Chiefs Picked To Take Down Ravens In Week 1

The Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes couldn't have asked for a tougher start in defending their Super Bowl crown with Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens coming into Arrowhead Stadium for Week 1 .

In a rematch of last year's AFC Championship game, this is a true heavyweight clash to begin the season, with both teams likely feeling confident in their chances of starting the year with a win.

However, with both teams seemingly evenly matched ahead of Week 1 and neither team too sure of how each will play, picking the winner is a tough task. However, CBS Sports' Pete Prisco has given it a shot and thinks Mahomes and Co. will continue their dominance over the Ravens, winning 24-18.

"This rematch of the AFC Championship game will feature two of the best in the NFL. Lamar Jackson is playing behind a rebuilt offensive line, which could be a problem early in the season against a team that loves to blitz," Prisco writes . "The Chiefs will be better this year on offense than a year ago, which will show up here. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs defense both get off to good starts. Chiefs take it."

This matchup has many layers that could affect the AFC picture down the line.

The Ravens will no doubt be in the mix for a playoff spot, as they are most years with Lamar, but given Mahomes' record against the Ravens (4-1), there are a few wrinkles to sort through.

Firstly, should Prisco's pick come to fruition, the Chiefs would hold the tie-breaker over Baltimore, which could provide them with an edge in the playoffs. Secondly, the psychological impact of the Chiefs winning again over the Ravens could be something that we revisit if the two meet again in the postseason.

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Doubts could creep into the Baltimore locker room with Mahomes seen as a foe it simply can't vanquish.

It is looming as a monster season opener, and both teams have a lot on the line as the nation watches with anticipation.

Who blinks first?