The final time we had a regular-season matchup that appeared nearly as good on paper because the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens subsequent Monday night time, it was the Chiefs vs. the Los Angeles Rams in 2018. That turned out to be the best regular-season recreation in NFL historical past.

It will likely be laborious for Chiefs-Ravens to dwell as much as the hype, however the NFL can’t give us a greater matchup this season.

Any respected NFL energy rankings may have the Chiefs and Ravens within the prime two spots, in no matter order you like. The Ravens had been the very best crew within the common season final 12 months. The Chiefs received a Tremendous Bowl. Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have received the previous two NFL MVP awards and both one may win it once more this season. With the expanded playoffs, the No. 1 seed being the one one to get the first-round bye and the tiebreaker being head-to-head outcomes as standard, this recreation may have the largest single influence on who wins Tremendous Bowl LV.

Yeah, this will likely be enjoyable.

For those who imagine the Chiefs are the very best crew in soccer, the purpose unfold for this nice matchup doesn’t essentially agree. The unfold at BetMGM was set at Baltimore as a 3.5-point favourite and it hasn’t moved. With many questioning the true worth of home-field benefit with out followers — though dwelling groups are profitable at a a lot greater charge this season, although we solely have two weeks of information up to now — the road is a bit stunning. This might be the one time Kansas Metropolis is an underdog all season, and the Chiefs are getting greater than a discipline purpose.

It’s too laborious to cross that up, even when it appears that evidently oddsmakers are begging everybody to take the Chiefs. A discipline purpose can be attractive, giving bettors the hook is a superb deal on Kansas Metropolis. Though I’ve had the Ravens as my No. 1 crew within the energy rankings for the reason that finish of final 12 months, I’ll take the Chiefs +3.5. It ought to be a fantastic one.

Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) will face the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night time. (AP Picture/Charlie Riedel)

Extra

Listed below are the remainder of the picks for Week Three of the NFL season, with level spreads from BetMGM:

Dolphins (+3) over Jaguars

I used to be in all probability extra impressed with the Jaguars in final week’s near-loss to the Titans than in Week 1, once they had been outplayed by the Colts however pulled off the upset. The Jaguars gave a superb Titans crew a heck of a recreation final Sunday. The Dolphins haven’t appeared good, however they’ve performed the New England Patriots and Buffalo Payments. I believe Miami will at the least hold it shut.

Patriots (-6) over Raiders

Monday night time was an enormous night time for the Raiders. They received a win of their first recreation at Las Vegas over the favored Saints. The mix of a doable emotional letdown, a shorter week and the disbelief that the Patriots will likely be 1-2 leads me to take New England.

Payments (-2) over Rams

Two groups which were very spectacular by means of a pair weeks. I’ve been on the Payments’ bandwagon all offseason, and I’m not shifting off that now. The Payments excellent and I believe they proceed to show that right here.

Steelers (-4) over Texans

Unsure what the Texans have proven to persuade anybody to again them in opposition to a Steelers crew that has rather a lot to love. Pittsburgh didn’t blow away the Broncos like they need to have final week after Drew Lock’s damage, however I believe the Steelers will overwhelm Houston right here.

Giants (+4) over 49ers

Two groups coping with a ton of key accidents. I don’t really feel nice taking the Giants with out Saquon Barkley or Sterling Shepard, however San Francisco is much more beat up.

Titans (-2.5) over Vikings

A entice? Possibly. However I’m falling into it. The Vikings look actually unhealthy up to now. They’ll have the urgency, at 0-2 in opposition to a 2-Zero Titans crew that has squeaked out each of its wins, however I must see the Vikings play higher earlier than choosing them in opposition to a crew nearly as good as Tennessee.

Washington (+7) over Browns

I don’t love Washington on this spot, in opposition to a Cleveland crew that has additional relaxation and might need simply appeared unhealthy in Week 1 as a result of Baltimore is that good. However nonetheless, let me see the Browns cowl a selection earlier than laying a landing with them.

Story continues

Bengals (+5.5) over Eagles

I assumed the Panthers would lead the league in backdoor covers, however Christian McCaffrey’s damage would possibly shift that honor to the Bengals. Joe Burrow seems legit and Cincinnati will at all times hold issues attention-grabbing on the finish of video games.

Bears (+3.5) over Falcons

I get each purpose why the Falcons are in all probability the worth right here, over a 2-Zero Bears crew that has been fairly lucky up to now. However I don’t belief Atlanta, and who is aware of how that epic collapse final week impacts them.

Jets (+10.5) over Colts

The lookahead line final week for this recreation was Colts -7. I get it, the Jets stink. It’s not enjoyable to select them and it would look actually dumb once they’re shedding 21-Zero at halftime. However this line is somewhat ridiculous. And if the Jets can’t cowl, they may as properly ask Trevor Lawrence which quantity he desires to put on.

Panthers (+6.5) over Chargers

It will likely be a slog for the Panthers with out Christian McCaffrey. Nonetheless, they’ve some good targets within the passing recreation and I nonetheless imagine of their backdoor cowl skill, particularly if Justin Herbert begins and makes some rookie errors (and particularly if Tyrod Taylor begins).

Cardinals (-5.5) over Lions

There was a motion earlier than the season that the Lions had been means higher than we thought. I in all probability purchased into that after I picked them to cowl final week at Inexperienced Bay. Now it simply seems like a crew that has a horrible coach and actually has little curiosity in enjoying all that arduous for him.

Buccaneers (-6.5) over Broncos

I’d prefer to take the Broncos getting this many factors at dwelling however simply can’t. There are too many key accidents for me to again them.

Cowboys (+5.5) over Seahawks

Russell Wilson has been nice. Seattle’s protection has not been as nice. The Cowboys’ offense received it going within the second half final week they usually’re going to attain on Sunday. The Seahawks love enjoying shut video games and this will likely be one other one.

Saints (-3) over Packers

New Orleans was a 5.5-point favourite on the lookahead line final week. Which means there’s worth within the Saints coming all the way down to a discipline purpose. New Orleans misplaced to the Raiders, however that was a foul spot for them enjoying in Las Vegas’ first dwelling recreation. The Packers have appeared large, there is no such thing as a doubt about that. If the Packers win right here, it is going to be fairly clear they should be considered because the NFC’s greatest crew.

Final week: 8-8

Season thus far: 17-13-2