The NFL kicks off its 2024 season today featuring an exciting matchup between two of the top quarterbacks and teams from last season.

Defending Super Bowl champions, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, will face off against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

This game is a rematch of the AFC championship game that took place earlier this year, which the Chiefs won by a score of 17-10 on January 28.

The Chiefs are aiming for a remarkable three Super Bowl wins in a row during the 2024 season, having claimed three titles in the last five years, led by Mahomes, standout tight end Travis Kelce (who is also dating Taylor Swift), and coach Andy Reid.

Meanwhile, the Ravens, coached by John Harbaugh and powered by Jackson, are determined to turn their fortunes around against the Chiefs after losing five of their last six matchups. The last time they won in Kansas City was back in 2012.

How to Tune in for Ravens vs. Chiefs This Evening?

The Ravens and Chiefs are set to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET, available on NBC, Peacock, and Fubo.

Betting Odds for Ravens vs. Chiefs

The Chiefs are favored with a moneyline of -155, while the Ravens are the underdogs at +130. The over/under for the game is set at 46.5 points with a three-point spread according to BETMGM.

A Look Back at Their Previous Meeting

In the most recent matchup during the AFC championship game, the Chiefs emerged victorious in a defensive battle: Kelce recorded 11 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown from Mahomes, and Isiah Pacheco contributed a touchdown in the second quarter, leading Kansas City to victory in Baltimore.

Highlighting the Quarterbacks: Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson

Thursday’s game features two NFL MVPs.

Mahomes secured the MVP title in 2018 and 2022, while Jackson took home the award in 2019 and 2023. The only other player to win MVP in this timeframe is Aaron Rodgers (2020 and 2021).

In their careers so far, Mahomes holds a 4-1 winning record against Jackson, including playoff encounters.

Player to Watch: Derrick Henry of the Ravens

Newly acquired Ravens running back Derrick Henry could significantly impact the game.

In their last AFC championship clash, the Ravens had a paltry rushing count, only running the ball eight times, aside from Jackson’s eight carries.

Henry, who has been the second-highest rusher in the NFL for the last two seasons, is poised to play a crucial role in the Ravens’ offensive strategy this season.

Game Predictions for Ravens vs. Chiefs

Here are predictions from the YSL News Sports team for the opening game:

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