Ravens Insider: Ravens fan guide to 2024 NFL season: Everything you need to know before kickoff vs. Chiefs

[ExtremeRavens]

The NFL is back.

The Ravens and Chiefs kick off the 2024 season Thursday night in Kansas City, with Arrowhead Stadium hosting the league opener for the second straight year after quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company won their second straight Super Bowl title.

Whether you’re a diehard fan or just tuning back in to Ravens games, here’s what you need to know before the new season starts:

What’s new for the Ravens?

A lot. After going an NFL-best 13-4 in the regular season and reaching the AFC championship game, the Ravens lost several players, coaches and staff members to rival teams while also bringing in a star running back and a promising draft class.

Here’s a quick look at some of the notable players and coaches who have come in and out this offseason:

IN

Running back Derrick Henry: Already a legendary player for both his career production and rare combination of size and speed, the 6-foot-3, 247-pound former Alabama and Tennessee Titans star might be the missing piece for a high-powered offense that struggled to run the ball when it mattered most last season.

Wide receiver-kick returner Deonte Harty: The Baltimore native and former Archbishop Curley star returned home this offseason, signing a one-year deal with the Ravens. Harty was an All-Pro kick returner as an undrafted rookie in 2019 and has averaged 25.2 yards per kick return and 10.4 yards per punt return in his career.

Cornerback Nate Wiggins: The former Clemson star surprisingly fell to the Ravens at No. 30 overall despite being one of the fastest players in the draft. He could develop quickly into the shutdown corner the team has been looking for.

Right tackle Roger Rosengarten: While left tackle Ronnie Stanley has solidified his side of the line with a strong offseason, Rosengarten and Patrick Mekari have battled to start at right tackle. At 6-5 and 316 pounds, Rosengarten might not be stout enough yet to hold up against NFL linemen, but the former Washington star’s athleticism could be an asset.

Wide receiver Devontez Walker: While Zay Flowers has star potential and Rashod Bateman has earned the team’s trust in the form of a contract extension, there’s room for another receiver to soak up targets from quarterback Lamar Jackson. The former North Carolina standout has impressive speed, but he didn’t show in training camp or preseason games that he’s ready to make an immediate impact.

Outside linebacker Adisa Isaac: The Ravens used a third-round pick on Isaac, making another big investment in a young pass rusher. The former Penn State star has been hampered by injuries thus far, with a hamstring ailment keeping him out Thursday, but he could push his way into the rotation sooner than later.

Safety Beau Brade: The former Maryland and River Hill star made the team as an undrafted free agent thanks to a standout training camp and preseason. Playing for the Ravens is a dream come true for the Howard County native, who could be part of the secondary rotation and have a role on special teams.

Safety Eddie Jackson: The two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Chicago Bears signed a one-year deal in the offseason to serve as a rotational piece in a deep secondary. The 30-year-old veteran has 15 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles in seven seasons.

OUT

Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald: After leading a dominant defense that became the first in NFL history to rank first in sacks, takeaways and points allowed last season, the 37-year-old was hired as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Linebacker Patrick Queen left the Ravens to sign with the Steelers this offseason. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Inside linebacker Patrick Queen: The 2020 first-round pick blossomed in his fourth season in Baltimore, earning Pro Bowl honors. But with the Ravens committing $100 million to fellow linebacker Roquan Smith, Queen became a free agent and signed a three-year, $41 million deal with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.: He played just one season in Baltimore, but the three-time Pro Bowl selection was a big part of the Ravens re-signing Jackson last offseason and provided a steady veteran presence while enjoying his most productive season since 2019. After being released in a cost-cutting move, the 31-year-old signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.

Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney: The 2014 No. 1 overall pick had a resurgent season in Baltimore, recording 9 1/2 sacks while serving as a mentor to the Ravens’ young pass rushers. He was so good that he became a big-ticket free agent, signing a two-year, $20 million deal with the Carolina Panthers.

Running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards: The longtime backfield pairing in Baltimore signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason to reunite with former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman and play for Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s younger brother Jim.

Offensive linemen Morgan Moses, John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler: Moses, a right tackle, and Simpson, a left guard, will be blocking for the New York Jets and quarterback Aaron Rodgers after being traded and signing as a free agent, respectively. Zeitler, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod last season, is expected to start at right guard for the Detroit Lions after the Ravens decided not to bring the 34-year-old veteran back.

Safety Geno Stone: Thrust into more playing time last season after a series of injuries, Stone recorded an AFC-best seven interceptions. The 2020 seventh-round pick was rewarded with a two-year, $14 million deal from the rival Cincinnati Bengals.

