Chiefs vs. Ravens Rematch: Will Mahomes Get Revenge in 2024?

Chiefs vs. Ravens Rematch, The NFL schedule makers delivered an instant classic for the 2024 season opener, pitting the Kansas City Chiefs against the Baltimore Ravens in a highly-anticipated AFC Championship rematch. This Thursday night showdown (September 5) on Netflix isn’t just another game—it’s a championship-level clash that could set the tone for the entire NFL season.

In this 1,500+ word deep dive, we’ll break down:

✔ What makes this rivalry must-watch football
✔ Key matchups that will decide the game
✔ How both teams improved this offseason
✔ Patrick Mahomes vs. Lamar Jackson: The QB duel of the year
✔ Predictions and potential playoff implications

Let’s examine why this Week 1 showdown might be the best game of the entire 2024 season.

The Backstory: How We Got Here

Last season’s AFC Championship Game (Ravens 17, Chiefs 10) was a defensive masterpiece that came down to critical mistakes:

• Lamar Jackson’s red zone interception

• Zay Flowers’ costly fumble at the goal line

• Chiefs’ defense holding Baltimore to just 10 points

While Kansas City went on to win the Super Bowl, this loss has haunted Baltimore all offseason. Now they get an immediate chance at redemption.

 For more on last year’s AFC Championship, visit NFL NewsZ.

Key Matchups That Will Decide the Game

1. Patrick Mahomes vs. Ravens’ Secondary

• Mahomes was held to 241 yards, 1 TD in last meeting

• Ravens added Nate Wiggins (1st-round CB) to an already elite unit

• Travis Kelce vs. Kyle Hamilton will be must-watch

2. Lamar Jackson vs. Chris Jones

• Jones had 2 sacks in AFC title game

• Jackson was pressured on 40% of dropbacks

• Ravens upgraded OL with Roger Rosengarten

3. Isiah Pacheco vs. Roquan Smith

• Pacheco’s physical running style vs. Smith’s elite tackling

• Chiefs need balance to keep Ravens’ pass rush honest

How Both Teams Improved This Offseason

Kansas City Chiefs

✅ Added Hollywood Brown (WR) for deep speed
✅ Drafted Xavier Worthy (fastest player in combine history)
✅ Retained Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed (for now)

Baltimore Ravens

✅ Signed Derrick Henry (best power back Mahomes will face)
✅ Drafted Nate Wiggins (CB) to replace Ronald Darby
✅ Added Roger Rosengarten (OT) to protect Lamar

 For full offseason grades, check NFL NewsZ.

The QB Duel: Mahomes vs. Jackson

This matchup features two of the most dynamic QBs in NFL history, but with very different legacies. Mahomes is chasing Brady’s throne, while Jackson is fighting to prove he can win the big one Chiefs vs. Ravens Rematch.

5 Factors That Could Decide the Game

1. Third Down Efficiency (Chiefs converted 50% in AFC title game)

2. Red Zone Execution (Ravens failed twice in championship)

3. Turnover Battle (Jackson’s INT was game-changing)

4. Special Teams (Justin Tucker vs. Harrison Butker)

5. Coaching Adjustments (Reid vs. Harbaugh is elite)

Predictions: Who Wins and Why?

Chiefs Win If…

✔ Mahomes gets time against Ravens’ blitz
✔ Their WRs win 1-on-1 matchups
✔ Defense contains Henry in early downs

Ravens Win If…

✔ Jackson plays mistake-free football
✔ Henry controls clock with 25+ carries
✔ Secondary locks down Chiefs’ receivers

Our Early Pick: Chiefs 27, Ravens 24
Mahomes makes one more play than Jackson in a classic.

Bigger Picture: What This Game Means

• Early AFC playoff seeding implications

• Potential Super Bowl preview

• Legacy game for both QBs

• Historic as first Netflix NFL broadcast

This isn’t just a Week 1 game—it’s a statement opportunity for both franchises.

Read More: NFL International Games 2024: London, Germany & Brazil Matchups Breakdown

Final Thoughts

The Chiefs and Ravens have developed the AFC’s best rivalry outside of Chiefs-Bengals. With both teams loaded for another Super Bowl run, this season-opening rematch could be an instant classic. Will Mahomes continue his dominance over Jackson, or will Lamar get his revenge?

 For more NFL analysis, visit NFL NewsZ.

Which QB are you taking in this showdown? Let us know in the comments!