3 Games Chiefs Must Win At All Costs on 2024 Schedule

It's finally time to break down the Chiefs' 2024-25 schedule as we know the week-by-week matchups. Kansas City enters as the favorite to win the AFC for a reason, though it's still a loaded conference with several worthy contenders.

At this point, the only "must-win" games for the Chiefs come in the playoffs. We learned last year that the organization can afford a few stinkers as long as they're locked in once January rolls around. That being said, there are still some matchups that Kansas City can't afford to lose.

We already know about the trap games, though there are some marquee matchups the Chiefs need to win to prove they're Super Bowl favorites. Let's look at three of them here.

3 Games Chiefs Must Win on 2024 Schedule

1. Week 1 vs. Baltimore Ravens - Sept. 5, 7:20 PM

The Chiefs can't lose two home openers in a row, can they? After the disappointing start to last year's season, Kansas City has a huge opportunity to attone for past mistakes. While last year's loss came to the Lions, the Chiefs can earn a critical head-to-head tiebreaker over an AFC contender.

Baltimore hosted the AFC title game last season. It didn't ultimately matter, but I think Kansas City would prefer to play at home this time. Travis Kelce and Chris Jones both didn't play in Week 1 against Detroit, though we don't anticipate any more contract disputes or lingering injuries.

Thus, the Chiefs shouldn't have any excuses. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will want to prove their 17-10 loss was a fluke, especially in the bizarre way the coaching staff went away from the run. Steve Spagnuolo called a near perfect game, though I'd guess Todd Monken has some new tricks up his sleeve this time.

The Ravens have to feel like they let a win slip away, especially after L'Jarius Sneed's incredible forced fumble at the goal line on Zay Flowers. Baltimore will be hungry, and the Chiefs can't afford the lapses in concentration that plagued them occasionally last season.

We'll see if Rashee Rice is able to play or if he'll be suspended, though Kansas City should win either way. The Chiefs are favored but will face the Bengals in Week 2. If Kansas City gets off to a slow start and lose, suddenly that Cincinnati matchup becomes dangerous.

Let's just start the year with a win and avoid any catastrophies.