Ravens vs. Chiefs: Live Updates & Highlights from NFL Kickoff Game..

Sep 6, 2024, 07:41 AM

Crack open a drink, order some wings, and grab the ranch (or blue cheese if you're in Buffalo) because the NFL is officially back!

After seven long months of preseason teases, the Kansas City Chiefs—defending Super Bowl champs—kick off the regular season by hosting the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last season’s AFC title game.

**Key Storylines:**
- **Patrick Mahomes** begins his quest for a rare three-peat, while **Lamar Jackson** looks for just his second career win against the Chiefs.
- Despite both quarterbacks owning MVP titles, their rivalry has been one-sided, with Jackson holding a 1-4 record against Mahomes, including last year’s playoff loss (17-10), where Jackson threw for 272 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
 
Both teams feature new faces tonight: **Derrick Henry** joins Jackson’s Ravens, while the Chiefs debut rookie speedster **Xavier Worthy**. Fan-favorite tight ends **Travis Kelce** and **Mark Andrews** also return to the spotlight.

But don’t read too much into tonight’s outcome. Last year, Kansas City dropped the season opener to Detroit, only to hoist the Lombardi Trophy five months later, while the Lions watched the playoffs from home.

**Halftime: Chiefs Lead Ravens 13-10**

Need a breather after that high-octane first half?

Kansas City controlled much of the action, despite both teams trading early scoring drives. Baltimore won the time of possession battle, 19:28 to 10:32, but the Chiefs’ defense came up big at key moments.

Drops and miscues kept the reigning champs from pulling away, and a clutch interception by **Roquan Smith** led to a **Justin Tucker** field goal, cutting the lead to three at the break. Baltimore’s offense, hampered by illegal formation penalties on **Ronnie Stanley**, found a spark through **Lamar Jackson**’s legs. Jackson rushed eight times for 63 yards, passing **Michael Vick** and **Cam Newton** for third on the all-time QB rushing list. **Derrick Henry** chipped in with 33 yards on eight carries.

Meanwhile, **Patrick Mahomes** broke the franchise’s all-time passing yards record, but it was **Steve Spagnuolo**’s defense that made the difference with a fourth-down stop, forced fumble, and a crucial pass breakup just before halftime.