The stage is set for a high-octane AFC showdown as the Baltimore Ravens travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28, 2025. Both teams, surprisingly sitting at 1-2, are desperate to claw back to a .500 record and keep their playoff ambitions alive. With two of the league's most electrifying quarterbacks and a host of intriguing subplots, this Week 4 clash promises fireworks and plenty of drama.
It’s not often that both the Chiefs and Ravens find themselves under .500 heading into the fourth week. Each squad has stumbled out of the gate—Kansas City dropped its opener against the LA Chargers in Brazil and then fell at home to the Philadelphia Eagles before righting the ship with a 22-9 win over the New York Giants. The Ravens, meanwhile, lost tight contests to the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions, sandwiching a lone victory over AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns. The result? Two AFC heavyweights, both with something to prove, and a matchup that could have major postseason implications down the line.
Baltimore’s head coach John Harbaugh remains confident in his squad’s potential despite the rocky start. "Yes, John Harbaugh's team should still be considered among the best in the NFL and a potential Super Bowl hopeful. The Ravens have had slow starts, and with most starters sitting out the preseason, it usually takes a few weeks to round into form. Baltimore has spurts of dominance on offense, and if not for Derrick Fumbles at critical moments and defensive breakdowns, the Ravens would be at least 2-1," said Glenn Erby of Ravens Wire in a recent Q&A. Indeed, the Ravens’ offense has been explosive, leading the NFL with eight plays of 20+ yards and averaging a league-best 31 points per game. Yet, their defense has lagged, ranking last in yards allowed, and critical lapses have cost them dearly.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been nothing short of sensational through three weeks. He’s thrown for over 200 yards in every game, tallying nine touchdowns and zero interceptions. Against Detroit, Jackson was forced to beat the Lions with his arm, and he delivered—288 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a sparkling 148.1 passer rating. Detroit, however, limited Jackson’s trademark rushing, holding him to just 35 yards on seven carries. Still, the Ravens’ attack remains one of the NFL’s most dangerous, especially with the addition of Derrick Henry, who has already racked up three touchdowns this season and remains a threat to break off a big play at any moment.
Henry’s running prowess was on full display in Week 1 against the Bills, where he dashed for 169 yards and two scores, including a 49-yard sprint. He added a 28-yard touchdown in Detroit, proving he’s still got plenty of juice at age 31. Despite some early fumble issues, Henry’s ability to control the clock and grind down defenses will be vital if the Ravens hope to keep Patrick Mahomes off the field. Betting lines reflect his impact, with many expecting Henry to notch another touchdown and rip off a run of at least 18 yards against a Chiefs defense that’s shown vulnerability against the run.
But there are cracks in Baltimore’s armor. The offensive line has struggled, allowing 12 sacks in three games—one of the league’s highest totals. Andrew Vorhees, in particular, has come under fire, posting a 43.1 PFF grade and yielding five pressures. With left tackle Ronnie Stanley questionable, protecting Jackson’s blind side is a major concern, especially against a Kansas City defense orchestrated by the crafty Steve Spagnuolo. While the Chiefs’ pass rush isn’t elite, their experience and ability to dial up pressure in key moments could spell trouble for a banged-up Ravens front.
On defense, the Ravens are dealing with a slew of injuries. Linebacker Roquan Smith, typically the heart of Baltimore’s unit, has been inconsistent—his 27.9 PFF grade on Monday night was a career low, and he’s struggled to stop the run and generate pressure. With Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington ruled out, and key contributors like Kyle Van Noy and Travis Jones questionable, rookie edge rusher Mike Green will be thrust into the spotlight. Green played 76% of snaps last week but has only three solo tackles and a 40.9 PFF grade. If he and Smith can’t step up, Mahomes could have all day to pick apart the secondary. On the bright side, rookie safety Malaki Starks has been a tackling machine, ranking third on the team with 22 stops, though his coverage remains a work in progress.
Kansas City, too, isn’t without its issues. The Chiefs have been uncharacteristically sluggish on offense, ranking just 22nd in points per game. Mahomes, while still dangerous, hasn’t thrown for more than one touchdown in any game this season. Injuries have played a part—wide receiver Xavier Worthy missed time but is expected back, while defensive stalwarts Michael Danna and Ashton Gillotte are questionable. The Chiefs’ defense, however, remains opportunistic, and with Andy Reid and Mahomes at the helm, they’re never out of a game at Arrowhead.
History is on Kansas City’s side. The Chiefs have won six of their last seven meetings with Baltimore, including three straight at home. In last year’s opener at Arrowhead, the Ravens had a potential game-tying touchdown wiped out by a razor-thin out-of-bounds call as time expired. Mahomes and company are used to the big stage, having claimed the AFC Championship in five of the last six seasons. Yet, the oddsmakers have made Baltimore a slight 2.5-point favorite, reflecting the Ravens’ explosive scoring and Kansas City’s early-season struggles.
Special teams could also play a pivotal role. Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop is a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals and 12-for-13 on extra points, while the Chiefs have seen 12 field goals made in their first three games. With both offenses capable of moving the ball but defenses prone to bending, don’t be surprised if this one comes down to a late kick.
So what’s at stake? For both teams, everything. A 1-3 start would be a gut punch, especially in the ultra-competitive AFC. The Ravens have a tough slate ahead, with a bye in Week 7 and a gauntlet of challenging opponents to follow. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are seeking to reestablish their Arrowhead dominance and keep pace in the West.
Predictions lean slightly toward Baltimore in a shootout—some analysts see a 27-24 Ravens win, others a tighter 20-17 affair. But with Mahomes and Jackson on the field, anything can happen. NFL fans, buckle up—this one’s got all the makings of a classic.
