What a way to open the NFL season!

On Thursday night, your world champion Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens, one of the best teams in the league. other best teams — waiting for a dramatic victory.

The best sign of things to come? The Chiefs offense looked explosive and confident. Sure… there were execution issues — but this season, it feels like the offense has the weapons (and mentality) to be a lot of fun to watch. While the defense had more ups and downs, it was still a solid team win.

Here are some of the players who stepped up after the Chiefs hung a new banner at Arrowhead — and started their season 1-0.

Winners

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Tight end Noah Gray: A new three-year deal just before the season opener, a series of passing plays designed to get him the football, and more receiving yards than Travis Kelce? It was a good day to be Gray. The man who has done the little things for the Kansas City offense finally gets to see more of it.

Defensive tackle Chris Jones: His sack/forced fumble was the biggest defensive play of the day. Jones was unblockable against the Ravens. In fact, it looked like Baltimore just gave up trying to block him; eventually, Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson just started running away from him. It was great to see Jones back on the field — he was worth every penny of his new contract.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: The broadcasters were obsessed with Jackson’s play. But the Chiefs have the man who Also two-time MVP — and now 5-1 in his career against Jackson’s Ravens. Mahomes was his usual brilliant self on Thursday, throwing for 291 yards and a touchdown. He was in complete control of the offense, overcoming pressure and even catching one of his own passes. (That was a huge play, as it prevented a turnover and shaved critical seconds off the clock.)

Wide receiver Xavier Worthy: We finally got a glimpse of what the Chiefs’ offense could do with Worthy’s ridiculous speed — and it was glorious. Not only did the rookie first-round pick score on his first touch, his speed also opened up space for other receivers underneath. Though Worthy’s second touchdown came on a broken coverage, he moved well enough that good coverage might not have stopped him.

Wide receiver Rashee Rice: The second-year receiver took advantage of the space created by Worthy’s speed. Rice and Mahomes were in complete agreement, hitting slants and crossers designed to leave defenses with few options. Rice made the most of his opportunities, turning nine targets into seven catches for 103 yards. He’s going to have a great season.

Humphrey Confession of Faith Center: Look at every key play the Chiefs’ offense runs downfield. You’ll see No. 52 there, moving people around. The NFL’s best (and now highest-paid) center was a force on Thursday night.

Linebacker Leo Chenal: Kansas City let Willie Gay Jr. go in free agency — in part because they saw a lot of potential in Chenal. He was strong against the run Thursday night when shadowing Lamar Jackson — and also when he took down Derrick Henry. Chenal finished with seven tackles — including one for loss — and was a big reason the defense was able to slow the Ravens just enough to pull out the win.

Losers

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Linebacker Nick Bolton: The Baltimore offense quickly realized that Bolton wasn’t quite himself. The linebacker struggled to keep up with Isaiah Likely and Zay Flowers and was turned around on some of Baltimore’s biggest passing plays. Bolton is a beast against the run, but he shouldn’t be chasing receivers or tight ends down the field. He’ll be better in the future — but it wasn’t a great start for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s favorite player.

Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi: Without further analysis, I’m not prepared to say the big nose tackle was terrible against the Ravens. But he did miss an opportunity on at least one big play, missing a backfield tackle that could have ended a key drive. Mike Pennel is the starter — and it appears he’ll keep it.

Remark: Labeling “winners” and “losers” is not meant as a judgment on the talent or character of any of these players. It is simply a way of judging their performance in a single match. There is no disrespect intended.