Chiefs vs Ravens Picks: Our Best Bets For The NFL's Kickoff Game

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Chiefs vs Ravens Picks: Our Best Bets For The NFL's Kickoff Game

Our team of experts dive into the NFL action, focusing on insights and odds from top betting sites as the Baltimore Ravens head to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.

Continue reading for The Panel's in-depth coverage and expert predictions as the NFL season gets underway.

Patrick Mahomes Over 0.5 Interceptions 

The last three years have seen the quarterback throw 12 or more interceptions each season and Thursday's game could see Mahomes make at least one mistake.

Though he rarely fumbles the ball, it could well be an interception that will be his downfall and the chances of him throwing multiple touchdowns are likely just as high. 

The Panel Pick 1: Patrick Mahomes Over 0.5 Interceptions - DraftKings -115

Kansas City Chiefs -3 Points Vs Baltimore Ravens

The 2024-25 NFL regular season starts with a big one from Kansas City on Thursday night as the Baltimore Ravens come to town. 

Now that 53-man rosters are set. We know that Lamar Smith will do battle against Patrick Mahomes. 

The last time these two quarterbacks met was in the AFC Championship as Kansas City triumphed 17-10 and went on to another Super Bowl championship.

Marquise Brown is out for Kansas City, and Adisa Isaac is out for Baltimore. Also missing is Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the Ravens’ secondary will not have the same depth as in previous seasons. 

Patrick Mahomes wants to atone for a poor regular season by his standards after Kansas City lost their opener to Detroit last year, 21-20.

So, what is our first pick for this exciting Thursday night clash? One can move up to 2.5 to eliminate the field goal margin. However, let us go for the EVEN money here.       

The Panel Pick 2: Kansas City Chiefs -3 Points - FanDuel -100

Travis Kelce 70+ Receiving Yards

This Week 1 contest features a matchup that the Chiefs should be able to exploit. That would be Travis Kelce versus the middle and secondary of Baltimore’s defenses. 

Remember, the Ravens have a new defensive coordinator in Zach Orr, as well as several new faces in the secondary.

Kelce was held out last year due to injury and had a slow Week 2. However, in the AFC Championship, the Tight End caught all 11 balls thrown his way for 116 yards. 

Yes, this is a season opener and Mahomes will want to spread the ball around, meaning Kelce will have an ample chance to get down the middle of the field. 

57.5 yards still seems low and even if Kansas City seemingly has some home hiccups, Baltimore’s defense may have several.  

No one wants to admit it, but Kelce is still a 1,000-yard receiver in the NFL at almost 35, so don't be surprised if Kelce also finds his way into the endzone.  

Our pick is for Kelce to zoom past 57.5 yards and even 60 yards easily while few would be surprised to see him wind up with anywhere from 75 to 100 yards on Thursday night versus the Ravens. 

The Panel Pick 3: Travis Kelce 70+ Receiving Yards - Caesars +150