Wide receiver-kick returner Devin Duvernay: The two-time Pro Bowl selection had his least productive year as a receiver in 2023, catching just four passes for 18 yards, but the Jacksonville Jaguars surprisingly gave the 27-year-old a two-year, $8.5 million deal for what he can do as a returner.

Is anyone hurt?

So far, the Ravens have largely avoided the injury bug that has often struck in recent seasons. Here’s a look at who’s sidelined, and for how long:

Running back Keaton Mitchell: The undrafted rookie became an overnight sensation last season, averaging 8.4 yards per carry and 10.3 yards per catch in seven games. Then he tore his ACL in mid-December. He’s expected to be sidelined for at least the first four games after starting the season on the physically unable to perform list.

Cornerback Arthur Maulet: The 31-year-old veteran became a dependable slot defender in his first season in Baltimore and put together an outstanding training camp before being sidelined to have arthroscopic knee surgery. Harbaugh said the injury is not “season-ending,” but Maulet might not be back until at least October.

Running back Rasheen Ali: The rookie fifth-round draft pick suffered a stinger in the preseason opener and was limited with a neck injury at practice this week. He’s doubtful to play Thursday.

Cornerback Trayvon Mullen: Because of various injuries, the 2019 second-round pick and cousin of Lamar Jackson has yet to play in a game for the Ravens after being claimed off waivers in January 2023. The 26-year-old was placed on season-ending injured reserve after dislocating his shoulder in the preseason finale.

Running back Owen Wright: The Bethesda native and former undrafted free agent out of Monmouth is out for the season after breaking his foot in the preseason finale. Wright, who spent all of last year on the practice squad, was battling to be the No. 3 running back.

What other names should I know?

Coach John Harbaugh: With New England Patriots legend Bill Belichick no longer employed, Harbaugh is the league’s second-longest tenured coach. In his 16 seasons in Baltimore, the Ravens have been one of the league’s most successful franchises, going 160-99 with 10 playoff berths and one Super Bowl title. But Harbaugh’s teams haven’t returned to the big game since winning it all at the end of the 2012 season, going 3-6 in the postseason over that span.

Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr was promoted this offseason to replace Mike Macdonald. (Kim Hairston/Staff)

Defensive coordinator Zach Orr: The 32-year-old former Ravens linebacker will call plays for the first time as an NFL assistant after being promoted from inside linebackers coach. Orr got into coaching after his playing career ended prematurely because of a rare congenital spine condition and has quickly become a rising star.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken: It’s Year 2 in Baltimore for the longtime NFL assistant, who helped Jackson win MVP in 2023 but faced fierce criticism after the Ravens struggled to run the ball in the AFC championship game loss to the Chiefs. Jackson’s mastery of Monken’s scheme will play a big role in determining the team’s success.

Middle linebacker Roquan Smith: After being acquired from the Bears in the middle of the 2022 season, Smith has established himself as one of the league’s premier defenders to continue a proud legacy in Baltimore. The 2023 All-Pro is a trusted and vocal leader, often delivering the pregame speech on the field.

Safety Kyle Hamilton: The 2022 first-round draft pick became a star in his second season, earning All-Pro honors with his ability to blitz, make open-field tackles and fly to the ball in coverage. He’ll be a Swiss Army knife for a defense that likes to use three-safety looks.

Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike: After leading all NFL interior linemen with 13 sacks last season, Madubuike signed a massive four-year extension worth $98 million with $75.5 million guaranteed. With the rest of the Ravens’ pass rushers either older or unproven, Madubuike — who recently changed his first name to honor his Nigerian heritage — is an important piece for a defense with high expectations.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey: The three-time Pro Bowl selection lost weight this offseason and is finally healthy after having foot surgery last August and dealing with various injuries throughout the 2023 season. This year could be his last to prove he should stay in Baltimore after signing a lucrative five-year extension in 2020.

Outside linebackers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo: Oweh, a 2021 first-round pick, and Ojabo, a 2022 second-round selection, were high school teammates in New Jersey who bonded over their Nigerian roots. After a promising offseason, they’ll be counted on to not only stay healthy but lead a pass rush that led the league in sacks last year.

Inside linebacker Trenton Simpson: After Queen’s departure, the former Clemson star steps in next to Smith in the middle of the defense. The 2023 third-round pick had a season to learn and develop, but the pressure is on to fill big shoes and keep one of the league’s top defenses humming.

