NFL season opener between Ravens and Chiefs makes history
The 2024 NFL season kicked off with an entertaining matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens in historic fashion.
The Thursday night game was the most-watched season opener in league history, with a total audience average of 28.9 million. That number surpassed the 27.6 million who watched the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2015 season opener.
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The 27.5 million was a 5% increase from the total number that watched last year’s season opener between the Chiefs and Detroit Lions. According to Adobe Analytics, the streaming of the game on Peacock, NFL Digital, and NBC averaged 4.6 million.
Kansas City is one of the league’s most-watched teams due to its sustained success. With star quarterback Patrick Mahomes under center, the team has won three Super Bowls over the last five years.
The Chiefs aim to become the first team in league history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Kansas City outlasted Baltimore in a thrilling game that came down to the final seconds. The Ravens were unable to send the game into overtime or win in regulation.
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Mahomes completed 20 of 28 passes for 291 yards with a touchdown and an interception and held a 101.9 passer rating. Rashee Rice led the way with seven catches for 103 receiving yards.
Meanwhile, reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson put forth a solid all-around performance, completing 26 of 43 passes for 273 yards along with a touchdown. The bulk of his production came with his legs behind 122 rushing yards on 16 carries.
