The Kansas City Chiefs won the first game of the 2024 NFL season, beating the Baltimore Ravens 27-20.

In a rematch of last year’s conference championship, a kickoff ratings record was broken with 28.9 million viewers throughout the game. Here are three takeaways from the Chiefs’ first game of the season.

Mistakes and Missed Opportunities

The first half of the game was dominated by mistakes. The first turnover of the season occurred when defensive tackles Chris Jones stripped quarterback Lamar Jackson, giving the Chiefs the ball in the red zone.

After a Chiefs’ field goal, the Ravens turned it over on downs after failing to convert on a 4th-and-3. After another field goal for Kansas City, the Ravens responded with a drive down to the Chiefs’ 35-yard line. While kicker Justin Tucker missed the 53-yarder, an interception by quarterback Patrick Mahomes gave him another chance to add points before the half. Tucker succeeded, cutting the Kansas City lead to three.

Toe Curling Ending

The Chiefs led nearly the entire second half, but Baltimore had one final chance down seven with the ball. After nine grueling plays, the Ravens set up at the opposing 10 with 10 seconds remaining.

On the final play, Jackson seemingly found tight end Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone with no time remaining. Upon review, it was revealed that Likely’s toe was out of bounds, resulting in a victory for the Chiefs.

Keys to the Game

Mahomes finished 20/28 for 291 yards and a touchdown, with his only blemish coming on the interception at the end of the first half.

Jackson finished with a similar 273 passing yards and a touchdown but only completed 63% of his passes. His real mark was made on the ground – he rushed for 122 yards on 16 carries. This production was much needed, as newly acquired running back Derrick Henry only rushed for 46 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown.

Kansas City’s rushing offense struggled, as four players combined for 72 total yards. Running back Isiah Pacheco led the way with 45 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown.

The young Kansas City receiving core, second-year player Rashee Rice, led the way as he finished with seven receptions for 103 yards. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy impressed in his first game, catching two balls for 47 yards plus one receiving and one rushing touchdown. The first touchdown came on a 21-yard jet sweep handoff. There was plenty more production as four other receivers had 25 or more receiving yards.

A huge part of this game was the pressure that the Kansas City defensive line was able to create against Baltimore’s young offensive line. One area of concern for Kansas City was the secondary as they were slashed numerous times by players like wide receiver Rashod Bateman and Isaiah Likely. Likely finished with 111 yards on nine receptions, three of which came during the final drive.

Next Week

Next week, the Chiefs will take on the Cincinnati Bengals at home on Sunday at 3:25 p.m., looking to continue their momentum into this brand new season.

Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Micah Shulman and Emma Short

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com