Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images The season. . .is. . .here! The 2024 NFL season is officially upon us, folks! Tonight the season officially kicks off from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City with a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game as the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs play host to the Baltimore Ravens. As we’ve done the past few years, we will be doing picks for all of the NFL games each week through our friends at Tallysight. We’ve got seven folks who will be picking games for us this year, and that will start this evening. Here are our picks for tonight’s contest. As always, the lines and numbers might be different based on when each individual selector put their picks into the system. To get the absolute latest on all the odds, you can check with our friends from FanDuel. We’ll be doing discussion threads for all of the prime time games this year, much like we did last season. When our Minnesota Vikings participate in prime time games, the picks will be rolled into the discussion threads for that night’s contest. With that, we hope that you enjoy tonight’s game, and if you’ll be watching we hope you’ll drop by and discuss tonight’s action here with us.
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs: Thursday Night Football Discussion
Thursday Night Football: Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs Open Live Thread & Game Information
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images The NFL’s 2024 season officially kicks off this evening with a showdown between the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs and the team that they defeated in last season’s AFC Championship game, the Baltimore Ravens. The game also features the reigning Super Bowl MVP, Chiefs starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes, against the reigning NFL MVP, Ravens starting quarterback Lamar Jackson. Both teams will be looking to make an early season statement in a game that should again represent two of the best teams in the AFC and the entire NFL. Please use this thread to follow this evening’s NFL kickoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. Discussion of your Miami Dolphins is, as always, also encouraged. Please follow all site rules in the live threads and other posts on The Phinsider. Also, please remember that SBNation strictly prohibits sharing illegal game streams. Sharing, discussing, or requesting illegal game streams may result in a temporary suspension from the site or a ban from the entire SBN platform. Baltimore Ravens 0-0 AFC North @ Kansas City Chiefs 0-0 AFC West Kickoff: September 5th, 8:20 PM EST Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri TV Broadcast: NBC FANDUEL Odds: Kansas City Chiefs -3; Over/Under 46.5
Jaelan Phillips is officially back, but should he be?
Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images When is the right time to bring the star pass rusher back to the starting lineup? As the Miami Dolphins prepare to open the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday, the injury status of star pass rusher Jaelan Phillips has reached its endpoint. Phillips exited the PUP list last month and got cleared to take the field. Even though Phillips is coming off a major injury, he looks sharp. Looking forward to getting back on the field, he spoke with reporters yesterday about what’s next: Jaelan Phillips is ready to roll as the #Dolphins begin preparation for the season opener today and he’s hoping he doesn’t have any restrictions put on him. pic.twitter.com/QpoTYMVp2H — Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) September 2, 2024 Getting Phillips back in the fold before the season starts is about the best-case scenario the Dolphins could’ve hoped for, but I question if he should play this Sunday. The Dolphins pass rusher suffered a torn Achilles last year during the Black Friday game against the New York Jets and vowed to get on the field as soon as possible. The usual turnaround time for an Achilles tear is nine to twelve months, and we’re at eight months, and some change. Putting Phillips on the field Sunday isn’t reckless behavior, but it’s still the early side of the recovery time, and there’s no reason to rush him out there the first chance you get. The Dolphins went into the offseason knowing they’d be without Phillips and Bradley Chubb for some time and made moves accordingly to fill the early season void. The Dolphins spent a first and a fifth-round pick on pass rushers Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara, along with bringing back Emmanuel Ogbah to hold down the fort at the beginning of the season. All three can play, and at least two of them should be formidable enough to have a consistent pass rush, unlike having to sign guys coming off the couch like the Dolphins had to do at the end of 2023. I know that the Dolphins could come out tomorrow and say they decided Phillips isn’t playing, but he’s first on the official depth chart released earlier this week, so I have to go in thinking they expect him to start. Dolphins Week 1 depth chart pic.twitter.com/PqywnTNYHc — Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) September 3, 2024 That’s about as official as it gets regarding a week-one status. He’s starting on the depth chart, and head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Phillip’s status yesterday and outlined what limitations he might have: “You got to manage it in some regard. I think we’re getting closer to what that will be nailed down to with maybe 15-20 reps to spare. Who knows? But regardless, we also have to keep in mind that it’ll be his first game back, we have a game four days later and just being able to manage professional athletes.” I don’t understand the decision, but I’m not at the facility daily or monitoring how Phillips has progressed. All I can say as someone on the outside looking in is that if he’s on the field Sunday, it’ll be one of the fastest recovery times from this type of injury in my lifetime, and it’s something fans should worry about rather than celebrate. I would agree on risking it if it’s the end of the year and the season is on the line, but it’s week one. Pass rushers were added to pick up the slack for the first few games, so let them. There is much more to lose than to gain playing him right now. Keep him out until week three, but that’s just me.
