Kansas City defeats Baltimore 27-20 in NFL season-opener

However, in reality the odds are much greater that anything will go amiss than something is. So let’s have another go at it then On Thursday night, Kansas City Chiefs opened up NFL action with a 27-20 win against Baltimore Ravens by only inches. Lamar Jackson connected with tight end Isaiah Likely just four seconds from time’s expiration to send them away with victory. Likely’s catch was initially ruled a touchdown and Baltimore appeared poised for two and an easy win before replays revealed his right toe had just slipped out of bounds by mere inches – leading Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City’s offense to throw for 291 yards at Arrowhead Stadium with Taylor Swift sitting among fans including Travis Kelce’s girlfriend Taylor Swift also present at this packed house game. Kansas City opened scoring early, before Baltimore countered with 13 unanswered points on its initial drive of the matchup to take an impressive 13-7 edge. After scoring late in the first half on a Ravens field goal, Kansas City took control of this matchup thanks to an Isiah Pacheco run that completed their opening drive of the second half and set up their 20-10 advantage with ease. Both teams then exchanged touchdowns before Justin Tucker kicked a field goal to close within seven and set up Baltimore’s dramatic last drive led by quarterback Lamar Jackson who amassed 273 passing yards and ran for an additional 122 more in total – more than enough yardage that made an impressionful. He excelled despite playing behind an inexperienced and subpar offensive line. He did make one costly error late, missing Zay Flowers open in the end zone on what should have been his second-to-last play of the game. Running back Derrick Henry made his Baltimore debut and ran 13 times for 46 yards and one touchdown on 13 attempts. Likely finished his evening with nine catches for 111 yards and one touchdown catch, while Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy led Kansas City’s offensive effort, Rice collecting seven passes for 103 yards; she was the most targeted receiver by opponents. Worthy, a rookie from Texas, scored two touchdowns – both rushing and receiving. Kansas City will face off with Cincinnati Bengals next on Sept 15th and Harbaugh told reporters afterwards, that Isiah played well along with all his teammates: “I thought Isiah played great and am proud of all them as well,” Harbaugh stated to reporters. Share Patrick Mahomes Eyeing PostseasonWith 16 games left before postseason play begins, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is already looking ahead. Thursday night’s win against one of his potential postseason foes could prove crucial come January. “That team will definitely make the playoffs,” he declared to NBC Sports shortly after Kansas City’s dramatic 27-20 win against Baltimore. “Winning this one could help give home field advantage come playoff time. Share: Ravens touchdown overturned by Likely’s toe Lamar Jackson connected with Isaiah Likely on an apparent game-tying or winning touchdown, only for Likely’s foot out of bounds to put an end to any potential chances and ultimately resulted in a 27-20 Chiefs win. Will Baltimore go for the win if given the chance?The Ravens defense made an important play to allow Lamar Jackson back onto the field after two-minute warning, giving him another shot to tie or take the lead. Finally, Baltimore made another key stop on third down by tipping Patrick Mahomes’ pass into their hands and thus preventing a conversion that would have effectively put an end to this game. What’s most intriguing here is to imagine what Baltimore would do should it score a touchdown. Under John Harbaugh’s aggressive style of coaching and appreciation of analytics staff, Baltimore could go for two and try to take control of this contest should they score. With Mahomes leading so many unlikely game-winning drives over time, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ravens try and seize control – should they score. Share: Baltimore Ravens will get back the ball with 2 minutes left and trail by seven. Baltimore will force Kansas City into punting before getting their own possession back with an opportunity to tie. Baltimore must cover 80+ yards to score any potential game-tying score before Kansas City punts again and forces another punt from them. ShareAmar Jackson Loves Isaiah Likely For our fantasy football players: Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has received the second-highest target count among Baltimore receivers tonight – yet Lamar Jackson continues to utilize him more than Mark Andrews when it comes to passing game needs. Thursday Night Likely became Lamar Jackson’s main passing target than Andrews ever could! Late in the fourth, Likely was out-targeting Andrews 7-2. Likely was brought in late last season after