NFL Futures and Picks Week 1: Ravens vs Chiefs

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NFL Futures and Picks Week 1: Ravens vs Chiefs

The 2024 NFL season starts with a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game. The Baltimore Ravens will visit the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for Thursday Night Football.

Last season, the Ravens finished with a 13-4 record, securing the top seed in the AFC, but their hopes of reaching the Super Bowl were dashed by a 17-10 home loss to the Chiefs in the AFC title game. 

Kansas City, who finished the regular season with an 11-6 record, defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII, marking their second consecutive championship.

BUSR NFL Lines 

Spread: Ravens +3 (-120), Chiefs -3 (+100) 

Moneyline: Ravens +126, Chiefs -155 

Total: O 46.5 (-110), U 46.5 (-110) 

Baltimore Seeks Redemption in 2024

Baltimore enters the 2024 season looking to avenge their AFC Championship Game defeat and take that final step toward a Super Bowl appearance. 

The Ravens have made several significant changes, particularly on offense, regarding their season NFL futures. They acquired star running back Derrick Henry from the Tennessee Titans. Henry takes over the lead role in the backfield following the departures of Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, who joined the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.

The Ravens will also adjust to life without three starting offensive linemen from last season, including Morgan Moses, John Simpson, and Kevin Zeitler. 

On the defensive side, Baltimore faces the challenge of replacing key contributors like Ronald Darby, Rock Ya-Sin, Geno Stone, Patrick Queen, Jadeveon Clowney, and Tyus Bowser. How quickly the Ravens can adapt to these changes, especially on the offensive line, will be crucial to their success this season.

Last season, Baltimore finished 21st in passing offense, averaging 213.8 yards per game, while leading the league in rushing with 156.5 yards per game. The Ravens ranked fourth in scoring offense, scoring 28.4 points per contest, and boasted the league’s top-scoring defense, allowing just 16.5 points per game. 

Lamar Jackson, who threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 821 rushing yards and five scores, will remain the point of the Ravens’ offense.

Chiefs Aim for a Three-Peat

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off their second straight Super Bowl victory and are looking to start their journey toward a third consecutive title on a winning note. 

Despite a winless preseason, the Chiefs remain one of the league’s top teams, thanks to quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s leadership. Last season, Mahomes threw for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns while leading the Chiefs to a 15th-place finish in scoring offense with an average of 21.8 points per game.

The Chiefs have made several roster changes, including trading cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans and losing safety Mike Edwards to the Buffalo Bills in free agency. Offensively, Kansas City added receivers Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster and drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round to bolster their passing game.

As of Monday, critical players like Hollywood Brown and Chris Jones are dealing with injuries, with Brown listed as doubtful for the game. Additionally, defensive end Charles Omenihu is on the PUP list, which could impact Kansas City’s defensive plans. However, the Chiefs are optimistic that Jones will be ready for the season opener.

Betting Recommendation

Baltimore has made several changes, but questions still need to be answered about how quickly they can integrate new pieces, particularly on the offensive line. Meanwhile, despite some roster adjustments, Kansas City is still led by the incomparable Patrick Mahomes, who has proven his ability to deliver in clutch moments.

For those interested in NFL Futures, Kansas City is in a slightly better position entering this game. Expect Mahomes to make the critical plays that give the Chiefs the edge in this high-stakes matchup.

Bet on the Chiefs to cover the -3 spread.