In a thrilling NFL season opener, the Kansas City Chiefs edged the Baltimore Ravens 27-20, holding off a last-second rally that sent both Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson to the brink of overtime. As Jackson connected with tight end Isaiah Likely for what seemed to be a game-tying touchdown in the back of the end zone, both quarterbacks and the packed Arrowhead Stadium crowd — which included pop superstar Taylor Swift — held their breath in anticipation. But referee Shawn Hochuli’s quick video review confirmed that Likely had stepped out of bounds, giving the Chiefs a dramatic victory.
The Chiefs, led by Mahomes, who threw for 291 yards and a touchdown, were aiming to start their pursuit of a record third consecutive Super Bowl title on a high note. Mahomes found rookie Xavier Worthy for a touchdown and a rushing score in Worthy’s NFL debut, as the Chiefs beat the Ravens for the fifth time in six meetings, maintaining their dominance over Jackson and Baltimore.
Despite the Ravens‘ frustrating track record against Kansas City, Jackson put on a sublime performance, throwing for 273 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 122 more. But the Ravens’ final drive — which started at their own 13-yard line with 1:50 remaining — ended in heartbreak. Jackson orchestrated a series of crucial completions, including a 38-yard strike to Rashod Bateman that brought Baltimore to the Kansas City 10-yard line with seconds left. After a missed connection with rookie Zay Flowers, Jackson’s scrambling pass to Likely appeared to have sent the game to overtime. However, Hochuli’s swift review overturned the touchdown, leaving Jackson to lament another missed chance to upstage Mahomes.
The game’s wild ending was preceded by a 20-minute weather delay that set the tone for a rollercoaster night. The Ravens struck first with an 11-play, 70-yard drive capped by Derrick Henry’s 5-yard touchdown run. Henry, who had historically tormented Kansas City during his time with the Tennessee Titans, gave Baltimore the early lead, but the Chiefs quickly responded.
Mahomes, as efficient as ever, connected with Rashee Rice before Worthy showcased his talent with a 21-yard touchdown run. Yet, the first half was marked by Week 1 blunders, including a strip sack of Jackson by Chris Jones, setting up a Kansas City field goal. Another Baltimore mistake followed when Zay Flowers was stopped short on a fourth-and-3 play near midfield, leading to yet another Chiefs field goal.
The Ravens clawed back into the game when Roquan Smith picked off a Mahomes pass late in the first half, setting up a Justin Tucker field goal that closed the gap to 13-10 at halftime. But Baltimore’s inability to find the end zone would ultimately cost them.
Kansas City extended its lead in the third quarter with a long touchdown drive, only to see Jackson answer with a 49-yard strike to Likely. The Chiefs then mounted a crucial 70-yard march, capped by Mahomes’ touchdown pass to Worthy, making it 27-17.
Tucker’s field goal with just under five minutes left made it a one-score game again, and the Ravens defense forced a punt to give Jackson one last chance. But despite his valiant effort, Jackson was left frustrated by the final review — and the Ravens were left searching for answers after another tough loss to their AFC kryptonite.
As the Chiefs begin their chase for history, this hard-fought victory sets the tone for another exciting NFL season, while the Ravens will hope to regroup after a bitterly close opener.
