The first game of the season is always hard to predict. The one thing I believe is that the Ravens are not as strong a team as they were last year. They've lost some playmakers on defense. They lost a DC that did a great job with halftime adjustments. They promoted from within, but also promoted a guy who has never had that position at any level. He has some growing pains in front of him. Their WR group is average. They brought in Derrick Henry at an increased salary to boost a RB group that has finished in the top 5 every year of Lamar Jackson's NFL career. Personally, I think it is over pay. Henry will do fine. But that position was not the area that needed improvement to get them over the top.
KC lost people too, but they have every year. Last year looked like it would finally catch up with them. But as long as you have Mahomes at QB, and Reid at coach, you have to be the team to beat. Every other piece, maybe with the exception of Kelce, is interchangeable.
It wouldn't shock me for either team to win this game. I think the revenge thing is over rated. That was last year, two different teams. KC lost their home opener last year, I don't see it happening again. This year their opener carries more weight. Last year they lost to a team they could not possibly see until the SB. This year could end up determining home field in the playoffs. I think the Ravens will hang, but KC pulls away in the 4th quarter. KC wins by 10.