Andrews suffered an ankle injury; both players have played together often this Thursday; However, Likely has proven more reliable as an option than Andrews has been. Baltimore Cuts Kansas City Lead to 27-20Justin Tucker’s 32-yard field goal brought Baltimore closer as they trail the Chiefs 20-17 with five minutes remaining and faced with fourth and 4 on their opponent’s territory. Ravens take 3 Points Now on 14 Yard LineShareThe Chiefs’ Pick Xavier Worthy is already Paying OffThe Chiefs have done themselves proud by selecting receiver Xavier Worthy with their first round pick in April’s draft, who scored two touchdowns on debut — both run and air! Through trade with Buffalo they moved up two rounds so as to draft Worthy early enough in round 1. Kansas City effectively traded one third-rounder for one fourth-rounder in order to acquire Worthy early enough in round 1. Rice’s addition has added another dynamic layer to Kansas City’s offensive arsenal; and Buffalo may come to regret allowing one of their AFC rivals, Baltimore, to gain such an influential player. Baltimore’s coverage has proven difficult on Rice in the slot position; as he consistently gets open on slant routes over middle field. Rice made his debut season a success by catching 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns – an outstanding showing given Marquez Valdes-Scantling is no longer with us and rookie Xavier Worthy only just entering his rookie campaign. Rice took full advantage of all available opportunities during this campaign to grow as an offensive weapon for his team. Rice continues to play while facing assault charges for an off-field incident that involved him driving at high-speed and striking another player during training camp. As per NFL policy, this legal proceedings could stretch on until December. ShareSwift Moves Kelce to Catch First DownSwift gained national exposure midway through the third quarter when Kelce made an appearance alongside Swift at her Eras Tour performance of “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart.” NBC broadcast featured their appearance together during “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart”, prompting an exciting first down for Cleveland! As if he knew Swift would soon be seen by millions, Kelce completed an immediate first down shortly after her segment aired – just moments after Swift made headlines for being featured as part of fantasy sports’ $13-billion financial footprint and counting! Share Sam Brock of NBC News speaks with players and local businesses regarding fantasy football’s growing popularity. ShareKCansas City Stretches Lead to 20-10ShareIsiah Pacheco powered in from 1 yard out, pushing Kansas City ahead 20-10 early in the third quarter. After falling backward to first-and-20 at Ravens 28, Nnamdi Madubuike was penalized for roughing passer, giving Kansas City another first down.ShareKC’s 13-10 Halftime Lead Will Get Ball To Open SecondHalftime lead will get possession to open up second half with hopes of taking two-score lead. ShareKC’s halftime 13-10 Lead Will Receive Ball to Start Second Half With Chance to Expand two Score LeadShareKC’s 13-10 halftime advantage will take possession to start second half play to establish two score lead. ShareKC will Receive ball to kickoff second half, giving Kansas City another opportunity at taking two-score lead over Ravens 28 before Maddi Maddi Maddi Maddubuike was flagged for roughing passer flagged off, giving Kansas City another first down opportunity after Nnamdi Maddubuike flagged for roughing passer, giving Kansas City another first down chance. ShareKansac will Start Third Baltimore holds an advantage in both first downs (12-8), as well as total yards 204-139. ShareBaltimore Cuts Lead Going Into Halftime Justin Tucker’s 25-yard field goal allowed Baltimore to cut Kansas City’s 13-10 lead at halftime down to 13-10 after late in the second quarter, before Patrick Mahomes throwing off of his back foot was intercepted by Roquan Smith for Baltimore with 1:45 remaining before half. ShareRavens Take Back Control Patrick Mahomes was intercepted again throwing off of his backfoot when Roquan Smith intercepted it near midfield for another Ravens touchdown near midfield at half time.ShareRavens Take Control With Just Before Halftime Maryland reduced Kansas City lead 13-10 over Kansas City with 25 yard field goal from Justin Tucker after halftime by making Tucker field goal from 25 yards field goal from Tucker 25 yard field goal from Justin Tucker 25 yard field goal from Justin Tucker 25-yard field goal Justin Tucker 25 yard field goal cut Kansas City lead 13-10; Roquan Smith intercepted Patrick Mahomes off backfoot throwing off back foot intercepted it near midfield with 1:45 remaining before half time! Justin Tucker misses 53 yard field goal – Chiefs Retake OverBaltimore kicker Justin Tucker narrowly missed from 53 yards wide