Above Image Credit: SI (Sports Illustrated)
When: Thursday, Sep. 5th, 8:20 PM EST
Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
Channels: NBC/Peacock (check your listings; click here to subscribe to Peacock)
The time has finally come again! The NFL kicks off the 2024 season with a renewed rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs!
Jackson vs. Mahomes: Chapter Six
There is no secret that every battle between Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes so far has been one close shave after another. Four out of the last five meetings between them were decided by a difference of less than 10 points.
This includes their last encounter in the AFC championship game back in January where the Chiefs won against the Ravens, then ultimately won the Super Bowl. The Chiefs have won four out of the last five meetings against Baltimore.
Both quarterbacks have proven again and again that they are this generation’s greatest football players and well-deserved MVPs. Their stats can tell you one thing, but it’s their performances that really get all the attention. Be ready to expect the unexpected as they meet once again.
Players to Watch Out For
The Ravens vs. Chiefs game is going to have some interesting faces on the field.
One of the other players you need look out for on the Ravens side of things is Derrick Henry. The running back spent his last eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans before signing a 2-year, $16 million deal back in March. Pairing him with Jackson will make things more interesting and potentially see the rise of another NFL dynamic duo.
The Chiefs will have to rely more on Isiah Pacheco to lead the running backs now that Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be out for four games due to an illness. This will open the door for another player to take the stage alongside the powerful offense. That honor could belong to Carson Steele, an undrafted rookie who made it to the 53-man roster by showing that he understands the fullback game.
Be sure to also watch out for Juju Smith-Schuster as there’s a chance he’ll be taking the field with Marquise Brown out of the game. Smith-Schuster was part of the Chiefs back in 2022 and spent last season as part of the New England Patriots.
Ravens vs. Chiefs: Final Prediction
It’s obvious that the Chiefs are the favorites in this kickoff game, and, of course, the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
However, having Henry as a new addition to the Ravens could change things in the offense. Last season, Henry recorded his lowest numbers since 2018, bringing in 68.6 rushing yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry. He will get more action alongside Jackson, who makes a great rusher as well as a great passer.
The Chiefs defense might be able to hold down Jackson, but slowing down Henry is another story. Henry was one of the NFL’s leading rushers in the past for good reason. The offense, however, is in good hands as long as Pacheco and Smith-Schuster are well-protected enough.
A game like this might serve as a possible preview of this season’s AFC championship game. It’s too soon to think that though. For now, we can just enjoy a preview of what’s to come for the 2024 NFL season.
