NFL 2024 Season Kickoff: Chiefs vs. Ravens
The 2024 NFL Season is season is set to kick off on Thursday Night Football with an AFC Championship game rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore will look to get its revenge on the Chiefs when they visit Arrowhead on Thursday Night.
Lamar Jackson is a superstar during the regular season but has not been able to get the job done in the playoffs, and will hope to change his fortune this year, though his division got much better, and they lost a few key pieces this past offseason. The Ravens had some key additions of their own, most notably their new superstar running back Derrick Henry.
Henry is an older running back and some may think he is on the decline, but he certainly fits right into this Baltimore offense even if he isn’t 100 percent of what he used to be. The losses of Patrick Queen, and 14 other players from last year’s team will certainly play a factor in the team’s success or lack thereof this season. Despite losing 15 players from last season the biggest loss may have come in the form of a coach; Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald left the team this past offseason for the head coaching vacancy in Seattle. Even after all these losses many expect Baltimore to compete for a Super Bowl, but there should definitely be some doubt.
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Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs enter the season looking for a historic three-peat in Super Bowls wins which would draw a lot of discussion on who the greatest quarterback ever truly is, because a three-peat is something that Tom Brady never accomplished. Mahomes and the Chiefs will also be looking to head into their 7th AFC Championship Game. The Chiefs added some firepower at the receiver position over the spring, bringing in the likes of Hollywood Brown, and first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy to play alongside Rashee Rice, and Travis Kelce. The Chiefs until someone stops them, are always going to be expected back in the AFC Championship Game.
Keys for Baltimore on Thursday Night: The Ravens need to establish the run early and often to keep Mahomes off the field. They brought in Henry to be able to do just that, if the Ravens can get an early lead, and limit the third and longs it will prevent Lamar Jackson from having to throw and play hero ball. Limit the plays from speedster Xavier Worthy, if given the chance he will take the top off the defense and Mahomes will find him. The chunk plays will hurt Baltimore’s defense, and they should try and avoid a shootout at all costs.
Keys for Kansas City on Thursday Night: Kansas City needs to play their style of football, and keep the crowd engaged. Mahomes will look to form a new repour with Xavier Worthy especially with Hollywood Brown out for at least week one, as well as getting Travis Kelce involved early and often. Isiah Pacheco will have to have great ball security and take advantage of Baltimore’s losses on defense, especially while they’re still learning to play with each other in a new defense.
The game figures to be a close one, but Kansas City will take this one 31-27 on Thursday Night Football.
Start 'em NFL Fantasy Players Week 1
Xavier Worthy
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 22: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs participates in OTA Offseason workouts at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex on May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Worthy is going to have a chance in a Prime-Time matchup on Thursday Night Football against the Baltomore Ravens to build some trust with Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs spent the draft capital on Worthy, and with free agent acquisition Hollywood Brown out for at least week one, Worthy has a better chance now than ever to welcome himself to the NFL and produce great numbers in front of millions of eyes in prime time. Worthy is a must start with him playing in a high-powered offense, and with that offense missing its expected number one target.
Khalil Shakir
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 10: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills reacts to a play against the Chicago Bears during the first half of a preseason game at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.
Shakir will look to become Josh Allen’s new number one target early and often. Shakir and the Bills offense starts the season in a plus matchup against the Cardinals, in a game that may become a shootout. Shakir in the first week will be Allen’s most trusted receiver since the loss of services from Gabe Davis and Stephon Diggs, making him a must start in week one.
Aaron Jones
EAGAN, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 02: Aaron Jones #33 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during training camp on August 02, 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota.
Jones starts his first game with his new team in a plus matchup against the Giants. The Giants allowed the third most rushing yards to running backs last year and were top 10 in allowed fantasy points per game. Jones joins an offense with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison which will open up some holes in the run game for him to burst through. With the Vikings starting Sam Darnold at the quarterback position, it may actually help Jones, as he may be the recipient of more check down passes. Jones in this week one matchup against the New York Giants is a must start.
Trevor Lawrence
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 23: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lawrence finds himself with two new receivers entering the 2024 season and he will have to form a connection with them real fast. The Jaguars play the Dolphins in week one, and that game is going to be a shootout. Expect the Jaguars to have to throw to keep up with Miami and Tyreek Hill, resulting in a must start fantasy quarterback in Trevor Lawrence.
Cooper Kupp
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 10: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball after a catch during the second quarter in the game against Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Los Angeles Rams open up against the Detroit Lions on Sunday night football week one and that game figures to have a lot of offense and not a lot of defense. With Cooper Kupp finally healthy, and the matchup being on the plus side, Kupp has the potential to finish as a fantasy WR1 in this matchup. Start Kupp in this must start situation and enjoy a shootout on Sunday night.
