Chiefs (2-0) at Ravens (2-0)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
TV: ESPN
Danny Sheridan’s line: Ravens by 3
Chiefs’ keys to victory: The few times Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson and company looked panicked last season was when they had to play catch-up. Kansas City has to start hot and not commit any turnovers to put the pressure on Baltimore’s offense to keep up. Defensively, it’s all about gap control and proper tackling. The Ravens offense can be explosive.
Ravens’ keys to victory: Baltimore can’t settle for field goals. With how close this game is likely to be, putting up three points instead of seven will allow K.C. to keep pace. Jackson needs to stay poised in the pocket but make quick reads with a defense that will be looking to harass him. Defensively, it’s all about stopping RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire and hitting QB Patrick Mahomes often. Limiting his time to throw is the best way to get him out of rhythm.
Matchup to watch: Ravens DT Calais Campbell vs. Chiefs T Mitchell Schwartz/Eric Fisher. Baltimore’s big offseason splash was trading for Campbell with the hopes he’d bolster the run defense and provide a more consistent pass rush. If Campbell is in the backfield all night, the Chiefs offense will grind to a standstill. But if Schwartz and Fisher can keep Campbell contained, it’ll be up to the Ravens defensive front to do what they couldn’t last year.
Who wins? Both teams have a claim at being the best in the NFL, with the winner likely shooting to the top of the Super Bowl LV favorites list. The Ravens’ offseason additions, along with Jackson’s development as a passer, give them the edge this time, but just barely.
Ravens, 33-30