The Baltimore Ravens (0-1) look to even their record at Sunday night at home. But there is one big problem — the Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) will be coming to town.
The Ravens are coming off Monday night's 33-27 road loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Baltimore had a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. It was the first time the Ravens lost a game leading by 14 or more points in their past 99 such games.
Though Maryland sports betting is legal, the market hasn’t launched as it works through the licensing process. The state this week opened the online application process for 17 potential operators.
The state said it hopes to have retail sports betting in time for the NFL playoffs and online betting in 2022.
Maryland NFL betting is expected to dominate when the state launches. The Ravens started the season with some of the best Super Bowl odds.
The game is set for 8:20 p.m. on NBC. Most sportsbooks have the Chiefs as 3.5-point favorites, a rare underdog status for the Ravens in a home game.
Bad Opening Loss for Ravens
Quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 19-of-30 passes for 235 yards and one touchdown and added 12 carries for 86 yards on the ground, but had a key fumble lost with 4:39 left in overtime.
That has to been cleaned up moving forward.
In addition, after losing two key starters to injuries right before the first game, the Ravens suffered more injuries against the Raiders. Starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley is expected to miss the Chiefs game and could be out longer. Starting left guard Tyre Phillips suffered a season-ending injury against the Raiders.
Chiefs Rally for Win
Down 22-10 at halftime to the Cleveland Browns at home, the Chiefs (1-0) outscored the Browns 23-7 in the second half (in large part to Browns turnovers) to secure a come-from-behind 33-29 victory. Each of their last eight regular-season wins have been by six points or fewer (the longest such streak in league history).
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 27-of-36 passes for 337 yards and three TDs and added 18 yards on the ground with a score to pace the Chiefs. Mahomes is now 22-4 (.846) when his team does not score first, which is the highest win percentage in the Super Bowl era.
Prediction: Ravens veteran running back Devonta Freeman was promoted from the practice squad. He will be active for Sunday’s showdown and should be a big help to the Ravens running game as they are trying to make up for three season-ending running back injuries to J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.
The Chiefs have won the last four matchups against the Ravens since 2015, including a 34-20 win in Baltimore last season. Jackson has to be better and the Ravens defense must step up in a big way. The home crowd should also help and will be a big boost when needed. Will it be enough though? I think the Chiefs win a close one. Chiefs, 27-21.