Wide receiver Zay Flowers: The 2023 first-round pick set a franchise rookie record with 858 receiving yards last season. In Year 2, he’s expected to be the Ravens’ top target and potentially blossom into a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

Wide receiver Rashod Bateman: Despite coming off a season in which he recorded just 367 receiving yards and one touchdown, the 2021 first-round pick received a two-year contract extension worth nearly $13 million. If he develops chemistry with Jackson, Bateman has the talent to be a much more productive playmaker.

Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely: While Andrews has been Jackson’s favorite target since entering the league together in 2018, he’s coming off a severe ankle injury that kept him out for a large chunk of last season. Likely, meanwhile, is poised for a bigger role on offense after impressing as Andrews’ replacement at the end of last season.

Left tackle Ronnie Stanley: The 30-year-old veteran is now five years removed from his All-Pro peak in 2019, but he’s looked impressive in practice and is determined to prove he can still play at a high level after struggling last year and taking a pay cut this offseason.

Fullback-tight end Patrick Ricard: The Ravens’ offense has performed much better when Ricard is on the field thanks to the four-time Pro Bowl selection’s ability to block and create mismatches.

Where do the Ravens rank in the NFL?

Similar to last season. The Chiefs are the favorites to win a record third straight Super Bowl title at 5-to-1 odds, according to Vegas Insider, followed by the San Francisco 49ers (6-1), who Kansas City beat in overtime for last year’s championship.

The Ravens have the third-best odds to win it all at 10-1, followed by the Detroit Lions (12-1), Philadelphia Eagles (12-1), Cincinnati Bengals (13-1), Buffalo Bills (16-1), Houston Texans (16-1) and Green Bay Packers (16-1).

Can Lamar Jackson win another NFL Most Valuable Player award?

Jim Brown, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers are the only players to win back-to-back NFL MVP Awards, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Jackson claim the trophy again. With his ability to put up huge passing and rushing stats and the Ravens likely to contend for the league’s best record again, Jackson meets the two most important prerequisites when considering recent voting patterns. Put simply, the award goes to the best player on the best team.

But he’s far from the favorite to repeat. Mahomes has the best odds at 5-1, according to Vegas Insider, followed by Bills quarterback Josh Allen (8.5-1), Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9-1), Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (10-1), Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (10-1) and Packers quarterback Jordan Love (14-1). Jackson is a distant seventh at 16-1 — the same odds as 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy — but he wasn’t considered one of the favorites this time last year, either.

The Rams and Cowboys line up for a kickoff under the new NFL rules. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Why do the kickoffs look so weird?

In an attempt to inspire more kickoff returns and cut down on injuries from high-speed collisions, the NFL is experimenting with a new format that looks drastically different from previous years.

Without going into too much detail (which you can find here), the kickoff will more closely resemble a running play with blockers and defenders lining up within five yards of each other. The strangest part is the kicker standing alone behind his team and the returners lining up in the 20-yard “landing zone” behind their blockers. Only the kicker and returners can move until the ball is touched or hits the ground.

Perhaps most importantly, onside kicks are no longer permitted until the fourth quarter. The kicking team must also declare its intention to try an onside kick, removing the element of the surprise.

Who else do the Ravens play?

After Thursday night, the Ravens return home to M&T Bank Stadium to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 15. It’s one of Baltimore’s few Sunday afternoon home games in a schedule that includes five prime-time matchups and a Christmas Day playoff rematch against the host Houston Texans.

Ravens 2024 schedule

* – Flexible scheduling games

Week 1 (Thursday, Sept. 5): at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m., NBC

Week 2 (Sunday, Sept. 15): vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 3 (Sunday, Sept. 22): at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m., Fox

Week 4 (Sunday, Sept. 29): vs. Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m., NBC

Week 5 (Sunday, Oct. 6)*: at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 6 (Sunday, Oct. 13)*: vs. Washington Commanders, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 7 (Monday, Oct. 21): at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

Week 8 (Sunday, Oct. 27)*: at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 9 (Sunday, Nov. 3)*: vs. Denver Broncos, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 10 (Thursday, Nov. 7): vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video

Week 11 (Sunday, Nov. 17)*: at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 12 (Monday, Nov. 25): at Los Angeles Chargers, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

Week 13 (Sunday, Dec. 1)*: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m., CBS

Week 14 (Sunday, Dec. 8): Bye week

Week 15 (Sunday, Dec. 15)*: at New York Giants, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 16 (Saturday, Dec. 21)*: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:30 p.m., Fox

Week 17 (Wednesday, Dec. 25): at Houston Texans, 4:30 p.m., Netflix

Week 18 (TBD)*: vs. Cleveland Browns, TBD

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