The much-anticipated clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens kicked off the NFL season in thrilling fashion. In a hard-fought battle, both teams showcased their talents, leaving fantasy football managers buzzing with excitement and uncertainty. Here are five immediate takeaways from the game that could impact your fantasy football decisions going forward.NFL
1. Patrick Mahomes Remains Elite but Needs WR Consistency
Patrick Mahomes continues to prove why he’s a top-tier quarterback in both the NFL and fantasy football. He put up strong numbers, throwing for 315 yards and 3 touchdowns, adding a rushing TD to his performance. Mahomes’ mobility in the pocket and quick decision-making were on full display, reminding fantasy managers why he’s a lock as an every-week starter.NFL
However, while Mahomes looked unstoppable, his wide receiver corps remains a question mark. Aside from tight end Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ WRs struggled to gain separation and consistency. Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney were particularly disappointing, both suffering drops at crucial moments. Mahomes will get his yards, but until a wide receiver steps up, Kelce remains the only reliable target outside of the backfield.
2. Lamar Jackson Is Back, but Fantasy Managers Should Be Cautious
Lamar Jackson had an impressive night statistically, throwing for 230 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for an additional 75 yards. Jackson’s dual-threat ability keeps him in the elite conversation for fantasy quarterbacks, but there were signs of rust after his offseason holdout and injuries last year. nfl
While Jackson remains a must-start for fantasy managers, his inconsistent passing raises questions about Baltimore’s offense moving forward. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s more pass-heavy approach had some growing pains, with receivers like Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers still working to develop rhythm with Jackson. Still, Jackson’s rushing upside alone makes him invaluable in fantasy formats that reward rushing yards.
3. Isiah Pacheco Takes Command of the Chiefs Backfield
The Kansas City backfield is always a hot topic for fantasy managers, and Isiah Pacheco solidified his role as the lead back in this game. Pacheco carried the ball 18 times for 85 yards and added 3 receptions for 25 yards, providing a steady balance to the Chiefs’ offense. His ability to handle a significant workload makes him a viable RB2 in most fantasy leagues.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon were used sparingly, which suggests Pacheco is set to be the focal point of Kansas City’s running game. Fantasy managers looking for a dependable starter in PPR formats should prioritize Pacheco, especially given his involvement in the passing game.nfl
4. Mark Andrews Still the Top TE, But Injury Concerns Linger
Mark Andrews entered the game as a game-time decision due to a lingering quadriceps injury, and while he played, he was clearly not at full strength. Andrews was targeted six times but only hauled in three catches for 45 yards. While these numbers are underwhelming, Andrews’ role in the Ravens offense is still significant.
When healthy, Andrews is the second-most reliable fantasy tight end after Travis Kelce, and his connection with Lamar Jackson is undeniable. Fantasy managers should monitor Andrews’ injury status closely in the coming weeks, but if he can stay on the field, he remains a must-start option. Backup tight end Isaiah Likely also saw some targets, which could be a concern if Andrews continues to be limited.
5. Ravens’ Backfield Is a Mess After J.K. Dobbins’ Injury
One of the most heartbreaking moments of the game was J.K. Dobbins suffering a potentially season-ending Achilles injury. Dobbins was off to a promising start with 8 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown before going down in the third quarter. His injury leaves the Ravens’ backfield in disarray and creates a headache for fantasy managers who were counting on him as a solid RB2 or flex option.
With Dobbins sidelined, the Ravens will likely turn to a committee approach, featuring Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and possibly veteran Melvin Gordon. Hill scored twice after Dobbins left, making him a potential waiver wire pickup, but it’s difficult to predict who will emerge as the lead back in this murky situation. Fantasy managers will need to monitor practice reports and make waiver claims accordingly.nfl
Conclusion
The Chiefs and Ravens provided an exciting start to the 2024 NFL season, but the game left plenty of questions for fantasy football managers to ponder. Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are locked in as top fantasy quarterbacks, but both teams have issues at skill positions that could cause some volatility for fantasy rosters. J.K. Dobbins’ injury creates a big hole in Baltimore’s backfield, while Isiah Pacheco’s rise in Kansas City makes him a valuable asset. As the season progresses, keeping an eye on player health and performance will be crucial for fantasy success.