against the Chiefs defense. Now that he is on an elite team that specializes in the running game, I like the over on this prop bet.
Over/Under (-113) 60.5 Receiving Yards
Rice has the ability to make big plays happen in big games. Last season, Rice led the team with fourteen 20 plus yard catches which is impressive for a rookie. With the Ravens defense primarily focusing on Travis Kelce, which is expected, Rice should be able to accumulate over 60.5 yards. I’m taking the over on this prop bet.
Prediction
I believe Thursday’s night game will be close. The Kansas City Chiefs will defeat the Baltimore Ravens 27-24.
