Taking the field at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 28th, are the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. This game will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore MD. Carrying the game on television is CBS. Baltimore heads into this AFC matchup as the 4 point favorite to come away with the win. Does this mean they are a lock to win? You can bet this game at Jazz Sports and read on to get my take on this matchup.
Can Kansas City Deliver Being Underdogs on the Road?
Through 19 games, the Chiefs have a record of 11-6. This mark has them 1st in the AFC-West and 3rd in the AFC. Taking a look at the Chiefs’ scoring margin this season, it is currently at +5.2. This has resulted in an ATS record of 11-7-1.
Overall, the Chiefs offense is averaging 22.3 points per game, which is 14th in the NFL. In terms of scoring on the road, the Chiefs are averaging 21.4 points per contest. In terms of passing yards, Kansas City’s offense is 6th in attempts. Their average of 245.5 passing yards per game places them 7th in the league.
With an average of 109.3 rushing yards per game, the Chiefs currently rank 17th in the NFL. This figure is based on an average of 25 rushing attempts (25th).
Facing the Ravens this week, the Chiefs’ defense has allowed an average of 17.1 points per game. They currently rank 2nd in quarterback hits and have allowed an average of 292.5 yards per contest.
- Richie James – Knee (Out)
- Nick Bolton – Ankle (Out)
- Nazeeh Johnson – Knee (Out)
- Jody Fortson – Shoulder (Out)
- Charles Omenihu – Suspension (Out)
Can Baltimore Pull Out the Win as Home Favorites?
The Ravens currently hold the 1st spot in the AFC-North this season, with an overall record of 13-4. In games outside their conference, they have a 5-0 record, and in AFC games, they have an AFC record. Against the spread, the Ravens are 12-6 this season. This includes them covering the spread in three straight games on the road.
At home, the Ravens are averaging 32.1 points per contest compared to their overall numbers of 28.7 points per game. In the league, Baltimore is 2nd in overall scoring. Looking at their performance in the passing game so far, Baltimore is 21st in passing yards per game, where they have an average of 208.8. Additionally, their passing yards per attempt of 7.4 places them 3rd in the league.
The Ravens come in with an average of 4.9 yards per rushing attempt while running the ball an average of 32.4 times per game. In terms of total rushing yardage, they currently rank 1st in the league.
In terms of defense, the Ravens hold the 7th position in tackles for loss and are ranked 1st in sacks. Opponents are managing to score an average of 16.1 points and gain 296.4 yards per game against them.
- Malik Hamm – Ankle (Out)
- J.K. Dobbins – Achilles (Out)
- Trayvon Mullen – Toe (Out)
- Nick Moore – Achilles (Out)
- Tyus Bowser – Knee (Out)
- Marcus Williams – Pectoral (Out)
- Odell Beckham Jr. – Ankle (Out)
- Ronnie Stanley – Knee (Out)
- Marlon Humphrey – Foot (Out)
- Tyler Linderbaum – Ankle (Out)
- Damarion Williams – Ankle (Out)
- Andrew Vorhees – Knee (Out)
- Keaton Mitchell – Shoulder (Out)
- Ar’Darius Washington – Chest (Out)
- Justice Hill – Foot (Out)
- Odafe Oweh – Ankle (Out)
Chiefs vs. Ravens Pick
My point spread pick, is Kansas City as 4-point underdogs. I expect Kansas City to continue their impressive rushing game, as seen in their recent matchup with Buffalo. I’ll be getting a bet down on Kansas City before the game starts.
Pick: Take the Chiefs at +4
The Total
Not only does our model have a projected total of 47 points in this matchup, but the eye test has me feeling this line of 44.5 is low. I like the Chiefs and Ravens to exceed 44.5 points.
Pick: Go Over 44.5 points
