With the Chiefs and Ravens on MNF, Mims picks QB and RB prop bets and raves about Baltimore's Raven-ous defense
The much-anticipated game between the Chiefs and Ravens is a preview of the AFC Championship Game. Patrick Mahomes is considered the gold standard for QBs. Lamar Jackson is right behind him. Both have records of 2-0 this season.
Ravens vs. Chiefs has quickly become an AFC rivalry, and over the next few years, it will get even better. The Chiefs led by Mahomes and the Ravens led by Jackson has the same kind of feel as Manning and Brady 10 years ago.
The Ravens have averaged 35.5 points-per-game this season. The Chiefs are not far off that mark, setting their average at 28.5 in 2020. During a Week 3 tilt between these teams last season, the score was 33-28. The Chiefs won that game at home. They have won the last three in a row against Baltimore.
Jackson is 0-2 against the Chiefs in his young career, but whether the Ravens can turn the tables against KC may depend more on Baltimore's defense. The Ravens traded for Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters last season, and they added more speed to their defense with rookie inside linebacker Patrick Queen, and seriously upgraded the defensive front with veterans Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe. The Ravens have the best defense of the two.
The Chiefs drafted running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round, who is averaging 5.0 yards per carry in two games. He is an excellence complement to the passing attack of Mahomes to Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Sammy Watkins and Tight End Travis Kelce.
Prop Bets to Watch
Total Passing Yards is set at 295.5 for Mahomes and 249.5 for Jackson. I see more of a ball control style from the Ravens that will limit passing opportunities. Take both guys under.
Go with Edwards-Helaire over his rushing total. It is projected at 65.5.
The Sports Betting Numbers are Ravens -3.5 and over/under 54.5.
Everything about these two teams points to an over. The league average for scoring is 51 points per game. I am scared to bet against Andy Reid and Mahomes but if I do, it will have to be in a 2nd straight road game. This is the 2nd straight road game. Go with the Ravens.
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