Who are the announcers and referees for Ravens vs. Chiefs today?
By Matt Sidney
Lamar Jackson faces Patrick Mahomes for the best Week 1 game in the NFL. Thursday Night Football kicks off the 2024 NFL season with a bang! The season opener is as enticing as it gets. The narrative has been trampled, but you simply cannot ignore the fact the Chiefs were the team to knock the Baltimore Ravens out of the playoffs last season after winning the AFC Championship game.
Games with this much meaning deserve the best. They deserve the best fans, the best atmosphere, the best officiating, and the best announcing. Officiating goes a long way in the enjoyment of a game. No one likes it when refs make the game about themselves. The referees should not be the focal point of a game. When a game is called fairly and correctly, it makes the viewing experience so much better.
The same can be said for the calling crew. Calling an NFL game takes serious skill. It's almost like the announcers are telling a story. However, they don't know how the story starts or finishes. They have to adapt on the fly and make sure they're being fair in their analysis and entertaining in their calling. There's nothing better than a genuine announcer's reaction to a huge play. It gives goosebumps.
Week 1's matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs is bound to have its fair share of great commentary and officiating. With that, let's meet the crews calling tonight's game.
Announcers for Ravens vs. Chiefs
- Mike Tirico: Lead Play-by-Play Announcer
- Chris Collinsworth: Color Commentator
- Melissa Stark: Sideline Reporter
- Terry McAulay: Rules Analyst
The lead play-by-play announcer guides the broadcast by narrating live action, setting the tone, and providing play descriptions. They bring extensive knowledge of the sport and experience in sports journalism to enhance narrative clarity and maintain viewer engagement.
The Color Commentator offers expert analysis, strategic insights, and player backgrounds. Typically a former player or coach, they enrich the broadcast with deep tactical understanding and anecdotes from their professional experience.
The Sideline Reporter provides on-the-ground updates, injury news, and conducts brief interviews, delivering immediate reactions from the field. Skilled in investigative reporting, they bridge the gap between the viewers and field action with quick, insightful updates.
The Rules Analyst clarifies complex rules and officiating decisions, especially following contentious plays. Usually a former official, their detailed knowledge ensures viewers understand the game’s legal aspects and referee calls.
Referees for Ravens vs. Chiefs
Shawn Hochuli Head Referee (Crew Chief)
Shawn Hochuli is a professional NFL referee known for his decisive officiating style. He began his NFL career as a side judge in 2014 and was promoted to head referee in 2018, following in the footsteps of his father, Ed Hochuli, a well-respected longtime NFL referee. Hochuli has officiated several playoff games and six Baltimore Ravens games. The Ravens are 3-3 when Hochuli is the lead ref.
Hochuli gave Tom Brady the first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of his career during the 2022 NFC Divisional playoff game.
Time & Channel for Ravens vs. Chiefs
- Home: Kansas City Chiefs
- Road: Baltimore Ravens
- Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — Kansas City, MO
- Date: September 5, 2024
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET (7:20 p.m. Central, 5:20 p.m. Pacific)
- Last matchup: AFC Championship game 2023 (17-10 Chiefs win)
For cable subscribers, finding the Ravens vs. Chiefs game is simple. It will be broadcast nationally on NBC. The commentary team features Mike Tirico, Chris Collinsworth, and Melissa Stark. Locally, viewers in Baltimore can watch the game on WBAL Channel 11.
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