Ravens vs Chiefs Betting Line
The Baltimore Ravens (12-4) finished the AFC North in 2nd place this season behind the Steelers. Both teams had a 12-4 record, but the Steelers finished 5-1 in the division while the Ravens finished 4-2 record. The Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2011 NFL season, winning the AFC West. This is going to be the first game played on Sunday, starting at 1:00 pm EST at Arrowhead Stadium. The atmosphere should be absolutely insane with the Chiefs finally making the playoffs.
Ravens vs Chiefs Point Spread & Betting Odds
These are the lines as listed on Friday at 4pm EST. For the latest lines or to place a bet, click on any of the odds below. If you want to take the Chiefs +3, the best line is at the Bodog Sportsbook. If you like the Ravens -3, the best betting line is at Bookmaker.com.
| Sportsbook | Point Spread | Money Line | Over/Under |
| Bodog.com | Ravens -3 (-130) | Ravens: -175 Chiefs: +155 |
41 (0: -105)
41 (U: -115) |
| BetOnline.com | Ravens -3 (-120)
Chiefs +3 (even) |
Ravens: -170 Chiefs: +150 |
40.5 (-110) |
| Sportsbook.com | Ravens -3 (-120)
Chiefs +3 (even) |
Ravens: -170 Chiefs: +150 |
40.5 (-110) |
| Bookmaker.com | Ravens -3 (-110)
Chiefs +3 (-110) |
Ravens: -165 Chiefs: +145 |
40.5 (-110) |
| PlayersOnly.com | Ravens -3 (-120)
Chiefs +3 (even) |
Ravens: -170 Chiefs: +150 |
40.5 (-110) |
| BetUS.com | Ravens -3 (-115)
Chiefs +3 (-105) |
Ravens: -170 Chiefs: +150 |
40.5 (-110) |
To view the point spreads & latest NFL football betting lines ,visit our homepage. It has a feed that automatically updates 24 hours a day, from the Bodog Sportsbook.
AFC Wild Card – Ravens vs Chiefs Analysis
This could be the most exciting Wild Card game we’re going to see. Both teams have shown bright spots on offense this season, but both teams have had their struggles as well. During the regular season, the Chiefs gave up an average of 22.9 PPG (14th in the NFL), which is slightly better than the Ravens average of 22.3 PPG (16th). The Chiefs have had an amazing season running the ball with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones combining for well over 2000 rushing yards. Kansas City led the NFL in rushing offense this season with an average of 164.2 rushing YPG while the Ravens ranked 14th with an average of 114.4 rushing YPG.
On offense, the Chiefs and Matt Cassel have struggled throwing the ball, as they’ve only managed a paltry 185.5 passing YPG (30th in league), which is almost the same as their rushing average. Joe Flacco and the Ravens passing offense doesn’t rank much better though, as they’ve only managed 208.4 passing YPG (20th in league) this season. The edge on offense goes to the Chiefs, but will the pressure be too much for the young Chiefs squad?
When you think Baltimore Ravens, the first thought that comes to mind is Ray Lewis and the Ravens D. They will be looking to tear up Cassel and the talented Kansas RB’s on Sunday, but they do have some holes. Baltimore’s D played great this season and only allowed 16.9 PPG (3rd in league) and 93.9 rushing YPG (5th in league). However, they gave up an average of 224.9 passing YPG on the season, which was 21st in the league. Cassel is going to need to air the ball out on Sunday against the Ravens if the Chiefs plan on opening up any running lanes against the talented front line and linebackers on Baltimore.
Kansas City played consistent, solid defense this season and it helped them rank above average in most defensive stat categories. The Chiefs gave up an average of 20.4 PPG (11th in league), 219.9 passing YPG (17th in league) and 110.2 rushing YPG (14th in league) on the season. Baltimore doesn’t have a terribly strong offense, so this should be a low scoring affair. If either team can score points on special teams it might be the deciding factor in what should otherwise be a close game between two teams that prefer running the ball over airing it out.
Place a Bet at the Bodog Sportsbook
Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs Key Match-Ups
Chiefs Rushing Offense vs Ravens Rushing Defense
The biggest match-up in this game is going to be the Chiefs rushing attack against the Ravens rushing defense. Kansas City has the #1 rushing offense in the league with an average of 164.2 YPG. A lot of those yards came against teams that had trouble stopping the run though, and we all know the Ravens can stop the run. Charles and Jones might find it difficult taking the ball to the outside against the speedy Raven linebackers. If Baltimore can hold the Chiefs to under 100 yards rushing in this game, they’ll likely make it to the next round of the playoffs.
Chiefs Inexperience vs Ravens Experience
Baltimore has a huge edge in experience against the young Kansas City Chiefs team and it should be interesting to see if it has an affect on the game. The Baltimore Ravens don’t have the best playoff record over the past few seasons, but they know what it’s like to play in the big games. One factor that’ll help Kansas City is playing at home where the team compiled a 7-1 record during the regular season. Chiefs coordinators Weis & Crennel, who have lots of Super Bowl experience, could also provide a calming affect on the young players.
AFC Wild Card – Ravens vs Chiefs Predictions
I can’t wait to watch this game on Sunday, as I expect some exciting twists. With their experience and leadership, I find it hard to bet against the Ravens in this spot. Kansas City had a great season and I don’t want to take anything away from them, but when it comes down to it the Ravens are a more experienced and playoff-ready team. I hate betting against the Chiefs at home, but with a small –3-point spread I’ll bite on the Ravens. I’m taking Ravens -3 (-110) at Bookmaker.com.
Over/Under Prediction
I’m also taking the under (40.5 at Sportsbook.com), expecting a score in the 21-17 range.
Ravens & Chiefs Road to the Wild Card
Kansas City didn’t need a victory last week against the Raiders, but I’m sure they weren’t expecting to get smoked 31-10 either. With a young team trying to build confidence before the playoffs, the loss against the Raiders might prove costly. Kansas City decided not to sit any of their players like they had planned on earlier in the week and I don’t think that was a good decision. Cassel had a horrible game and is going to need to shake the cobwebs off quickly because the Ravens defense is coming to town.
Baltimore went into week 17 with a chance to win the AFC North if they beat the Bengals and the Steelers lost against the Browns, but this didn’t happen. The Ravens beat the Bengals, but the Steelers also won their game. Baltimore didn’t rest any of their players so they should be able to execute their typical weekly routine. Ed Reed ended up being the story of the game in week 17 with 2 INT’s, and I’m sure Raven fans hope that was just a sign of things to come. Baltimore will be heading into Arrowhead on Sunday riding a 4-game win streak, which is a great way to be heading into the playoffs.
