NFL action took over the airwaves Thursday night in the form of Chiefs vs. Ravens. For a rematch of last year’s AFC title game, Kansas City and Baltimore traded shots like two heavyweight boxers. Still, a pivotal Baltimore touchdown was overturned as time expired, making the officials the star of the show.
NFL Opening Night Nailbiter
The Chiefs wound up victorious at home by the score of 27-20. It should be said that the Ravens played a tough ball game. Baltimore held Patrick Mahomes to one touchdown and one interception, but the speed of receivers Rashee Rice (103 receiving yards) and rookie Xavier Worthy (two total TDs) proved to be the difference. All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce was held in check for just three receptions.
Both teams scored touchdowns on their opening drives, but the contest turned into a chess match from there. Kansas City held the Ravens to just three points in the second quarter, taking a 13-10 lead into halftime. Of course, Lamar Jackson and company would not go down quietly.
After a third quarter that featured an Isiah Pacheco touchdown run as the only scoring, Jackson and “The Flock” turned up the heat. The reigning league MVP turned to his legs, finishing with a game high 122 rushing yards. Jackson also utilized downfield passes to tight end Isaiah Likely (111 yards, one TD) and Rashod Bateman (53 yards) to bring Baltimore within a single score.
When crunch time arrived, the Ravens’ defense was able to force a punt from K.C. Lamar guided Baltimore on a 77-yard drive with under two minutes to play. Still, their night would end on the Chiefs’ 10-yard line. On third down, Jackson connected with Likely in the back of the end zone on a laser throw. Initially, the back line judge ruled Likely’s leaping grab as a touchdown.
Following Baltimore’s pandemonium, the officials huddled together before overturning the touchdown to an incomplete pass. Upon review, Likely’s toes on his right foot appeared to come down ever-so-slightly on the boundary.
Residual Effects
Did the officials get the call correct when they overturned Likely’s would-be second score of the night? After watching replay footage, I honestly believe that they did get it right. However, one cannot ignore the tension of the moment. If the touchdown stood, the Ravens — with no time on the game clock — had all the momentum and were planning on going for the two-point conversion (and the win).
For those wondering, Baltimore was flagged on seven occasions last night for 64 yards. Conversely, the Chiefs drew six penalties for 45 total yards. Of course, it is often the timing of when a flag is thrown that can be most detrimental to a team.
In this battle between two of Playboy’s “5 Buzziest NFL Quarterbacks Entering 2024-25,” Mahomes moves to a lifetime 5-1 record against Jackson.
The Chiefs are staying at home to face the Cincinnati Bengals (Sep. 15) for NFL Week 2. On that same day, the Ravens will have their home opener versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
Betting Movement
All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Game lines may shift upon publication.
DraftKings does have a few NFL Week 2 betting lines already up, but not yet for the Chiefs or Ravens.
Naturally, Kansas City and Baltimore are two of the betting favorites to represent the AFC at the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans.
After the Chiefs’ narrow win on opening night, they are yielding +260 odds to win the conference and +450 odds (down from five-to-one on Wednesday) to win a third consecutive Lombardi Trophy.
In the AFC title market, the Ravens have slightly inflated, now showing six-to-one odds. Taking it a step further, Baltimore has 11-to-1 odds to win Super Bowl LIX, which is still shorter than anyone not named the Chiefs or San Francisco 49ers (+600).
If you’re interested in NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year betting, Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy has seen his label for OROY drop to 12-to-1 at DraftKings Sportsbook.
NFL Week 1 Primetime Schedule
Friday, Sep. 6, 8:15 p.m. ET: Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-2) from São Paulo, Brazil
Total: 50
Sunday, Sep. 8, 8:20 p.m. ET: Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions (-4.5)
Total: 52
Monday, Sep. 9, 8:20 p.m. ET: New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5)
Total: 43.5
Editor’s note: The advice provided by the author does not represent the views of Playboy. Taking any advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. Always use your own judgment when participating in sports betting. Still, for daily bettors, the best insight anyone ever gave me was to stay away from parlays.
Correction: This story has been updated to correct the down on which Lamar Jackson threw a disputed touchdown to Isaiah Likely.