Chiefs vs. Ravens: AFC Championship 2024 Odds and Over-Under Predictions

MVP favorite Lamar Jackson has spent this season establishing the Baltimore Ravens as the NFL's best team.

His toughest tasks still lie ahead, though, starting with a monster assignment for this weekend: knocking off Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.

The Ravens, you may have heard a time or 20, haven't exactly put together the most impressive playoff resume during Jackson's tenure. While they certainly looked elite during their 34-10 thrashing of the Houston Texans last weekend, that was only the second playoff win of Jackson's career.

Mahomes, meanwhile, has two Super Bowl wins under his belt already. And while Jackson will be making his AFC Championship debut, Mahomes will be making his sixth consecutive appearance in this round.

Will Kansas City's postseason experience actually matter once these teams take the field? Or will Baltimore continue looking like the juggernaut it's been all season? We'll put this game under the microscope here with all of the scheduling information you need, the latest lines and a preview featuring a score prediction.

Game Info and Odds

Al Bello/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 21, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Date: Sunday, January 28

Time: 3 p.m. ET

TV and Live Stream: CBS, Paramount+

Spread: Ravens -3.5

Over/Under: 44.5

Odds via DraftKings.

Preview and Prediction

Kirby Lee/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely #80 after a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)

Wagering against Mahomes at this time of year is rarely advisable.

This is one of the exceptions to that rule.

To be clear, it would shock no one if Kansas City escaped with a victory Sunday. Mahomes is the best signal-caller of his generation, a true miracle-worker once he steps inside the lines. He has one of the game's most dynamic pass-catchers in Travis Kelce, but this offense is more than a two-man show. The emergence of rookie receiver Rashee Rice and the relentless running of lead back Isiah Pacheco have helped branch out this attack.

This defense is plenty stingy, too. In fact, only one team—coincidentally, the Ravens—allowed fewer points than the Chiefs this season. George Karlaftis and Chris Jones put constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and L'Jarius Sneed can both lock down their side of the field.

The Chiefs are, objectively speaking, pretty freakin' awesome. The Ravens, though, take that domination to a different level.

Baltimore has won seven of its last eight games, and it's lone slipup was a meaningless Week 18 game in which the team sat several regulars. Six of those victories were decided by double-digits, including that 24-point takedown of the fourth-seeded Texans, a 14-point triumph over the NFC's top-seeded San Francisco 49ers and a 37-point demolition of the sixth-seeded Miami Dolphins.

Jackson has routinely shredded opponents with both his arms and his legs. His passing outlook would brighten even more if star tight end Mark Andrews can return, and Jackson's rushing outlook appears rock-solid given Kansas City's struggles containing Josh Allen last week (12 carries for 72 yards and two touchdowns).

And for as electric as Baltimore's offense often is, Kansas City's biggest worry might be this defense. The Ravens have impact players at every level, and they all contributed to this campaign for the ages. Baltimore led all teams in scoring defense (16.5 points allowed per game), sacks (60) and takeaways (31, tied for the lead).

Mahomes is talented enough to come out on top anyway, but we wouldn't put our (or your) money on it.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Chiefs 21

Gambling problem? Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visiting ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), visiting OPGR.org (OR), or calling/texting TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).

Odds and lines subject to change. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.