‘Holy sh*t’: NFL world loses it over absurd scenes in season opener

Truly unthinkable scenes have unfolded during the opening game of the NFL’s season with viewers watching on left in disbelief.

The opening game of the 2024 NFL season delivered in outrageous scenes on Friday.

In a battle between two teams expected to be in Super Bowl contention, fans were treated to an early game of the year contender.

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Defending champion Kansas City edged Baltimore 27-20 in the 105th NFL season-opener after a video review denied the Ravens a touchdown on the game’s final play.

With the Chiefs holding a seven point advantage, it all came down to the Ravens’ final surge down the field.

Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson threw a 38-yard pass to Rashod Bateman to put Baltimore at the Chiefs’ 10-yard line in the dying seconds, but missed on two passes to open receivers in the end zone.

On the final play, Baltimore’s Isaiah Likely caught a Jackson pass in the back of the end zone but his toe came down on the out of bounds line and what referees called a touchdown on the field was overruled on video review, giving the Chiefs a dramatic triumph.

Less than one inch cost the Ravens a shot at the win.

Likely’s foot had come down on the line, meaning he had stepped out of bounds and the catch was waved off with the game coming to an end.

The Chiefs celebrated as they kicked off their Super Bowl defence in style in front of a packed out Arrowhead Stadium.

The absurd scenes to finish the contest sent social media into meltdown with fans stunned over what had unfolded.

NFL Australia wrote on X: “WOW! WHAT DID WE JUST WITNESS!”

ESPN’s Laurie Horesh wrote: “What a freakin awesome way to have football back. A belter of a finish. By a toe.”

Streamer Timthetatman added: “Holy sh*t what a game, football is incredible.”

Fellow streamer Nickmercs wrote: “Game of inches.”

It wasn’t to be for the Ravens. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

Lamar did it all but came up agonisingly short. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Mahomes is trying to lead the Chiefs to an unprecedented Super Bowl “three-peat” and fourth title in six seasons while Jackson hopes to guide the Ravens to their first Super Bowl title since the 2012 campaign.

“It was nerve-racking,” Mahomes said after the game.

“It’s a game of inches. That’s what they say. That’s a great football team and to come out here and get a win, it’s a great start to the season.”

Mahomes completed 20-of-28 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He improved to 5-1 against Baltimore since becoming a starter in 2018 with 14 touchdowns against three interceptions.

“Our guys responded well,” Mahomes said. “We’ve got a lot of things to work on but that’s a great start.”

Jackson threw for 273 yards and a touchdown and ran 16 times for 122 yards in a losing effort.

- with AFP

Originally published as ‘Holy sh*t’: NFL world loses it over absurd scenes in season opener