The Kansas City Chiefs began their NFL season in style with a thrilling win over the Baltimore Ravens in the opener. The game was filled with twists and turns, and although the Ravens came close to forcing overtime, their late score was ultimately ruled out. The Chiefs continued their winning ways, as they aim to defend their title and make history by becoming the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row.
A Close Game from Start to Finish
The Chiefs led 27-20 as the Ravens got the ball back with only two minutes remaining. It was up to Lamar Jackson to lead his team down the field, and he did just that, driving the Ravens to the Chiefs’ 10-yard line with less than 30 seconds left on the clock. With the game on the line, Jackson had three opportunities to find the endzone. The first two passes were incomplete, but on the third attempt, Isaiah Likely made a great catch at the back of the endzone, which was initially awarded as a touchdown.
However, after a closer look, the officials determined that Likely had landed with his toe on the endline, meaning the score was ruled out. This decision effectively ended the game, allowing the Kansas City crowd, including Travis Kelce’s girlfriend Taylor Swift, to celebrate the victory.
A Familiar Rivalry
This 2024 season opener was a repeat of the previous season’s AFC Championship game, where the Chiefs had also come out on top. The rivalry between the Chiefs and the Ravens has been one-sided in recent years, with the Chiefs having won five of their last six meetings. Despite the talents of Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, the Ravens have struggled to get the better of the Chiefs.
Over the past few seasons, the Ravens have twice finished with the NFL’s best record during the regular season, but they’ve consistently failed to reach the Super Bowl, while the Chiefs have managed to reach the big game in four of the last five seasons, winning three of them. Jackson has even referred to the Chiefs as the Ravens’ kryptonite, given their dominance in this matchup.
Key Players Shine
The game featured standout performances from several key players. Derrick Henry, the NFL’s two-time rushing leader, gave the Ravens an early lead, barging over for a touchdown. But the Chiefs quickly responded. Rookie receiver Xavier Worthy scored a rushing touchdown to draw the game level, and two field goals from Harrison Butker gave the Chiefs a 13-10 lead at half-time.
In the second half, Isiah Pacheco extended the Chiefs’ lead with another touchdown. However, the Ravens were not done yet. Likely made a spectacular play, catching a pass from Jackson and beating three defenders for a 49-yard touchdown. But the Chiefs pulled away again, with Worthy left wide open for his second touchdown, making the score 27-17.
The Ravens tried to mount one final comeback. A second field goal from Justin Tucker brought them back within striking distance, setting up the dramatic finish where their score was ultimately ruled out.
Conclusion
This opener showed once again why the Chiefs are considered one of the best teams in the NFL. Their ability to stay calm under pressure, combined with the brilliance of players like Patrick Mahomes, continues to set them apart. For the Ravens, the defeat will sting, especially with the controversial ending, but there is no doubt that they have the talent to compete. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance, with the Chiefs aiming for another Super Bowl and the Ravens hoping to finally break through and reach the pinnacle of the sport.
The opening weekend also continues with another exciting matchup as the NFL stages its first regular season game in Brazil, where the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Green Bay Packers in Sao Paulo. This season promises to be filled with excitement, and after this opening thriller, fans can expect plenty more drama to come.
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