NFL game of the week: Chiefs vs. Ravens

The Ravens and Chiefs clash on Sunday afternoon in a matchup that recent history would call an AFC Powerhouse showdown. However, this year looks a little different as both teams hold a 1-2 record and have fallen to the bottom of their respective divisions in the early portions of the NFL season.

The Chiefs started the season 0-2 following losses to the Chargers and Eagles, marking the first time that Kansas City lost its first two games since 2014 in Andy Reid’s second season. The Chiefs got in the win column in Week 3 by defeating the Giants 22-9. It’s important to note that Kansas City lost two games in the entirety of the regular season a year ago.

Following Monday night's defeat to the Lions, the Ravens have now scored 30-plus points in both their losses this season. On top of that, Baltimore scored 41 in its win over the Browns. This puts the Ravens at 111 total points this season – the most by a team with a losing record through three games in NFL history.

In the Chiefs' first victory Sunday, Patrick Mahomes threw for 224 yards with one touchdown and a 59.4 completion percentage. On the receiving end, Tyquan Thornton led with five receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown.

Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt each posted 10 carries. Pacheco rushed for 45 yards and Hunt for 34, along with a touchdown.

Kansas City will have to put a lot of points on the board if it hopes to keep up with Baltimore’s high-power offense.

In the Ravens' 38-30 loss to the Lions, Lamar Jackson threw for 288 yards with three touchdowns and a 77.8 completion percentage. Jackson’s top receiver was tight end Mark Andrews, who broke through on the stat sheet after a quiet first two games. Andrews had six receptions on as many targets for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

Through the first three weeks, Derrick Henry ranks fourth among all running backs with 242 rushing yards. Henry had a down game against Detroit, taking 12 carries for just 50 yards. The running back has had an uncharacteristic start to the season with three fumbles, already matching his total from the 2024 season. Henry currently has the most fumbles by any rusher in the NFL.

If there’s a bright side to the fact that the Chiefs have dropped two games, it’s that both losses have been by one possession, and both the Chargers and Eagles are 3-0.

Kansas City has allowed a total of 891 yards in its first three contests, with opponents averaging 297 yards per game. Linbacker Nick Bolton has been the highlight of the Chiefs' offense so far with 28 total tackles, enough for top-10 in the league.

The Ravens' defense hasn’t been so hot in the early season. Baltimore has allowed 1,245 total yards, and opponents are averaging 415 yards per game. Both of these marks are the highest in the NFL. Granted, the Ravens' losses came against Buffalo and Detroit, who are two of the top three offenses in the league. Also, Baltimore’s only win came against one of the lower-tier offenses in the Cleveland Browns.

The good news for the Ravens is that all-pro linebacker Roquan Smith has remained in true form, starting off the season third in the league with 32 tackles. Smith and the rest of the Baltimore defense will have to hold their own against the defending AFC Champions for the Ravens to avoid losing in another high-scoring affair.

The loser of this matchup will find themselves dug deep in an unexpected hole. It’s not too often that must-win games come this early in the season, but this matchup seems like it might be one.

Gianna Dowling is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email gmd5738@psu.edu.