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The NFL season is finally here! After months of waiting, NFL fans will be treated to a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game between the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs and the perennial AFC contender Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs are chasing history as they attempt to become the first team to three-peat. The Ravens, led by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and superstar RB Derrick Henry, are looking to finally break through and reach the Super Bowl. There are dozens of intriguing storylines entering this game, and we put together five bold predictions for the NFL’s opening game.
New Ravens RB Derrick Henry Scores The First Touchdown of the NFL Season
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Baltimore beefed up its backfield in the offseason by adding star running back Derrick Henry. The longtime Tennessee Titan still believes he has plenty left in the tank. Henry will be playing in the best offense of his career, as the mere threat of two-time MVP Lamar Jackson should help open up running holes for the 30-year-old running back. We envision the Ravens wanting to establish their bell-cow early in this one. Baltimore puts together a lengthy drive in the opening quarter, capped off with a three-yard rushing score from Henry — much to the dismay of the home crowd.
It Will Be A Low-Scoring, Defensive-Minded Game
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It was a struggle to find points the last time these two teams met. In the AFC Championship Game a year ago, these offenses — led by a pair of MVP quarterbacks — scored a combined total of just 27 points. The Ravens shut out the Chiefs entirely in the second half but managed just three points of their own after the break and turned the ball over three times. Some questions need to be answered on both sides. The Chiefs said goodbye to stalwart CB L’Jarius Sneed in the offseason, and the Ravens saw their savvy defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald leave for the head coaching position in Seattle. Still, there’s plenty of talent on both sides. Look for Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton and Chiefs rusher Chris Jones to make a mark on this matchup.
Travis Kelce Catches A Pass On A Play Designed By Taylor Swift
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Early reports indicate that Taylor Swift will be attending the game at Arrowhead Stadium. The worldwide superstar and girlfriend of Kansas City TE Travis Kelce brought good luck to the team a season ago. The Chiefs went 10-3 — including the playoffs — in games Swift attended last year. She’s reportedly become a huge football fan over the months, and Kelce even remarked that she started “drawing up plays” for the offense. This is too good of an opportunity to pass. Mahomes will link up with Kelce for a big play during the game and credit Swift as the architect during the post-game interview.
Both Kickers Will Connect On A 50-Yard Attempt
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A battle between the Ravens and Chiefs means a matchup of two of the best special teams units in all of football. Baltimore’s is led by the greatest kicker to ever live, Justin Tucker. Tucker is coming off an uncharacteristic campaign that saw him convert on just 1-of-5 attempts from beyond 50 yards. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s offseason was…eventful. He’ll likely hear plenty of boos on the road this year, but that’s not something he’ll have to worry about in Arrowhead. These two are ranked No. 1 and 2 all-time in field goal percentage. They’ll both connect on attempts from beyond 50 yards in this one to help out their offenses.
Patrick Mahomes Leads The Game-Winning Drive
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The Ravens were just a few plays away from beating the Chiefs a season ago. They should be able to replicate some of the stuff that worked during last year’s AFC title game. The Jackson-Henry backfield will give Kansas City fits for most of the contest. But, we’ve seen this movie before. Kansas City will stay within striking distance thanks to Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. This will set up a potential game-winning drive for Kansas City’s offense. Patrick Mahomes has delivered time and time again, and he leads one more clinching drive to seal this one. Chiefs win, 20-17.
