Chiefs vs Ravens Odds - Kansas City meets its worst nightmare
The Chiefs vs Ravens odds could produce the first massacre of the NFL betting season. While Kansas City fans were optimistic about their team’s chances to surprise when the preseason started, too much has gone wrong over the last few weeks to make them good upset picks in Week 1.
Chiefs vs Ravens Odds: Ravens -10
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD
- KEY STAT: Chiefs allowed second-most rushing yards in AFC last season; Ravens led AFC in rushing last season
- PICK: Ravens -10
Chiefs vs Ravens odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Chiefs hope to turn over a new leaf this season with a new head coach in Todd Haley, a new quarterback in Matt Cassel and a pile of defensive draft picks. Can they make a statement on the road against the rough, tough Ravens?
Chiefs vs Ravens odds maker breakdown: Offense
When a team fires its offensive co-ordinator (Chan Gailey) two weeks before the regular season starts, online betting fans can’t be too confident in that team’s offense. The Chiefs have some talent but are a mess right now. Matt Cassel may not be healthy enough to play in Week 1; Dwayne Bowe spent much of the preseason in Haley’s doghouse and no other receivers stepped up; Larry Johnson looks tentative hitting holes. The Ravens should literally run wild on the Chiefs’ porous run defense. Ray Rice is primed to take over as an every-down back and should be licking his chops at the chance to gash Kansas City. Joe Flacco doesn’t have too many weapons to work with in the passing game, but that won’t matter; he can play caretaker against the Chiefs. Betting Edge: Ravens
Chiefs vs Ravens odds maker breakdown: Defense
Does anyone even have to read this section? The Chiefs are among the NFL’s worst defensive teams and, while they worked hard to address that problem in the draft, they won’t improve right away. The Ravens lost co-ordinator Rex Ryan and linebacker Bart Scott but still have old-but-good vets Ray Lewis and Ed Reed leading an aggressive, ball-hawk unit. They’ll crush poor Kansas City. Betting Edge: Ravens
Chiefs vs Ravens odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Each team is relying on a newcomer at kicker, so choosing the sportsbook edge comes down to the return game. Kansas City’s Jamaal Charles is young, explosive, and eager to steal Larry Johnson’s thunder, so he could make some noise during what should be many kickoff returns against Baltimore. Betting Edge: Chiefs
Chiefs vs Ravens odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
No injury affects this game more than Matt Cassel’s. He’s the centerpiece of the new offense and the Chiefs need him. Tyler Thigpen was effective at times last season but that was usually in garbage time and/or against weak defenses. If Cassel can’t play, the Chiefs will fall behind quickly. If he does play, he may not be 100 per cent. Betting Edge: Ravens
Chiefs vs Ravens betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Chiefs were a plucky group last season, beating many spreads despite their awful win-loss record. While they may do so again this season, don’t expect it to happen in Week 1. A road game against an aggressive defense like Baltimore’s, not to mention a punishing rushing attack, is a nightmare for the Chiefs. STAN’S PICK: Ravens -10
Need more NFL sports betting advice? Check out the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com every day for comprehensive coverage. Also check out our stats section for more on the Chiefs vs Ravens matchup.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
