The 2024 NFL season has officially kicked off with an exciting matchup.

The Kansas City Chiefs are celebrating their second consecutive Super Bowl victory as they face off against the Baltimore Ravens. This game marks the start of their quest for an unprecedented third straight title. Last year, the Chiefs narrowly defeated Baltimore 17-10 in the AFC Championship, adding an element of revenge for the Ravens. However, the Chiefs will enjoy the enthusiastic support of the Arrowhead Stadium crowd after defeating the Ravens in their previous playoff encounter.

Stay tuned to YSL News Sports for live updates and highlights throughout the evening:

Chris Jones Disrupts Play, Forces Fumble on Lamar Jackson

It was a challenging task for rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten.

The first-year player from Washington faced off against Chris Jones, and it was clear he was outmatched. Jones smoothly maneuvered past Rosengarten, hitting Lamar Jackson as he stepped up in the pocket, resulting in a fumble. The Chiefs recovered the ball, taking control deep in the opponent’s territory.

Unfortunately for Kansas City, a holding penalty against Travis Kelce on the following play pushed them back. They settled for a 32-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, bringing the score to 10-7 early in the second quarter.

Ravens Extend Sack Streak to 39 Games

At the end of the first quarter, Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike recorded a sack, extending the team’s streak of consecutive games with at least one sack to 39.

The Ravens began the game with a remarkable 38-game sack streak, the longest active one in the NFL.

Madubuike achieved a personal best with 13 sacks last season.

Running Back Comparison for the Ravens

Baltimore, which was the NFL’s leading rushing team in 2023, faced criticism after running the ball only 6 times for a mere 23 yards during last year’s 17-10 defeat to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship.

However, in the early moments of tonight’s game, new Ravens running back Derrick Henry already had six carries for 18 yards and scored Baltimore’s first touchdown. Although his average of 3.0 yards per carry isn’t great, Henry is known for exhausting defenses and making tackles increasingly difficult as the game progresses.

First Quarter Score: Chiefs 7, Ravens 7 After Xavier Worthy TD

The Chiefs demonstrated their passing game during their opening drive, which lasted five plays and covered 67 yards for a touchdown.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with wide receiver Rashee Rice twice for 27 yards, including a crucial third-down conversion.

On the fifth play, the Chiefs executed a reverse with rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who displayed his remarkable speed, leading to a 21-yard touchdown run. Harrison Butker successfully made the extra point, leveling the score at 7-7.

First Quarter Score: Ravens 7, Chiefs 0 After Derrick Henry TD

After a few illegal formation penalties, Baltimore managed to score seven points, illustrating a bumpy season opener.

Beginning the game impressively, the Ravens moved downfield efficiently, with Derrick Henry scoring from 5 yards out just over 7 minutes in. Jackson made a vital third-down pass to Zay Flowers for 19 yards, contributing to the drive. Jackson himself added two rushes for 19 yards, finding Justice Hill for a first down as well.

Despite the successful touchdown, the Ravens struggled with penalties along the way. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley faced two penalties for improper lining up, while right tackle Patrick Mekari also incurred a penalty. The team is adjusting after replacing three starters on the offensive line and dealing with the loss of position coach Joe D’Alessandris.

Interestingly, the Ravens recorded three first downs on this drive—matching their total from the last AFC Championship game.

Chiefs Show Off New Super Bowl Banner

Before beginning their pursuit of a new championship, the Chiefs took a moment to celebrate their recent triumph.

Prior to kickoff, they revealed their fourth Super Bowl banner, commemorated by former players and executives including Bobby Bell, Mitchell Schwartz, Chad Henne, and Clark Hunt.

Chiefs Honor Victim from Super Bowl Parade Shooting

Players from both teams observed a moment of silence for Lisa Lopez-Galvan, the Kansas City fan who tragically lost her life in a shooting during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration. The 43-year-old was survived by her family, which included her husband, children, and grandchildren. Known as “DJ Lisa G,” she was actively involved in her community and hosted popular local events. It was a thoughtful gesture from the Chiefs to pay tribute to a victim of such a senseless event. – Jarrett Bell

Exploring Past Super Bowl Three-Peat Attempts

This evening, the Chiefs aim to become the first team to win three consecutive NFL championships since the Green Bay Packers did it in 1967, and they aspire to do so during the Super Bowl era. While the Pack had a chance to achieve this—they won the 1965 NFL title along with Super Bowls 1 and 2—they fell short and missed the playoffs in 1968.

Among the seven other teams that attempted to achieve a Lombardi trophy three-peat, none succeeded in making it back to the Super Bowl. Here’s how they fared:

• Did not qualify for playoffs: 1980 Steelers, 1999 Broncos
• Eliminated in the divisional round: 1974 Dolphins, 2005 Patriots
• Knocked out in the conference title game: 1976 Steelers, 1990 49ers, 1994 Cowboys

Weather Delays Chiefs vs. Ravens Kickoff

The kickoff for the Ravens and Chiefs game has been delayed to 8:40 p.m. ET due to inclement weather.

Players began returning to the field a little over 20 minutes prior to the originally planned kickoff time of 8:20 p.m. ET.

Pregame Lightning Disrupts Warmups

Fans who arrived early at Arrowhead Stadium to enjoy the warmups had to evacuate the area and the players were taken off the field due to nearby lightning from isolated thunderstorms, less than an hour before the kickoff.

Inactives for Ravens vs. Chiefs

• Ravens: OL Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, S Beau Brade, OLB Adisa Isaac, C Nick Samac, CB T.J. Tampa, DE Brent Urban, WR Devontez Walker
• Chiefs: WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, OL CJ Hanson, TE Peyton Hendershot, OT Ethan Driskell, DT Marlon Tuipulotu

There are no surprising absences on either team, as Brown had previously been ruled out due to a shoulder injury ahead of what would have been his debut with the Chiefs.

Is Taylor Swift Attending the Game?

Yes, the pop star is present at Arrowhead Stadium to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Chiefs during their season opener.

Swift was seen around an hour and a half before the scheduled kickoff.

Kickoff Time for Ravens vs. Chiefs

The matchup is now set to begin at 8:20 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 5.

Viewing Information for Ravens vs. Chiefs

• TV Channel: NBC
• Streaming Options: Peacock | Fubo (offers a free trial)

The game will be aired live nationally on NBC with Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (commentary), and Melissa Stark (sideline reporting) covering the action. Prior to the game, “Football Night in America” will start at 7 p.m. ET.

You can watch the game via streaming on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, or Fubo, which provides NBC and has a free trial for eligible users.

Predictions for Ravens vs. Chiefs

• Jarrett Bell: Ravens 24-23
• Chris Bumbaca: Ravens 26-23
• Nate Davis: Ravens 27-17
• Tyler Dragon: Ravens 24-23
• Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Ravens 28-17
• Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 23-17

Ravens vs. Chiefs Betting Odds

The Chiefs are favored to win against the Ravens based on the BetMGM NFL odds. If you plan to place any bets, check out the leading mobile sports betting apps that are offering NFL promotions in 2024, including the ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

• Point Spread: Chiefs (-3)
• Moneyline: Chiefs (-150); Ravens (+125)
• Over/Under Total Points: 46.5

If you’re not keen on this game, we have a comprehensive guide featuring NFL betting odds, picks, and spreads, including those for Thursday Night Football and Monday Night Football.

Are you new to sports betting? YSL News readers can take advantage of special promotions and bonus codes available with the top online sportsbooks and betting websites.

Injury Updates for Ravens vs. Chiefs

• Ravens: OLB Adisa Isaac (out, hamstring)
• Chiefs: WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (out, shoulder)

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