The Kansas City Chiefs are 1-2 on the season, but they are coming off their first victory. Now, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are bracing to face another former MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore is favored despite this game being at Arrowhead.
The context provides that much more support for the idea that CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell’s “bold prediction” is indeed that.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on Right Side of ‘Bold Prediction’ vs. Ravens
Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Predicted to Outduel Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Jackson is besting Mahomes in most statistical categories entering the matchup, with the Chiefs’ QB surprisingly edging his Ravens counterpart on the ground. Podell believes that will continue in this contest.
He also believes the Chiefs put it all together just enough at Jackson and the Ravens’ expense.
“Mahomes has played the worst football of his career through three games of a season since he became the Chiefs’ starter in 2018. He’s thrown for the worst completion (59%), yards per pass attempt (6.4) and fewest passing touchdowns (3) through three games in his career,” Podell wrote on September 26. “Lamar Jackson, his Baltimore Ravens two-time NFL MVP counterpart, is playing like he is the actual best quarterback in football. The Ravens have the No. 1 scoring offense in the NFL (37.0 points per game, the most through three games by a team with a losing record in NFL history.
“Despite Jackson’s singular brilliance, some weird things will go down at Arrowhead, and the Chiefs will emerge victorious and overcome Mahomes’ lackluster play.”
Mahomes has thrown for 669 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception through three games. But he is also completing 59% of his passes, which is a low mark for his career, and he has been sacked 6 times.
Chiefs LB Keeps Reminder About Lamar Jackson
Mahomes will need to be at his best with Jackson (772-9-0 on 72% completion) playing for the other side. Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill knows the full range of what Jackson can do, including on the ground, even if the Ravens star has yet to unleash his talents fully this season.
Tranquill has his game-worn jersey from the 2023 AFC Championship game framed, courtesy of his wife, Jackie, per The Athletic’s Jesse Newell on September 26.
He made a game-saving tackle, keeping a sprinting Jackson from breaking free for a TD.
Lamar Jackson catch. Justin Reid and Drue Tranquill blitz off the left side. Great deflection by Reid. If Tranquill doesn’t make that tackle. Lamar honestly might have taken that the distance for a TD. A HUGE tackle by Drue. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/rri3RJWERT
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) January 30, 2024
Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones said Jackson should have won MVP last season. The award went to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen, whom Mahomes and the Chiefs defeated in the 2024 AFC Championship Game.
Chiefs’ Defense Must Step Up
Jackson has been on a tear to start this season, while the Chiefs’ defense has not played up to its standard so far. KC ranked fourth in scoring defense and ninth overall during the 2024 regular season. Mahomes and the Chiefs are ninth and 11th, respectively, entering Week 4 against Jackson and the Ravens.
Baltimore boasts the No. 1 scoring group, but they are 15th in total offense.
That is good news for the KC’s defense. Moreover, the Ravens are 32nd in scoring and overall defense, which is great news for Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense as they look to build off their Week 3 win over the New York Giants.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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