KANSAS CITY, MO – With the Kansas City Chiefs set to unfurl their second Super Bowl banner in three years on Opening Night vs. the visiting Baltimore Ravens in a AFC title game rematch, here are five things to watch for on Opening Night.
1.) Look for new Ravens RB Derrick Henry to be established early and often: IN what has been proven, time and time again, the best way to beat a high-powered prolific offense such as the Chiefs is to keep them off the field. More specifically, establish the running game early and often to keep time of possession.
Considering Lamar Jackson’s 1-4 record vs. Patrick Mahomes, Henry could very well help mollify that by keeping him, Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice off the field in pounding the Chiefs on the ground, tiring out their defense and ultimately feeding King Henry as much as possible.
2.) Can the Chiefs start off fast this year on Opening Night? Last year, Kansas City lost to the eventual NFC Championship-bound Lions at Arrowhead on Opening Night, due to late-game execution breakdowns, and the emotion of hoisting their Super Bowl LVII banner, now with the visiting Ravens—who have a similar football DNA—coming out to Arrowhead looking to avenge their loss to Kansas City, the Chiefs can’t afford to start off slow this year.
Not to say that Kansas City will throw the ball all over the field, but don’t be shocked to see the Chiefs send a message in having Mahomes take some deep shots down the field to rookie burner Xavier Worthy, and a defense in transition under new coordinator, Zach Orr.
3.) Will RB Isiah Pacheco emerge into an x-factor? With RB1 Clyde Edwards-Helaire away from the team, and Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele backing him off, Pacheco is going to be the main focal point on the ground for the Chiefs. In last year’s AFC title game 17-10 win over the Ravens, the third-year tailback out of Rutgers rushed for 68 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown.
Clearly, Pacheco has a good history vs. one of the NFL’s toughest defenses, and if the Chiefs hope to win, he needs to be a part of their offense Thursday night, and going forward.
4.) Can DB Trent McDuffie replace L’Jarius Sneed? After losing No.1 defensive back L’Jarius Sneed in free agency to the Tennessee Titans, All-Pro DB Trent McDuffie has some big shoes to fill in replacing the departed Super Bowl champion.
Mainly used in the slot, with Sneed on the outside covering opposing team’s WR1’s, pay attention to whom McDuffie is matched up against.
5.) Marc Andrews vs. Travis Kelce? Which TE will make a bigger impact? It’s no secret that Travis Kelce is a key part of Kansas City’s offense. His opposing counterpart, Marc Andrews of the Ravens is just as vital to his own two-time NFL MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
Andrews, who is one of the top-and most underrated tight ends, has long been considered Jackson’s security blanket and primary red zone target, as he led the Ravens in touchdown catches (6), 3rd in receiving yards (544), third in targets (61) and second in receptions (45).
Whichever TE is established and controls the middle of the field, will help their team win on Thursday.