The 4 most exciting matchups for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1

If we get to say who we want to see open the season against the Chiefs, we'd take these first and foremost.

On Wednesday, the National Football League will unveil the official 2024 regular season schedule. It's the last big event of the NFL offseason following the start of a new league year, the frenzy of free agency, and the annual NFL Draft, which has turned into a traveling family-friendly event.

While we're anxious to see the full schedule, the truth is that we've known two things for quite some time. First, we've known that the Chiefs are going to open the season on Thursday, September 5 against someone. That's an outcome of having won the Super Bowl from the previous season, so that much has been locked in.

The other thing that's been apparent for a while is the list of opponents for the Chiefs. Predictable NFL cycles make it possible to discern which divisions will be played in a given year alongside the annual two games apiece between divisional rivals. Then once a team has finished their place in the standings, we can figure out the few teams remaining given their place in the pecking order of their own divisions as well.

Before the league unveils the official schedule, we thought it'd be fun to list our most hoped-for opening games. We realize the NFL will likely save these for mid-season must-watch contests for the sake of their broadcast partners, but fans can dream, right?

1. Baltimore Ravens

Lats season, the Ravens were the class of the entire NFL as a long-term leader in power rankings anchored in an impressive 13-win season and a dynamic team with a smothering defense and the playmaking ability of Lamar Jackson under center.

The Ravens even hosted the AFC Championship last year—the first conference final away from Arrowhead since 2017—and it felt as if the Chiefs' luck might have run out with such a behemoth looming on the postseason schedule. Of course, we know the rest of the story.

Nothing the Ravens do in 2024 will fully ease the sting of that 17-10 loss, but a chance for some revenge to start a new year would have everyone fired up. After an offseason filled with "what might have been?" sentiments, it might do some good for Baltimore to take out those aggressions early to set the tone.

As for the Chiefs, what more can you ask for? Starting a bid for a three-peat against the most dangerous opponent from the previous year would produce some real fireworks. It would also show the Chiefs what sort of roster they have going into a new year.