The NFL returns tonight!
The season kicks off with a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship between the Ravens and Chiefs which will set the tone for this year ahead.
Friend of the show Stugotz of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz joined Thursday’s edition of GoJo and Golic live from outside Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Before diving into the key storylines of the game, he took a moment to soak in the excitement of football being back, comparing the day to waking up on Christmas morning — especially with the Ravens and Chiefs kicking off the season.
He wasted no time, jumping right in by asking if this was a must-win game for the Ravens. He emphasized that the stakes seem higher for Baltimore, while two-time defending champion Kansas City has less pressure. Mike Golic Jr. added that the Chiefs lost their opener last season to the Lions and still won the Super Bowl. Further, GoJo sees this game as an opportunity for the Ravens to prove they can adapt based on their attrition, especially with how their season ended last year and the changes they made to their roster in the offseason.
Another major storyline heading into this game is whether the Chiefs can accomplish something no other NFL team has — winning three straight Super Bowls. GoJo asked Stugotz if he was buying the idea of a Chiefs three-peat, to which Stugotz laughingly replied that he didn’t even believe in their two-peat, referencing his infamous video saying he would want to see the Chiefs in the playoffs.
He added that, as part of his ongoing “punishment” from Dan Le Batard for the above hot take, he has to sit in the penalty box every time he tries to talk about the Chiefs. Stugotz then pointed out the magnitude of the Chiefs capturing a third straight title, saying it may force a GOAT conversation about comparing Patrick Mahomes to Tom Brady. The Chiefs have +500 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to win Super Bowl LIX.
Both teams are loaded with talent, but none may be more impactful than Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. GoJo argues that Kelce will be the game’s key player — unrelated to his well-known fandom for Travis’ girlfriend, Taylor Swift. In last year’s AFC Championship game against the Ravens, Kelce had a standout performance, racking up 11 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. His matchup with All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton will be a must-watch, especially since Hamilton didn’t allow a single touchdown to a tight end last season … except for Kelce. The Chiefs are 3-point favorites in tonight’s opener over at DraftKings Sportsbook.
It’s shaping up to be a battle of stars, and Kelce’s impact could tip the scales in Kansas City’s favor again.
Watch or listen to the full show below and tune into GoJo and Golic weekday mornings from 8-10 a.m. ET on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Hour 1: LIVE FROM KANSAS CITY—NFL Kickoff w/ Stugotz Predicting Division Winners & Conference Championships
Hour 2: Josh Allen, Bills QB, on Running & Swimming + Derrick Henry Ravens RB, on Stiff Arms & Lamar Jackson + Trey Wingo on Aaron Rodgers & the Haunted Jets
VIDEO
Watch GoJo and Golic every weekday on Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV and DraftKingsNetwork.com from 8 to 10 a.m. ET. The show is also available via audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow Mike Golic Sr. on X at @golic and Mike Golic Jr. on X at @mikegolicjr.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
