Monday Night Football: Top Storylines for Tonight's Double Header

Is it Monday yet? Why, yes, it is.

It's finally here, football season has arrived and tonight we finally get Monday Night Football once again.

Tonight's match ups feature the New York Jets in their first game in their new stadium hosting the Baltimore Ravens. Later this evening the Kansas City Chiefs host Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.

Here are the top story lines for the first Monday night action.

San Diego Chargers Rookie RB: Ryan Matthews

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 21: Running back Ryan Matthews #24 of the San Diego Chargers rushes during the pre-season NFL football game against Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium on August 21, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Imag

For the first time in quite a while, the San Diego Chargers will embark on a season without running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

To fill the void, the Chargers have handed the keys to the running game over to rookie Ryan Matthews. Matthews kicks off his first professional season with a mountain of expectation, and many believe he will make a considerable impact very early.

Matthews faces a favorable opponent for his first game, taking on the Kansas City Chiefs who ranked 30th in total defense last season. 

All eyes will be on the rookie running back this evening, especially fantasy owners who went out and drafted this youngster with high expectations.

Baltimore's New Recievers

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BALTIMORE - AUGUST 28: Anquan Boldin #81 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a touchdown against the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens lead the Giants 17-3. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Joe Flacco has two new big targets this season, as the Baltimore Ravens acquired Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmanzadeh in the off season.

Flacco has already displayed greatness with Derrick Mason, so it will be interesting to see what he can do with all three of these stud receivers. 

This solid receiving corps and Flacco will get their first big test in their opening game, as the New York Jets' tough defense will provide plenty of obstacles for the Ravens offense to overcome.

This match up should be an exciting one, as both teams tout strong play on both sides of the ball.

The New York Jets

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Santonio Holmes #10 and head coach Rex Ryan (back to camera) of the New York Jets celebrate a touchdown as Mark Sanchez #6 and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer of the Jets look on in a preseason game against the Phil

The New York Jets themselves are one big walking story line, full of interesting and controversial aspects in every area.

Mark Sanchez makes his sophomore debut, will he continue his strong play from last year's playoffs? Or will he suffer a sophomore slump?

LaDainian Tomlinson lines up in the backfield for New York in search for a Super Bowl ring. Will he shine like he once did in his prime? Or will we see another injury plagued, average year for the star running back?

Then on the defensive side of the ball, the Jets acquire newcomers Jason Taylor and Antonio Cromartie. Jason Taylor is perhaps one of the biggest Jets story lines, as he lines up for the team he once freely expressed his distaste for on a regular basis.

Cromartie may have been the most solid addition the Jets made this off season, amping up an already great defense. He will line up opposite of Darrelle Revis, who just signed a monster deal after months of holding out.

Revis is another story line himself with his recent contract debacle. He finally agreed to terms with the organization, signing a contract that will earn him $32.5 million over the next two years.

And finally, Rex Ryan and the rest of the organization.

With HBO's Hard Knocks, viewers got an up close and personal view of the Jets and how things are run. This insight to the organization will only add to amount of interest the Jets will draw all season long.