2024 NFL Kickoff Game prediction, odds, line, time, spread: Chiefs vs. Ravens picks by expert on 32-21 run

The 2024 NFL Kickoff Game will take place on Thursday, Sept. 5. The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens in a 2023 AFC Championship Game rematch. In that matchup, the Chiefs outlasted the Ravens, 17-10. The Chiefs ended up moving on to the Super Bowl, where they were victorious and hoisted their second straight Lombardi Trophy. On the other side, Baltimore is aiming to get revenge and start the season with a statement-making win.

Kickoff from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., is set for 8:20 p.m. ET. Kansas City is a 3-point favorite in the latest Ravens vs. Chiefs odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 46.5. Before locking in any Ravens vs. Chiefs picks, make sure to check out the NFL predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein .

A former lead writer for Covers and The Linemakers, Hartstein combines a vast network of Vegas sources with an analytical approach he honed working for Pro Football Focus. He tied for 52nd place (out of 1,598 entries) in the 2022 Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest, going 53-34-3 ATS. Hartstein's weekly Vegas contest selections form the basis of his NFL best bets column, which is 79-48-2 (62.2%, +25.95 units) since its inception in 2022. He's also 33-21 (+955) on his last 54 ATS NFL picks involving the Chiefs.  Anyone who has followed him is way up.

Now, Hartstein has locked in on Chiefs vs. Ravens and just revealed his coveted NFL picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks . Here are several NFL odds and NFL betting lines on the spread , money line , and over-under for Ravens vs. Chiefs:

• Chiefs vs. Ravens spread: Chiefs -3
• Chiefs vs. Ravens over/under: 46.5 points
• Chiefs vs. Ravens money line: Chiefs -153, Ravens +129
• BAL: Ravens have won five consecutive road games
• KC: Chiefs have won the last two home meetings with Baltimore
• Chiefs vs. Ravens picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Chiefs can cover

In 2023, Kansas City was ninth in the league in total offense (351.3) and sixth in passing offense (246.4). Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the architect of this dynamic unit. No matter what the defense throws at Mahomes, he always has a counter.

The 28-year-old owns the pinpoint accuracy to spread the ball around all three levels of the field. He consistently finds a way to make positive plays for his team. In 2023, the six-time Pro Bowler completed 67% of his passes for 4,183 passing yards and 27 passing touchdowns. He threw for at least two passing touchdowns in nine games last season. See who to back at SportsLine .

Why the Ravens can cover

The Ravens also have a very dynamic and potent offense that has playmakers in different areas. Last campaign, the Ravens ranked sixth in total offense (370.4), fourth in points per game (28.4) and first in rushing offense (156.5). Baltimore dropped 30-plus points in eight games during the 2023 regular season.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson was on a tear last season and was nearly unstoppable at points. Jackson has the athleticism to be dynamic as a runner and can dice up a defense from the pocket. Last year, he threw for 3,678 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and ranked fourth in QBR (64.7). In addition, Jackson notched 821 rushing yards and five rushing scores. He secured his second MVP award as well in 2023. See who to back at SportsLine .

How to make Chiefs vs. Ravens picks

Hartstein is leaning Over the total. He's also found a critical x-factor he says makes side of the spread hit hard. Find out what it is at SportsLine .

So who wins Ravens vs. Chiefs in the NFL Kickoff Game 2024, and what critical x-factor makes one side hit hard? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Ravens vs. Chiefs spread to back, all from the expert who is 33-21 on Kansas City spread picks , and find out.