The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the 2024 opening kickoff game. Fans have been waiting for seven months to see an NFL game that actually counts. However, these fans may have to wait a little longer than the expected 8:20 p.m. EST kickoff time.
What happened? When will this game start now? Read below to find out more.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs Game Delayed Due to Weather
Shortly before the originally scheduled kickoff, there was a thunderstorm that passed through the Kansas City area. According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, there was lightning in the area that caused fans to leave their seats during warmups. Players from the Chiefs and Ravens also cleared the field during this time.
As a result of that thunderstorm, the original kickoff time of 8:20 p.m. EST had to be pushed back. So, what is the new kickoff time? Fortunately, it is only supposed to be a 20-minute delay. Pending worsening weather conditions, the new kickoff time is expected to be 8:40 p.m. EST.
Rematch of AFC Championship Last Season
This matchup has anticipation for more reasons than just being the first game of the 2024 NFL season. It is also the rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game. At that time, the Baltimore Ravens hosted the Kansas City Chiefs as the top seed in the AFC.
However, it was the Chiefs who prevailed over the Ravens to advance to Super Bowl LVIII. Kansas City ended up defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in OT to secure their second straight Super Bowl title.
As a result, these two teams had two very different stories to end last season. The Chiefs secured their dynasty status, winning their third Super Bowl in five seasons. As for the Ravens, they had to go back to the drawing board to make sure that they do not come up short again this season.
High Expectations?
Both teams have high expectations, to say the least. This is especially the case for the Kansas City Chiefs because they won the Super Bowl for the last two seasons. If Kansas City goes on to win the Super Bowl in the 2024 NFL season, they can make NFL history as the first team ever to win the Super Bowl three straight seasons.
The Ravens are not far behind, being listed as one of the biggest expected challengers to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl odds. Considering they have the third-best odds to win the Super Bowl, do not be surprised if these two teams meet in the AFC Championship once again.
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