left, giving Kansas City another short field. Already leading 13-7 at their 43-yard line, Kansas City now has nearly two minutes remaining in which to score from their own 43-yard line – giving Patrick Mahomes enough time for two attempts from 43-yard line to beat Baltimore outright and claim all-time passing yards with Patrick Mahomes as its official passing leader! ShareMahomes Officially Overtaken By Chiefs That no longer holds after this second-quarter pass by Le Dawson, however. ShareDecimating drops still plagues Kansas City Patrick Mahomes has four incompletions so far and three of his receivers dropped them – something Kansas City struggled with last season. As you may remember from last season’s Sunday Night Football broadcasts, Marquez Valdes-Scantling famously dropped a potential game-winning touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles that could have led them to victory on offense.) Rashee Rice, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Travis Kelce all experienced first-half drops this evening that appeared to hold Mahomes back from leading Kansas City back into an offensive surge. These drops appear to be Mahomes’ sole obstacle. The Chiefs have attempted to address their receiver position this season by adding Xavier Worthy in the first round as part of an attempt at revitalizing it. Kelce made one mistake against Baltimore which could prove costly moving forward as they limited Kansas City to just a field goal following a turnover on downs. Share: Kansas City Chiefs Score Field Goals but Not Touchdowns With Harrison Butker connecting from 31 yards out midway through the second quarter to give Kansas City a 13-7 lead, yet Baltimore was smiling like mad because Kansas City gave two short fields on consecutive possessions before stopping them short of reaching the end zone each time. Travis Kelce made an outstanding catch on third down in this latest drive but let one slip through his hands on second and 5 at Ravens 13-yard line on second and 5 play. ShareNot So Much Air Time For Taylor SwiftShe hasn’t received as much air time from NBC during its broadcast of Chiefs-Ravens game; she seems relatively absent. Last season, she outraged NFL fans due to how often cameras focused on her celebrating from above the field in celebration. So far this game, however, the cameras seem less inclined to focus on Swift as much than usual. Swift rarely appears on screen without following and cheering along, unlike her past appearances at games with ultra-famous fans such as Travis Kelce’s father (Gary Kelce). Instead, this time round Swift went it alone without her fan club of famous followers; only Travis Kelce’s dad (Gary Kelce) joined her box during this match-up. Travis Kelce made two catches during this drive – first a 1-yard catch on first down and later, an incredible 23-yard grab on third down – marking his debut of 2024 season. Patrick Mahomes avoided multiple pass rushers before connecting with his favorite target on third and-12, turning over possession on downs for Kansas City with Trent McDuffie stopping Zay Flowers on fourth-and-3 at midfield, giving KC an advantageous field position advantage. Lamar Jackson’s short pass to Flowers was doomed from the outset as McDuffie quickly read it and made the play that turned possession over.ShareNo Kickoff Returns Yet in 2024 season The new kickoff rules haven’t yielded any returns in four boots of this season-opener game; moreover, Harrison Butker kicked a 32-yard field goal early in the second quarter, giving Chiefs an 11-7 edge.ShareChiefs Take an Early Lead Once a Lamar Jackson fumble gave Kansas City first down at Baltimore’s 14-yard line, giving up only one field goal was seen as a victory by Baltimore. ShareThe Ravens Need an Answer for Chris JonesFinding an effective solution to Chris Jones is no easy feat but the Ravens must find it quickly as Jones just strip sacked Lamar Jackson during Baltimore’s last drive resulting in recovery by Kansas City. Jones is taking full advantage of Baltimore’s inexperienced offensive line. During their first possession, Jackson nearly was sacked. With Jones dominating early in this contest, it may be necessary for Jackson to move around more or find ways to double him to counter. Share: Chiefs Force First Huge Turnover Kansas City forced its first big turnover of the game when Chris Jones sacked Lamar Jackson, forcing a fumble which Felix Anudike-Uzomah recovered at their 14 yard line. Worthy brings explosiveness to a wide receiver room that lacks consistency; at the NFL combine, his 40-yard dash time was 4.21. ShareNow the score’s even, 7-7! That response came quickly as rookie WR Xavier Worthy ran around right end for 21 yards and scored. Additionally, Ronnie Stanley of Ravens left tackle was flagged three times for similar infractions during this half of football play, further complicating matters for their opponents. Per