2024 NFL Schedule: Three things for Atlanta Falcons fans to watch in Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs season opener

Saivion Mixson

2024 NFL Schedule: Three things for Atlanta Falcons fans to watch in Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs season opener image

The NFL leaked out their 2024 NFL season-opener between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, set to be played on Thursday, September 5th at 8:20 p.m. on NBC. For the first time since 2016, the Falcons will host the Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That means the Falcons fans haven't had a chance to see quarterback Patrick Mahomes in action inside the dome.

The Falcons and their fans can get an early look at the Chiefs in their season-opener against Baltimore along with the rest of the world. For the Falcons, there are three aspects of this game that they should keep their eye on for their own matchup against the Chiefs.

1) What offense is Kansas City trotting out this year?

The Chiefs offense has re-tooled itself year after year to maximize the infrastructure they've built around Mahomes. Last year, the Chiefs offense relied more on their short to intermediate passing game, opposed to the verticality coveted during the Tyreek Hill era. With the drafting of Xavier Worthy in the first round and the addition of Marquise Brown in free agency, it seems they are looking to add that vertical element back to the offense.

Atlanta's questions in the secondary would need to be remedied before they play Kansas City if they hope to compete.

2) Can Kansas City stop the run?

Atlanta has one of the more loaded backfields with 2023 first-round pick Bijan Robinson and Atlanta rookie rushing yards record holder Tyler Allgeier. The Falcons have a chance to have a true Thunder & Lightning-like combination with sixth-round Alabama running back Jase McClellan adding more depth outside of that.

Kansas City essentially ran it back on the defensive line, despite ranking 28th in rushing EPA allowed last season. The Ravens didn't take advantage of that in the AFC Championship, much to the chagrin of fans everywhere. Can Atlanta stay in the game long enough to where they can rely on their talented stable of backs to take them over the edge?

3) What opportunities present themselves with L'Jarius Sneed's departure?

The Chiefs signed and traded one of their best pieces in the defensive secondary in now-Titans cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. With them not taking another cornerback in this year's draft until the sixth round, they are going to rely on returning corners Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson.

The Falcons have completely refurnished their receiver room with plenty of speed to stretch the defense horizontally and vertically. One of the main beneficiaries of the talent in the room, and the upgrade at quarterback, should be primary receiver Drake London as defenses won't be able to key in on him. If Baltimore pushes the ball down the field with ease, it could be a sign the Falcons could do the same.

Saivion Mixson

Saivion Mixson Photo

Saivion Mixson is a graduate of the University of North Florida’s Sports Management program. He was previously a staff writer/content creator for LastWordonSports, Around The Block Network, Fansided’s Blogging Dirty and USA Today’s Vikings Wire. Mixson resides in the Charlotte Metro area and is an avid Atlanta Falcons fan. You can find him on Twitter/X @MixsonS_NFL.