Arrowhead Pride
Going into the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 3 game against the New York Giants, every member of our Arrowhead Pride panel picked the Chiefs to win. As a group, we anticipated Kansas City would prevail 26-17. That prediction had 16 points of error compared to the Chiefs’ 22-9 victory.
Our readers were less convinced. Nearly one in five (18%) thought the Giants would win, while most who picked Kansas City expected a close game.
In Week 4, the Chiefs face the Baltimore Ravens on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Baltimore is favored by 2.5 points.
Let’s see what the staff — and our readers — think about the matchup.
This is a really strange version of this matchup. Right now, neither team is playing even close to its best football. The Ravens’ run defense has been a total disaster. Derrick Henry suddenly can’t hold on to the ball in big moments. The Chiefs have no juice on the perimeter and can’t run the ball. Both teams will improve by season’s end, but this game feels weird.
Last week, I had the Ravens winning this game — but now, I’m picking Kansas City. Baltimore’s defense will make it easier for Andy Reid to scheme quick-hitters to keep the offense moving. The Ravens will hit some explosive plays, but the Chiefs are closer to a complete team right now. They get more stops and ultimately win.
Chiefs 27, Ravens 24
It’s tempting to predict a big Chiefs win at home. But despite their injuries, the Ravens are tough — and motivated to steal one in front of Kansas City’s crowd. I’m also not ready to say the Chiefs’ offense is ready to thrash anybody. So I’ll go with a low-scoring, narrow win.
Chiefs 23, Ravens 20
Coming into the season, both teams were viewed as Super Bowl contenders. But now, each sits at 1-2, trying to avoid an early-season hole. The stakes feel much like those of a postseason game.
For Kansas City, the return of Xavier Worthy and the emergence of Tyquan Thornton should stabilize the passing game. The Ravens have shown vulnerability against the run, so even if the Chiefs don’t break out on the ground, balance could give them the edge.
Mahomes has had the upper hand over Lamar Jackson in past matchups. Expect another close battle, but Kansas City’s defense and balance should be just enough.
Chiefs 27, Ravens 24
Before the season, nobody would have predicted the loser of this game would fall to 1-3. Yet here we are.
The Ravens come in banged up after being dominated by the Lions. Without Nnamdi Madubuike, their defensive front is thin. Detroit ran for 224 yards — and while the Chiefs don’t have that same backfield talent, I still think they’ll find success. Baltimore’s pass rush is also non-existent, giving Patrick Mahomes plenty of time....
