2. This will be a clash between the league’s top two defenses from a year ago.
The Ravens (16.5 points allowed-per-game) and Chiefs (17.3 points allowed-per-game) accounted for the two best scoring defenses in the NFL last season. Baltimore (60 sacks) and Kansas City (57 sacks) also topped the league charts in sacks.
Both defenses were consistently dominant, too. In fact, Kansas City held opponents under 28 total points in all 21 of its games last year (including the playoffs), setting an NFL record in the process. Baltimore was consistent as well, holding opponents under 28 total points in all but two games.
All that being said, both teams look a little bit different this year defensively. The Ravens lost their defensive coordinator, Mike MacDonald, to the Seattle Seahawks’ head coaching vacancy following the season. Baltimore also lost edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney (who posted 9.5 sacks last year) and linebacker Patrick Queen (who led the Ravens in defensive snaps last season) to free agency. The Ravens still feature several impact players on defense, however, including their top sack artist from a year ago, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, and second-year safety Kyle Hamilton.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, no longer employ cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, but the young core that helped make Kansas City’s defense so successful last season remains intact. So, while both defenses lost significant contributors during the offseason, it’s all to say that Kansas City and Baltimore should each field top units once again in 2024.
3. Veteran running back Derrick Henry will make his Ravens debut on Thursday.
The Ravens, who led the NFL in rushing last season at 156.5 yards-per-game, significantly bolstered their already impressive running game with veteran tailback Derrick Henry during the offseason. Henry replaces departed running backs Gus Edwards (who rushed for 810 yards last year) and former second-round pick J.K. Dobbins, who both signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.
Henry, who is likely headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, is 30 years old, but he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. He racked up 2,705 yards and 25 touchdowns over his final two seasons in Tennessee, leading the NFL in carries both years. Henry, who checks in 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, has also remained at his best after first contact. His 930 rushing yards after contact last season led the NFL, marking the fourth time in the last five years that he’s topped the league in that category.
The Ravens’ running game is about more than just their backfield, too, as quarterback Lamar Jackson led all signal callers in rushing yards last season with 821. Jackson is electric as a ball-carrier, and whether it’s a designed run or a scramble on a broken play, the Chiefs will need to limit his production on the ground.
Fortunately, the Chiefs’ defense excelled at containing the Ravens’ rushing attack during the AFC Championship Game last year, as Kansas City held Baltimore to a season-low 81 yards on just 16 carries. A similar effort on Thursday would go a long way toward a Chiefs’ victory.