The 2024 NFL season kicks off tonight with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs are favored by 3 points in this rematch of the AFC Championship Game, with the total set at 46.5 points.
Current betting lines include:
– Spread: Chiefs (-3)
– Moneyline: Chiefs (-150), Ravens (+130)
– Over/under: 46.5 points
– First-half spread: Chiefs -2.5 (+115), Ravens +2.5 (-145)
Individual player props include:
**Passing Yards:**
– Patrick Mahomes: over 269.5 (-115), under 269.5 (-115)
– Lamar Jackson: over 221.5 (-115), under 221.5 (-115)
**Passing Touchdowns:**
– Mahomes: over 1.5 (-180), under 1.5 (+145)
– Jackson: over 1.5 (+135), under 1.5 (-170)
**Rushing Yards:**
– Isiah Pacheco: over 58.5 (-115), under 58.5 (-115)
– Derrick Henry: over 63.5 (-115), under 63.5 (-115)
– Jackson: over 47.5 (-110), under 47.5 (-120)
– Mahomes: over 20.5 (-110), under 20.5 (-120)
**Receiving Yards:**
– Travis Kelce: over 57.5 (-120), under 57.5 (-110)
– Zay Flowers: over 52.5 (-115), under 52.5 (-115)
– Mark Andrews: over 48.5 (-115), under 48.5 (-115)
– Rashod Bateman: over 28.5 (-120), under 28.5 (-110)
Both teams have potent offenses, but there is a strong case for taking the under at 46.5. This is largely due to the impressive defensive capabilities of both teams, with the Ravens and Chiefs ranked as the top two scoring defenses last season. The Ravens led the league in sacks and takeaways, bolstered by standout safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, while the Chiefs’ defensive strength lies in their pass rush, featuring Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
The Ravens return only two starters on the offensive line, which could lead to challenges in pass protection against Kansas City’s aggressive pass rush. Meanwhile, Kansas City has added rookie speedster Xavier Worthy, who is still untested at the professional level. Lamar Jackson is set to lead the Ravens’ offense alongside new running back Derrick Henry, but it may take time for their unit to mesh.
Various betting trends also reveal that Jackson is with a solid record as a regular-season underdog, displaying superior performance both outright and against the spread. The Ravens’ historical performance in Week 1 under head coach John Harbaugh further strengthens their position as they enter tonight’s game.
In summary, considering all the factors—defensive prowess, offensive adjustments, and historical trends—there’s a compelling argument that the total score may remain below 46.5 in this highly anticipated season opener.