NFL rules, seven players must be on the line of scrimmage prior to snapping. Offensive tackles generally need their helmet at waist level before snapping. Stanley took an extra step back, taking an advantage against opposing pass rushers by moving further back. ShareRavens strike first blood when Derrick Henry punched it from five yards out early in the first quarter for Baltimore and they went ahead 7-0. Baltimore converted two third-and-long plays on their drive forward to keep things rolling forward, Lamar Jackson connecting with Henry for 18 yards on third down and later connecting with Zay Flowers for 19 on third down – taking them all the way into Baltimore territory!ShareThe NFL season has officially kicked off! After 207 and an extra 20 minutes, Baltimore accepted from Kansas City the opening kickoff under new regulations – although we did not see a return of any kickoff returns at any point this regular season kickoff! Let’s see what Baltimore can accomplish offensively. At the Ravens-Chiefs game on Sunday afternoon, fans observed a moment of silence for Lisa Lopez-Galvan who was shot during Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl celebration parade and died shortly thereafter. Lopez-Galvan co-hosted “A Taste of Tejano,” an ongoing radio program celebrating Tejano music played weekly by local station KKFI 90.1 radio show “A Taste of Tejano.” In her DJ career she also provided wedding DJ services as well as charity fundraising efforts in Kansas City area wedding venues as DJ services for wedding receptions or event promotions and charity fundraisers.Share Chiefs Set for Championship RaceBrian Hamilton from NBC SportsKC are again favorites (+500 odds to claim another Super Bowl crown this season 17% of Super Bowl futures tickets have been taken out on Kansas City (+1000). Baltimore is fourth, accounting for 9%.ShareKickoff in 10 minutesThe first game will start shortly before 8:40 p.m ET following any short delays due to inclement weather. Eagles and Packers to Be Featured on NFL Opening Night No. 1. 1A Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers will kickoff their season Friday in Sao Paulo to much fanfare from supporters and cheeseheads of both teams alike, with many flocking south for this game that marks their opening weekend as regular NFL Sunday afternoon football is sacrificed due to this Brazilian event counting as home game for Philadelphia so Iggles fans only receive eight dates at Lincoln Financial Field during that span of games at home compared to nine. The Eagles will officially host their home opener – Monday Night Football on Sept 16 – in The Linc on Monday Sept 16, with Sunday afternoons only arriving after Oct 13. This can cause great disgruntle among Iggles supporters working 9-to-5 shifts throughout the week and hoping for Sunday afternoon action instead of Monday-through-Friday action at The Linc. “For season ticket holders with tailgating routines or prefer Autumn weather, this schedule simply won’t cut it,” according to Philadelphia sports fan site Crossing Broad. ShareWhat are the NFL’s new kickoff rules? Standard kickoffs will remain at the 35-yard line; however, their set up differs significantly – including an area known as “landing zone”, between receiving team’s end zone and 20-yard line – called a landing zone. As seen during preseason broadcasts, this zone will now be marked off with an orange rectangle for kickoff setup:The kickoff team must line up on their opponent’s 40-yard line until the ball lands within either their landing zone or end zone and cannot move until it touches someone or surfaces somewhere within that landing zone or end zone. Show moreThe returning team must have at least nine players lined up between 30- and 35-yard lines (known as their setup zone) with at least seven touching 35 yards before touching back out for return of kickoff setup: Kickers may still attempt to kick it deep to land at 30 yards even though this offers the receiving team an improved starting position than previous seasons. Read full article here ShareNo New Chiefs Gear For Taylor Swift TonightShe was seen sporting a denim corset and shorts set, along with red boots at tonight’s Kansas City game; however she did not appear to wear any unique Chiefs merchandise that night. Last season, she often donned unique designs in Chiefs red and gold colors – something she plans to continue this year when kickoff has been postponed to 8:40 p.m. ShareKickoff is scheduled for tonight (Thursday). Today at 1 PM ET the Chiefs and Ravens return to the field, with kickoff scheduled for 8:40 p.m. Metro Kansas City hopes the rains of yesterday and today have cleared away, providing much-needed respite after months of incessant downpouring soaked the region between afternoon and early evening. ShareIt’s raining heavily in Kansas City right now… What began as a light shower around 6:15 p.m. CT has