Kansas City, Missouri – The NFL kicked off its 2024 season with a bang on Thursday night as the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in a historic matchup between the last two league MVPs, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. The game marked the first time in NFL history that the two MVPs met in a Week 1 opener. Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 27-20 victory on a night where they raised their Super Bowl banner, starting their quest for a three-peat. Mahomes put up impressive numbers, throwing for 291 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Jackson kept the game competitive, passing for 273 yards and rushing for 122 yards on 16 carries, scoring one passing touchdown. The evening also showcased the Chiefs’ first-round rookie receiver, Xavier Worthy, who made his debut and lived up to the hype. Worthy became the third player since the 1970 merger to score both a rushing and receiving touchdown in his first game, starting with a 21-yard run on a receiver reverse and later making a 35-yard touchdown catch.
The Ravens struck first, with their new star running back, Derrick Henry, diving into the end zone on a five-yard run during their opening drive. However, despite their efforts, the Ravens struggled with penalties and missed opportunities throughout the game, finishing with seven accepted penalties for 64 yards. Jackson’s late-game heroics brought them to the Chiefs’ 10-yard line with under a minute left, but a critical miss on a wide-open Zay Flowers in the end zone ultimately sealed their fate.
As the game progressed, both offenses traded quick bursts of scoring. After the opening drives that ended in touchdowns, the defenses took center stage, with both teams trading possessions filled with turnovers and missed field goals. The Ravens had several opportunities to capitalize but faltered, including a Justin Tucker missed field goal and a near touchdown that was ruled out after review.
The Chiefs showcased their explosive big-play offense, a significant improvement from last season where they often settled for short gains. Not only did Mahomes and his offense make substantial yardage plays, but they also turned mistakes from the Ravens into points.
The Chiefs’ victory gives them a positive start as they prepare to host the Cincinnati Bengals next week, while the Ravens look to bounce back against the Las Vegas Raiders. Both teams are seeking to learn from their mistakes as the long season unfolds.
