The wait is finally over. The 2024 NFL season kicks off in Kansas City tomorrow night. And the season isn't kicking off with just any game; it's starting with an AFC Championship rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. For two of the strongest teams in the AFC, this game will be able to serve as an early test for who can win the conference.
The Chiefs will give fans a glimpse at their newly revamped offense, which is full of playmakers for Patrick Mahomes. Xavier Worthy will get his first look at a regular-season NFL game, and a few new rookies will be tested on the defense. Fresh off of a Super Bowl win, the Chiefs will have to prove that they don't have the "Super Bowl Hangover" very early against a menacing Ravens team.
As for the Ravens, it will be their first time competing since an upsetting loss in the AFC Championship. Fresh off of winning the MVP award, Lamar Jackson is better than ever. And now, he does not have to worry about running the ball all of the time since the Ravens added Derrick Henry. Finally, getting a reliable running back might be the final piece of the puzzle for the Ravens and will be a test of the Chiefs' defense early.
Game Info
Date: Thursday, September 5
Start Time: 7:20 p.m. CT
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Stadium: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
TV Info: NBC (Mike Tirico and Chris Collinsworth on the Call)
Chiefs Uniform Info: All Red
Ravens 2023 Statistical Rankings
Points Per Game: 27.7 (4th)
Points Allowed Per Game: 16.2 (1st)
Offensive Yards Per Game: 367.6 (6th)
Passing/Rushing Yards Per Game: 211.3 Yards Per Game (21st) and 56.4 Yards Per Game (1st)
Defensive Yards Allowed Per Game: 297.6 (4th)
Passing/Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 193.1 Yards Per Game (6th) and 104.6 Yards Per Game (12th)
Third Down Offensive/Defensive Conversion Rate: 40.87% (11th) and 36.79% (9th)
Red Zone Offensive/Defensive Conversion Rate: 62.16% (7th) and 42.31% (2nd)
Penalties: 102 (10th)
Penalty Yardage: 955 Yards (2nd)
Players Already Ruled Out Before Thursday
Ravens: N/A
Chiefs: Marquise Brown (WR)
Baltimore Ravens
Defense
The Ravens defense was one of the best in the league last season. They held top-six rankings in almost all metrics and finished first in sacks. In 2024, this should not be any different, with formidable playmakers like Roquan Smith and Nnamdi Madubuike.
The only foreseeable issue for the Ravens' defense is the coaches. Last season, Mike Macdonald was one of the best coordinators in the league, and his departure to Seattle was one of the league's top offseason headlines. New defensive coordinator and former Ravens Linebacker Zach Orr has a violent mentality for the defense this season and wants the team to move on and better themselves after last season.
In addition to the coaches leaving, the Ravens lost a couple of defensive pieces that might cause a little rift. The loss of Jadeveon Clowney, Ronald Darby, Patrick Queen, and Geno Stone should also give the Chiefs an advantage in Week 1.
Offense
The Ravens' offense was almost as good as their defense last season. Lamar Jackson is fresh off of his second MVP award and is looking to bounce back and be even better this season. The Ravens made one of the biggest offensive deals this season when they acquired Derrick Henry in free agency. Henry provides the team with a reliable running back and can relieve Jackson of some of his running duties.
Last season, receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman were great down the stretch. Flowers was a reliable option for Jackson and emerged as a fantasy football star. If these two can replicate their production and match what Henry and Jackson are giving, the offense has the chance to be explosive.
The only offensive issue may be their offensive line. Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum are the only two starters remaining from last year's team. The offensive line lost John Simpson and Morgan Moses to the New York Jets and Kevin Zeitler to the Detroit Lions.
Kansas City Chiefs
Defense
Like the Ravens, the Chiefs had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season. Their defense carried them to the Super Bowl and allowed the offense to catch up. In total defense, the Chiefs were the second highest-ranked team behind the Cleveland Browns.
The biggest concern for the Chiefs' defense lies in their cornerback room. Outside of Trent McDuffie, the room is thin, and the defense will rely on a few players who have not gotten enough playing time thus far. Under Steve Spagnuolo's coaching, the defense will ultimately be fine, but there is still a looming concern that these players will pan out.
This season, the Chiefs' defensive line might not be as dominant as before. With new rookies joining the fold, there is not as much trust established as there was last year. Especially against a dominant Ravens offense, the defense will have to dig deep to ensure the game remains low-scoring.
Offense
After last season, the Chiefs needed to revamp their offense to get it to where it needed to be. Drafting Xavier Worthy and re-signing Juju Smith-Schuster will allow Rashee Rice to grow in his second year (assuming his legal drama doesn't impact his availability) and give Marquise Brown some time to recover from his injury. The team will have to majorly improve on the offensive front if they are interested in winning the Super Bowl for the third time in a row.
Patrick Mahomes is the clear QB1 of the NFL and will be a threat for years to come. Despite having a down year, the new-look offense will help Mahomes return to some of the numbers we have been used to seeing from him. This first game against the Ravens' defense will give fans a look at whether Mahomes can genuinely bounce back.
The only defining issue for the offense this week is the offensive line. Going into training camp, there was a clear hole at left tackle, and many did not believe rookie Kingsley Suamataia would be the one to fill the spot. After a spectacular preseason, Suamataia won the job. While it is clear he is a great athlete, having to line up against Jackson and Henry in the first game is no small task.
Betting Info
Points Spread: BAL +3 (-118) | KC -3 (-102)
Moneyline: BAL (+130) | KC (-155)
Over/Under: BAL O 46.5 (-108) | KC U 46.5 (-112)
Lines via DraftKings as of Wednesday, September 4
Last season, the Chiefs went 11-6 ATS as a favorite but 5-4 ATS as a home favorite. Baltimore did not see too much time as the underdog; however, they were considered the underdog by +130 or more twice. They happened to win both of those games. When looking at past matchups, the ball is heavily in the Chiefs' court, especially since they are playing at home.
Prediction
This matchup between these two teams is a great way to open up the NFL season. Between Baltimore's elite defense and the revamped offense for the Chiefs, it should be a battle on each side of the ball. This game will probably be a hard-fought, low-scoring affair, and the final score can go either way.
Final Score: Chiefs 21, Ravens 17
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