turned to heavy storms by 6:30, less than an hour before kickoff is scheduled at 7:20 p.m. CT. Lightning strikes were visible from inside the stadium with thunderclaps sounding shortly thereafter; press initially huddled inside tunnel onto field have had to retreat gradually as rain falls sideways on them; it is currently unclear if game start time has been delayed because of weather related delays or not. Warmups were interrupted and players have returned to their sidelines or locker rooms in anticipation of a storm, leaving Baltimore Ravens fans at Reckless Shepherd Brewing Company and Kansas City Chiefs fans at Union Station eagerly awaiting kickoff of NFL Season. WBAL’s Jennifer Franciotti and KSHB’s Lindsay Shively join “TODAY” from pep rallies live from Arrowhead stadium.Taylor Swift makes debut appearance at Arrowhead stadium Swift recently took time off of her Eras Tour to watch Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs kick off football season and cheer for them, giving her ample opportunities to support Travis as part of her Eras Tour run. Share of $35 Billion In Legal Sports Betting Set by NFL Season Contessa Brewer, CNBC and Jessica Golden CNBC “With football season back and legal sports gambling set to increase at record levels, US wagerers could set out on an unprecedented journey of wagering,” states Golden of CNBC American Gaming Association projects that adults will wager $35 billion this NFL season, representing more than 30 per cent growth over last year’s $26.7 billion Americans wagered according to AGA calculations, setting yet another record wager figure. Maine, North Carolina and Vermont all permit sports betting operators to operate within their states since last NFL season began. Lamar Jackson wants revengeLast year the Ravens were eliminated from playoff contention when losing 17-10 against Kansas City Chiefs at home during conference title game play at Raven Stadium. Now their coach wants revenge. Will reigning MVP Carson Wentz get at least some payback Thursday night? ShareWhich team boasts superior offensive weapons?This decision was very tough for me to make but ultimately Mahomes stands out as having superior signal-caller ability and therefore should get my vote for best quarterback in this matchup. Kansas City QB Alex Smith has already won three Super Bowls and may lead his team to another consecutive crown. Baltimore may hold an advantage at running back with Derrick Henry being 30 – we know what can happen with players reaching that age bracket at certain positions. Isiah Pacheco of the Chiefs is entering his prime at 25 and could become one of NFL’s premier running backs this season. SharePatrick Mahomes Has Arrived The Chiefs’ star quarterback — three-time Super Bowl Champion, MVP and two-time NFL MVP — has arrived at Arrowhead Stadium ahead of Sunday’s matchup against Baltimore Ravens. Myles Simmons.ShareWill Taylor Swift be attending?Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has had an exceptional year both on and off the field. He led Kansas City in receiving yards (984), receptions (93) and targets (121). Taylor Swift attended 13 times this past season to watch her partner shine! Since she doesn’t have any shows scheduled in September, there is a possibility she might attend Thursday night’s Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs game in Baltimore. Mary OmatigaShareThe Chiefs Are Looking To Claimed Third Straight Super Bowl No team has ever won three consecutive Super Bowls before now; will that change this season? The Kansas City Chiefs hold the longest active streak for division titles won and playoff appearances with eight in a row and nine consecutive appearances (also an NFL record).Share What Derrick Henry Means for BaltimoreThe Baltimore Ravens signed All-Pro running back Derrick Henry to a two-year, $16 Million contract which could potentially reach up to $20 Million with incentives. Henry joins from Tennessee Titans where he had three consecutive years rushing for at least 1,500 yards and leading both seasons with 10+ rushing scores en route to leading them in 2019 and 2020 rushing league-wide in rushing yards accumulated. Share of Last Year’s AFC Championship GameThe Chiefs won their 2017 AFC title game meeting against Baltimore 17-10 with three turnovers (two coming within their end zone), three total miscues by quarterback Lamar Jackson committing multiple turnovers and raising questions regarding him being effective under center. This season will mark their second meet-up and we should expect it to be another epic showdown! Jackson, who earned MVP last season, fell to just 4-for-4 all time in playoff history. Mahomes completed 30-of-39 passes for 241 yards and scored once that game, Travis Kelce amassing 11 receptions totalling 116 yards with one score thrown in; Greg Rosenstein, Rohan Nadkarni Tim Perone and David K Li all contributed as well.