Open Thread: Ravens at Chiefs kick off 2024 NFL season on Thursday night
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NFL Week 1 staff picks: Moneyline, spread, over/under predictions
Sign up for Season 2 of PODD Big things are in store for our newsletter, Pride of Detroit Direct. I’m excited to announce we’ve added Ty Schalter this season. Listen to exclusive podcasts sent directly to your inbox and read more voices from our team at Pride of Detroit by clicking below to sign up for a 7-day free trial today!
Thursday Night Football: Ravens vs. Chiefs
Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images Watch this NFL’s kickoff game here! We made it! There’s still one day left before the Philadelphia Eagles open their 2024 NFL season in Brazil, but there is actual football on Thursday night, with a season opener featuring the Baltimore Ravens on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. These teams last faced off in the AFC Championship game back in January, with the Chiefs winning 17-10 in Baltimore. Kansas City went on to win the Super Bowl, but the Ravens didn’t forget how close they were to making it to the big game. Despite both teams being among the top of the AFC, they’ve only played each other 11 times during the regular season, with the Chiefs leading the series 7-4. Kansas City may have won four of their five most-recent matchups, but the Ravens have the most recent regular season victory, winning 36-35 back in 2021. The Chiefs are favored for this Week 1 re-match, and for good reason. While the Ravens have made a lot of great offseason acquisitions, including Derrick Henry, KC returns most of their dominant defense, and still have their core offensive weapons, as well. A three-peat isn’t won during the first game of the year, but it is an important stepping stone to create the kind of momentum the Chiefs will need to accomplish their lofty goals. I’m picking the Chiefs this week. Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game. Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs TV Schedule Game time: 8:20 PM EST Channel: NBC Date: Thursday, September 5, 2023 Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, MO Announcers: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark Radio: Westwood One | SXM App: Baltimore | Kansas City Online Streaming FuboTV | Peacock Odds courtesy of FanDuel Baltimore Ravens: +3 (+130) Kansas City Chiefs: -3 (-154) Over/Under: 46.5 BLG Pick: SB Nation Blogs Ravens: www.BaltimoreBeatdown.com Chiefs: www.ArrowheadPride.com Open thread: Discuss Thursday night’s game in the comments below.
Eagles-Packers Final Injury Report: Isaiah Rodgers ruled OUT
Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Week 1 game status updates. The Philadelphia Eagles issued their third and final official injury report on Thursday in advance of their Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday night in São Paulo, Brazil. The big news is that Isaiah Rodgers has been ruled OUT. Rodgers was limited in practice all week due to a hand injury. We’ve been writing that Rodgers was expected to play outside cornerback in nickel packages with first-round rookie Quinyon Mitchell shifting from the boundary in base defense to the slot. It seems like Kelee Ringo will now be the outside option when Mitchell shifts inside. Of course, it’s possible the Eagles simply use Avonte Maddox as the nickel and have Mitchell remain on the outside. If you’re wondering if Cooper DeJean could factor in, well, Vic Fangio didn’t make it sound the rookie is super ready to be counted on, especially in contrast with his positive answer about how Mitchell is going to play all the snaps. It’ll be interesting to see exactly how the coaching staff handles this secondary configuration. Devin White was already ruled out on Wednesday; he did not travel with the team. For the record, it’s hardly uncommon for injured players to not travel with their team. Especially on an unusually long trip like this one. White benefits more from getting treatment and rehabbing at the NovaCare Complex than he does spending time on a long journey to South America. We already covered White’s absence at length. The expectation is that Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun will start. To be determined if the likes of Oren Burks, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and/or Ben VanSumeren also rotate in. Outside of Rodgers and White, the Eagles’ active roster is healthy for Week 1. The team will likely announce two temporary practice squad elevations for Friday’s game tomorrow. At the very least, Nick Gates figures to be bumped up to be the backup center. We’ll see who else joins him. OUT CB Isaiah Rodgers (hand)LB Devin White (ankle) … RESERVE/PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO PERFORM (PUP) S Sydney Brown RESERVE/INJURED DB James Bradberry IVTE McCallan CastlesOT Le’Raven ClarkWR Jacob HarrisTE Albert Okwuegbunam Jr.WR Ainias Smith GREEN BAY PACKERS INJURY REPORT (THURSDAY) The Packers ruled three players questionable: No. 2 running back MarShawn Lloyd, third-string running back Emanuel Wilson, and