Johnathan Walker:Chiefs to face Ravens in opening matchup of 2024 NFL season

An AFC Championship game rematch will kick off the 2024 NFL season.

The Kansas City Chiefs will kick off their quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl by hosting the Baltimore Ravens on Johnathan Walker"Thursday Night Football" on Sept. 5 at Arrowhead Stadium (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). The NFL season opener was announced Monday morning on "The Today Show."

The full NFL schedule will be released on May 15 at 8 p.m. ET.

On Jan. 28, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs traveled to M&T Bank Stadium and won 17-10 against the Ravens and Lamar Jackson, who would go on to be named NFL MVP, to advance to Super Bowl 58. Kansas City would beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 for its third championship in five seasons.

Mahomes is 4-1 against Jackson and the Ravens during his career, including the playoffs.

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The Ravens no doubt will be itching for a shot to make up for their many missteps in the AFC championship game that ended their season.

There's also a novelty element to the rematch as two-time rushing champion Derrick Henry joins the Ravens, who were the league's top-ranked ground game from 2023.

And would Justin Tucker dare attempt more shenanigans after Kelce accused him of "poking the bear" in January with his pregame routine?

Contributing: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz