Your Chiefs vs. Ravens cheat sheet: prediction, what to watch and more

Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

TV: NBC

Spread (BetMGM): Chiefs with 3

The Ravens’ keys to victory: Avoid turnovers and dominate the running game. In last year's AFC title game, the Ravens lost the ball three times, including two turnovers in the red zone. The offense also ran for just 81 yards and scored just 27 yards from non-Lamar Jackson Runners. Can the Ravens protect the ball and build a dynamic running game in the return game?

The Chiefs’ keys to victory: Win the pressure battle. In a duel of MVP quarterbacks, the team that can best put pressure on the opponent's passer will have a big advantage. Can the Chiefs win with a rookie left tackle (Kingsley Suamataia), give Patrick Mahomes Time in your pocket? And will Chris Jones And Georg Karlaftis can disturb Lamar Jackson in big passing situations?

Match to watch: Ravens S Kyle Hamilton Comparisons Chiefs TE Travis Kelce: An All-Pro showdown. Mahomes will often look Kelce's way, especially in the red zone. Hamilton will need to limit his impact and potentially make a game-winning play.

Who wins? The Chiefs lost the opening game after winning last year's Super Bowl, and their hunt for a third straight victory begins with a hard-fought win. Chiefs, 24-20

– Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs vs. Ravens game tonight: Prediction, time, spread