No. 2 tight end Tucker Kraft. Lloyd has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue with Wilson is battling a hip injury. Josh Jacobs will obviously be featured as the Packers’ top running back but the depth behind him seems suspect. Kraft was unexpectedly added to the injury report on Wednesday. More insight on his potential absence from Acme Packing Company: Tight end is also thin. If Kraft is out of the picture, the squad will only have Luke Musgrave and Ben Sims on their 53-man roster at the position. Mind you, Green Bay played the third-most multiple tight end looks in the league last season, despite injuries to Musgrave, Kraft and Davis. They want to play several tight ends at a time and now only have two that are healthy. We’ll find out if these players will be able to play or not when inactives are officially announced 90 minutes prior to kickoff on Friday evening. Packers third-string defensive lineman Arron Mosby was ruled out on Wednesday; he did not travel with the team due to personal matter. He may have been a healthy scratch anyway. OUT DL Arron Mosby (personal reasons) QUESTIONABLE TE Tucker Kraft (back)RB MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring)RB Emanuel Wilson (hip) … RESERVE/INJURED CB LJ DavisTE Tyler DavisRB AJ DillonDL Jonathan FordLB Ralen Goforth
Rams put another CB on IR, costing him at least 4 games
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images Darious Williams return to the Rams is delayed by a month, at least It turns out that Tre’Davious White might actually be the healthiest Rams cornerback, as Darious Williams became L.A.’s third player at the position to land on IR before the season. The Rams put Darious Williams on IR on Thursday due to a hamstring issue, meaning that the veteran cornerback will miss at least the first four games, if not more. Williams joins Derion Kendrick, who will be out for the season with a torn ACL, and Tre Tomlinson as three corners on the Rams injured reserve list. LA Rams Roster Moves:• Reserve/Injured CB Darious Williams pic.twitter.com/6BRyGw82tm — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 5, 2024 Williams did not have a healthy training camp, so while the news is unexpected because we hadn’t heard about it in a while, it’s also not unexpected. The Rams will now have White, Cobie Durant, Quentin Lake, Russ Yeast, and undrafted free agent rookies Josh Wallace and Charles Woods at cornerback. Against the Lions in Week 1, the Rams might need to make a player like Wallace active, just in case L.A. needs to go to their reserves right away.
Play in our FREE Ravens Wire Challenge for Week 1
Play in our FREE Ravens Wire Challenge for Week 1 Nick Schwartz Think you know the Baltimore Ravens well? Already have this week’s game against the Chiefs all figured out? Prove it. Join our new, free-to-play Ravens Wire Challenge. Answer eight questions below, plus a tie breaker correctly for your chance at winning a $25 gift card. Pick. Play. Win. Repeat. On Us. You must be 21+ to enter. Terms and conditions apply, see website. For additional free sports pick’em games to play, visit the game lobby at Daily Ticket.
Bengals vs. Patriots Injury Report: Chase and Higgins limited
Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK Game day approaches. The Cincinnati Bengals were back on the practice field Thursday, preparing for Sunday’s opener against the New England Patriots. As always, Thursday injury reports shed light on who should be suiting up Sunday. For the Bengals, Joe Burrow (right wrist) was again a full participant, as was rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton (toe.) Burton had not shown up on the injury report thus far this week, but he appears to be okay for Sunday. Another new name on the list was wide receiver Tee Higgins, who was limited with a hamstring injury. The team was likely cautious with him to keep him ready for Sunday, but it is something to keep an eye on. Ja’Marr Chase practiced yet again but was listed as a limited participant on account of rest as he works back into form after his hold-in. Linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither was also limited with a rest day. Kris Jenkins (thumb) had his entire hand wrapped during practice but appears ready to go. He was listed as a limited participant for the second straight day. Amarius Mims was also limited again, but reports don’t suggest he is in line to play. For the Patriots, their report looks similar to yesterday. The only new addition to their report was running back Antonio Gibson (hip), who was listed as limited. Offensive guard Sidy Sow (ankle) was the only Patriot to not participate, indicating he will not suit up Sunday. Defensive back Johnathan Jones (hamstring), offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (abdomen), Linebacker Josh Uche (foot), and linebacker Oshane Ximines (ankle) were all listed as limited participants for the second consecutive day. Friday is usually a walkthrough during which the team gives a simulated report, so we could learn game statuses as soon as tomorrow. Full Bengals vs. Patriots Injury Report
