The Kansas City Chiefs, aiming to make history as the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls, held a 27-20 lead when the Baltimore Ravens regained possession with just two minutes remaining. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson led his team to the Chiefs’ 10-yard line, setting up a dramatic finish with under 30 seconds left.
After two incomplete passes, Jackson connected with tight end Isaiah Likely in the back of the endzone, initially ruled as a game-tying touchdown. Ravens coach John Harbaugh signaled for a two-point conversion attempt to win the game outright, opting not to send the contest into overtime with an extra point.
However, after reviewing the play, officials determined that Likely had stepped on the endline with his toe, nullifying the touchdown. The Kansas City crowd, including Travis Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, erupted in celebration as the Chiefs secured a 27-20 victory.
The 2024 season opener, a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship game, marked the Chiefs’ fifth win in six matchups against the Ravens since quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson entered the league. Despite twice finishing the regular season with the NFL’s best record during that span, the Ravens have yet to reach a Super Bowl, while the Chiefs have appeared in four of the past five, winning three.
The Ravens started strong with new signing Derrick Henry, the NFL’s two-time rushing leader, powering into the endzone for an early lead. Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy answered with a rushing touchdown to level the score, and two Harrison Butker field goals gave Kansas City a 13-10 lead at halftime. An Isiah Pacheco touchdown extended their advantage.
In the fourth quarter, Likely took a Jackson pass for a 49-yard touchdown, evading three defenders to bring the Ravens within striking distance. Worthy responded with his second touchdown of the game, making it 27-17. Justin Tucker’s second field goal of the day narrowed the gap and set up the thrilling, yet heartbreaking, finale for Baltimore.
The NFL’s opening weekend continues with the first regular-season game in Brazil, as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo on Friday.