The Baltimore Ravens have a high-stakes showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. Both teams are entering the contest with a record of 1-2, and both have fallen short against some of the top contenders in the NFL this year.
While Baltimore has several players missing on the defensive end, they should be able to take advantage of Kansas City’s slow start on offense and bounce back after a defensive meltdown in Week 3. The real battle, though, will be between the Ravens’ league-leading offense and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Despite the two AFC foes being disappointing in the early going, it could have the makings of one of the best games of the week. Here are three bold predictions for the Ravens that could determine the outcome of this highly competitive matchup.
3 bold predictions for Ravens' high-stakes Week 4 clash
Mike Green tallies multiple sacks
Baltimore desperately needed a big game from rookie pass rusher Mike Green in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions. He once again disappointed fans. He has registered a 40.9 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, through three games, which ranks 149th among 155 qualifying edge defenders.
There is reason to believe Week 4 is the time for Green to break out, though. The 22-year-old is squaring off against a struggling Chiefs’ offensive tackle duo. Left tackle Josh Simmons has shown flashes early in his career, but still makes the mistakes you would expect from a rookie. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor has struggled living up to the expectations of his $80 million contract in 2025.
Look for Green to take advantage and take down Patrick Mahomes on multiple occasions.
Malaki Starks gets his first career interception
With an injured defense, the rookies are once again expected to come up big on Sunday. 2025 first-round selection Malaki Starks has a massive opportunity to come through, and it could result in his first career interception.
It is no secret that the Chiefs' offense has been having issues connecting on the deep ball ever since wide receiver Tyreek Hill departed. Tyquan Thornton has become the go-to wideout on deep shots, and he and Mahomes have found difficulty connecting consistently.
Starks has been patrolling centerfield this year and has been relatively disciplined in deep coverage drops. If there is any sort of miscommunication on one of Mahomes’ classic deep passes, the rookie is sure to benefit from it.
DeAndre Hopkins finds end zone twice in return to Arrowhead
It is crystal clear that veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is not washed. While he could not find a rhythm with the Chiefs in 2024, he has started out hot in Baltimore. So far, he has five receptions, 112 yards, and two touchdowns. He has also logged a 93.5 PFF grade, which is tied with teammate Devontez Walker for best among wide receivers.
Hopkins has thrived as a deep threat for Lamar Jackson. He is the exact type of target that Jackson has been missing throughout his career, and the pairing has not missed a beat through three weeks.
While Kansas City’s pass defense ranks 10th in the NFL ahead of Week 4, Hopkins may be playing with a little extra motivation, seeing his former teammates on the opposite side. Baltimore’s rushing offense has been unstable thus far, and they could lean on the passing offense early and often.