It's only Week 4, but it's compelling anytime the Ravens face the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are great quarterbacks who have the potential to do something special on any given play. Games between these two teams often come down to the final minutes, if not the final play.
The fact that both teams are 1-2 doesn't make Sunday's matchup less important. In fact, it creates more pressure on both teams to walk away with a victory.
Here's everything you need to know:
Basics
Kickoff: Sunday, 4:25 p.m., GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
TV: Local TV: WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore); CBS announcers Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analyst), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), SiriusXM Radio Ch. 106 or 383. For affiliates in your area, click here:
History
The Chiefs lead the all-time series, 8-4, in the regular season and have won three straight in Kansas City. Their last meeting was in Week 1 last season, when the Chiefs hung on for a 27-20 victory. Isaiah Likely's catch on the game's final play was originally ruled a touchdown in the back of the end zone. However, the call was overturned and ruled incomplete after replay, denying Baltimore a chance to kick a game-tying extra point, or to go for two points and the win. There have been other memorable meetings in recent history, including the Chiefs' 17-10 win in the 2023 AFC Championship game, and Baltimore's 36-35 victory on "Monday Night Football" in 2021.
Stakes
The 2001 New England Patriots were the last Super Bowl champion to start the season 1-3. To be the last team standing in February, both the Ravens and Chiefs must raise their level of play. The Ravens haven't lost three games in September since 2015 and need to reestablish momentum after Monday night's 38-30 loss against the Detroit Lions. The Chiefs have won nine straight division titles, but they are already chasing the Los Angeles Chargers (3-0) in the AFC West. Kansas City has yet to score more than 22 points in three games. A victory and an offensive breakout would be positive signs for the Chiefs. Losing to a Ravens team that has struggled defensively would raise more concern in Kansas City.
Storylines to Know
Winning in Kansas City is something the Ravens need to check off their to-do list.
Jackson may not be obsessed with being 0-3 as a starter in Kansas City, but this would be an opportune time to break through. It's not like the Ravens haven't been coming close in Kansas City. They lost 27-24 in overtime during Jackson's rookie season. They lost 33-28 in 2019. The Ravens need a victory – period. But winning in Kansas City would add something extra.
The Ravens' defense needs to make a statement.
Ranked last in the NFL, the Ravens' defense is in unfamiliar territory and doesn't want to stay there. Kansas City's offense isn't humming like it usually does, but Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid are superb at figuring out the best way to attack an opponent. The Ravens can't expect to hold down Kansas City's offense just because other teams have. Even without Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), the Ravens' defense needs to be stouter and tackle better after giving up 224 rushing yards to the Lions.
Is Derrick Henry's fumbling problem over?
Henry has fumbled once in each game this season, and his fourth-quarter fumbles were extremely costly against Buffalo and Detroit. The Chiefs will be looking for opportunities to strip the ball from Henry's grasp. Fumbling hasn't been an issue for Henry during his great career. History suggests he will conquer the problem, but if he loses the ball on Sunday, it means the fix hasn't been found.
X-Factor Players
TE Mark Andrews
Andrews had his biggest role in the passing game so far this season against Detroit (six catches, 91 yards, two touchdowns). Baltimore has plenty of weapons that Jackson can target, but when Andrews is hot, it helps the Ravens' offense eat.
ILB Roquan Smith
Smith is the emotional tone-setter for Baltimore's defense, and the team's performance against Detroit was humbling. The Ravens need a bounce-back game on defense, and Smith will be counted on as a run defender and to help prevent Mahomes from attacking the middle of the field.
S Kyle Hamilton
Hamilton can do so many things, and the Ravens need to address so many areas. The versatility of Hamilton could be crucial in this game, whether he's matched up against Travis Kelce, blitzing Mahomes, or filling gaps in Baltimore's run defense.
