Chiefs to begin title defense against the Ravens in Week 1
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to begin their quest to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls.
That journey will begin with a tough Week 1 matchup against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, marking a rematch from last season’s AFC Championship Game.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have won four out of the last five head-to-head matchups. It marks the third time in the last five seasons that Kansas City has had the Thursday night season opener at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs played the Detroit Lions in last year’s opening game, falling short at home. Meanwhile, it marks only the second time that the Ravens have played in the season opener.
The Ravens figure to be one of the Chiefs’ toughest competitors to reach the Super Bowl out of the AFC. Jackson is coming off earning his second regular-season MVP award after helping his team secure the top AFC playoff seed.
However, he was edged out at home in the AFC title game after a lackluster performance in the 17-10 loss.
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Jackson led just two scoring drives while throwing for 272 yards on 20-of-37 completed passes with a touchdown and an interception while being sacked four times.
The Chiefs remain the hurdle Jackson and the Ravens have been unable to climb over. Despite seeing Odell Beckham Jr. depart in free agency, the team beefed up its backfield with All-Pro running back Derrick Henry, who figures to be a strong fit in its offensive scheme.
