The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 season opener as they aim to secure an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat. This matchup will be a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game against the team with the best record in the league, led by reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson. In Week 2, the Chiefs will take on Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, who have a winning record against the Chiefs when Burrow plays, including a victory in the 2021 AFC Championship Game.
Star tight end Travis Kelce expressed his preference for facing top teams early in the season rather than later, as he believes it helps keep potential playoff matchups “fresh.” Kelce, at 34 years old, is aware of the toll that a long NFL season can take on players’ bodies. The Chiefs’ recent history with both the Bengals and Ravens likely played a role in Kelce’s preference, as the Bengals defeated the Chiefs in Week 17 of the 2021 season and staged a comeback to upset them in the playoffs a few weeks later.
Despite the challenging early matchups, Kelce and the Chiefs are prepared to face the Bengals and Ravens right at the beginning of the season, ensuring that several months will pass before any potential playoff rematch. The Chiefs did not play the Ravens during the regular season last year before their conference title clash, making the upcoming matchup even more intriguing. Kelce’s attitude towards facing top teams early in the season reflects his desire to keep important games “fresh” and maintain a competitive edge throughout the season.
The Chiefs’ schedule for the 2024 season sets them up for a tough start, but they are embracing the challenge of facing strong opponents early on. Kelce’s perspective as a veteran player sheds light on the importance of managing player health and readiness throughout a long NFL season. By facing teams like the Bengals and Ravens early, the Chiefs have the opportunity to set the tone for their season and potentially build momentum for a successful playoff run.
As the Chiefs prepare to defend their Super Bowl title, the early matchups against the Bengals and Ravens will test their resilience and determination. Kelce’s approach to facing top teams early in the season highlights the competitive nature of elite NFL players and their desire to constantly improve and challenge themselves. With high expectations for the 2024 season, the Chiefs are ready to prove themselves against formidable opponents right from the start of the season.
