Former Raven expected to step up as Chiefs ‘brace’ for key starter to not be available on 2024 opening night

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The Kansas City Chiefs’ burning questions were finally answered as they found they would face the Baltimore Ravens on the opening night.

Fans across the league have been treated to a blockbuster opening night, which will undoubtedly have fireworks.

The NFL has decided to make the Ravens travel to Arrowhead Stadium on the opening night, as a rematch of the 2024 AFC championship game is set to be staged.

Chiefs and Ravens set to meet in an epic showdown on a blockbuster opening day

This selection could prove to be profitable and we could see record-breaking viewing figures for an opening contest in the NFL.

Furthermore, the Maryland-based franchise will be desperate to avenge their gut-wrenching defeat back in January and kick off their 2024 campaign in epic style.

Despite their recent loss, the Ravens should be confident as the Chiefs proved to be very rusty this time last year against the Detroit Lions.

Moreover, the Chiefs are set to be without one of their key starters Rashee Rice for the opening day.

Rice was involved in a dangerous multi-vehicle incident on a Dallas highway in March and is awaiting trial after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Subsequently, recent allegations of physical abuse towards a nightclub photographer have added fuel to the fire.

Chiefs set to be without Rashee Rice for Ravens clash and will need certain players to ‘step up’

Adam Schefter said, via ESPN, that ‘the Chiefs are bracing for a multi-game suspension for Rashee Rice’.

In addition, Schefter added: “There’s a real possibility that the Chiefs know that they’ll be without Rashee Rice, setting up, of course, the Hollywood Brown revenge game against the Baltimore Ravens.”

“They’re (the Chiefs) gonna need him, they’re gonna need Xavier Worthy, they’re gonna need these other players to step up in the absence of Rashee Rice.”

Schefter confirms that the franchise is now planning to face the Ravens in Week 1 without their star wide receiver.

Former Raven Marquise Brown has the chance to shine in his revenge game

However, this gives the former Raven himself, the 2023 free agent acquisition Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, the chance to step up to the plate.

The Ravens decided to move on from their Hollywood Brown project in 2022 and traded him away to the Arizona Cardinals for a third-round pick.

After two seasons with the Cardinals, the 26-year-old has linked up with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid from free agency.

First-round draft pick Xavier Worthy is also expected to step in Rice’s absence

Alongside fellow speedster Xavier Worthy, all eyes will turn to them to fill the void that is set to be left by Rice.

In the opening game weeks, during his first two seasons with the Ravens, he posted a combined 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The Chiefs will hope he can muster up similar performances when they welcome his former employer to Arrowhead Stadium.