Courtesy of Realbookies.com
It’s only Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season, but Monday’s Ravens-Chiefs matchup has been anticipated since the schedule was released way back in April.
It is a likely AFC championship preview and also a chance for Baltimore to make up for last year’s loss at Arrowhead. The Ravens opened as a 2.5-point favorite but that has been bid up 3.5.
AMERICA’S BOOKIE OFFERS BONUSES TIED TO DEPOSITS ALL FOOTBALL SEASON
Game: Kansas City Chiefs (2-0, 1-1 ATS) at Baltimore Ravens (2-0, 2-0 ATS)
When: 8:15 PM ET, Monday, September 28, 2020
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Current Line: BAL 3.5 Total: 54.5
TV Coverage: ESPN
Cruise Control
Baltimore has picked up where it left off last regular season with a pair of big victories over outmatched opponents. The Ravens crushed AFC North rival Cleveland 38-6 in Week 1 and then pounded Houston 33-16 last week.
The big reason for the explosive offense is, of course, reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. The Ravens quarterback is completing 77.6 percent of his passes for 479 yards and four touchdowns. He has added another 99 yards on the ground for a Baltimore offense that is averaging 35.5 points per game.
The real reason why the Ravens are so dangerous in 2020 and are seen in many free picks though is their defense.
The Ravens are third in total defense allowing 305 yards per game. In the one defensive stat that really counts – point per game – Baltimore leads the NFL giving up just 11 points per contest.
Both Will Be Tested
They will no doubt be tested by Patrick Mahomes and the high-flying Chiefs offense. After opening the season with a 34-20 win over Houston, the Chiefs were tested last week by the Los Angeles Chargers. Kansas City needed a late field goal to win.
Mahomes has thrown for 513 yards and five touchdowns so far, but it feels like he could do so much more. Will he be able to shine against the Baltimore defense?
Editor’s Choice: Updated Super Bowl LV Odds
Recent History
Remember, a year ago Mahomes and company beat Baltimore 33-28. In fact, the Ravens have lost to the Chiefs in each of the last two seasons by a total of eight points. Fans and sports handicappers alike both of those games were at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
A change in venue might be just what Baltimore needs. The Ravens are 7-1 SU in their last eight home games. They are also 16-3 in their last 19 regular season games. Baltimore has won its last 14 consecutive regular season games.
More importantly, the Ravens are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games. While KC is also a very respectable 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games, the difference on Monday night comes down to defense.
Baltimore has an NFL-best five takeaways. The Ravens win the turnover battle, win at home, and cover on Monday night.
Realbookies.com Pick: Ravens -3.5
