So close, and yet, so far.
Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely pulled in a potential game-tying touchdown in the NFL season opener but was just barely out bounds allowing the Chiefs to hold on for a tense 27-20 victory.
There was pain in Baltimore and in the gambling world.
One of the largest reported wagers came from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who was absolutely crushed to see his $300,000 money line wager on DraftKings Sportsbook fall apart as time expired on Thursday.
“Out of bounds. Devastating,” Portnoy posted with a video of the Ravens seemingly scoring the tying touchdown only for replays to show the bleak reality. “That clock management by Ravens is gonna haunt my dreams.”
The Ravens were 3-point underdogs, though Portnoy had them as +130 to win the game, which would have netted him a $390,000 profit.
Most fans watching the game, including Portnoy, were thrilled to see Ravens coach John Harbaugh throw up two fingers to signal that Baltimore was going for the win against the Chiefs when Likely came down with the reception.
All of that fell apart when it became clear that Likely was out of bounds.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s decision not to spike the ball after a 38-yard completion to Rashod Bateman and instead waste about 20 seconds to get a play called at the line of scrimmage in the closing seconds cost Baltimore at least one more chance at the end zone.
“I thought it was a touchdown. I still think it’s a touchdown,” Jackson said after the game, while Portnoy criticized the comment by saying, “What are the Ravens talking about? Part 1.”
Portnoy’s Part 2 was a video of Likely saying “if this is the best (the Chiefs) got… good luck in the postseason.”
Baltimore’s loss was more of the same heartbreak against Kansas City after it came up short in the AFC Championship Game last season.
Betting on the NFL?
Baltimore will continue to see Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in its nightmares until it can defeat them in the playoffs.
“I haven’t even attempted to begin the process of sleeping yet,” Portnoy posted on X just before 1:30 a.m. ET.
