When is the First Game of the 2024 NFL Season? Date and Start Time for NFL Kickoff Matchup

As the calendar turns to August, it signifies that a new National Football League season is right around the corner. Die-hard fans will cheer for their beloved squads again, hoping they’ll fare well this year.

But while all 32 teams will play in Week 1, two American Football Conference powerhouses will kick off the NFL’s 105^th season. If it lives up to the hype, the 2024 season will start on a solid note.

As the NFL mandated in recent years, the defending Super Bowl champions will open the following season at home. Therefore, the Kansas City Chiefs will start their drive for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Their opponents? The team they defeated in last season’s AFC Championship Game.

When is the 2024 NFL Season Kickoff Game?

The 2024 opening game between the Chiefs and the Ravens will be on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 8:20 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. NBC will cover the game live from Kansas City, Missouri, and a capacity crowd will likely be in attendance.

The Chiefs have a shot at football immortality by winning Super Bowl LIX. However, the Ravens will be one of their fiercest rivals. Baltimore will look for payback after losing the 2023 AFC title game at home.

The 2024 NFL opener is now set: #Chiefs vs #Ravens on Sept. 5 — an AFC title game rematch. pic.twitter.com/w5sWxuxeAY

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 13, 2024

Reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson will lead the way for the Ravens, hoping to win the only accolade missing on his resume. However, after adding former Offensive Player of the Year Derrick Henry to their backfield, they are not leaving their fate to chance. Having Mark Andrews healthy is a scary proposition for their opponents. Meanwhile, the Ravens defense boasts All-Pro players Justin Madubuike, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Kyle Hamilton.

Conversely, Patrick Mahomes gets a revamped receiving corps featuring Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy. Wideout Rashee Rice, running back Isiah Pacheco, and tight end Travis Kelce are still in the fold as they compete for their fourth Super Bowl title in six seasons. However, the Chiefs are not a one-trick pony because they have Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, and Trent McDuffie on defense.

Finally, since this game could go down to the wire, Justin Tucker and Harrison Butker’s kicking prowess will be tested. One could convert the game-winning try, giving their team a breakthrough victory to start the year.