Chiefs vs. Ravens: Updated Odds, Predictions for AFC Championship Game 2024
This one's for almost all the marbles.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens are about to tussle with a spot in Super Bowl LVIII at stake. It feels, in a lot of ways, like the inevitable conclusion for the AFC portion of the campaign.
No team had a more dominant season than the Ravens, and no one produced more electricity than their quarterback, MVP favorite Lamar Jackson. Still, there's no escaping this conference without finding a way past Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, who have advanced at least this far for the sixth consecutive year.
Can Baltimore move a step closer toward punctuating this run with the game's ultimate prize? Or will Kansas City position itself to add to its already impressive hardware collection? Let's dig into everything you need to know about this matchup before wrapping with our prediction.
Schedule, Latest Lines
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Date: Sunday, January 28
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV and Live Stream: CBS, Paramount+
Spread: Ravens -4
Over/Under: 44
Odds via DraftKings.
Preview and Prediction
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The main event in this matchup is the showdown between Jackson and Mahomes, who have never squared off in the playoffs before.
Each is essentially a one-man wrecking crew on offense. They have playmakers around them and take advantage of that, but when the situation calls for something to made from nothing, these two are nothing less than miracle workers.
"I believe [it's] just two greats—up-and-coming greats—just going toe-to-toe, like a heavyweight fight," Jackson told reporters.
Since both quarterbacks are on the right side of 30 and clearly at the top of their craft, this could be the first of many under-the-bright-lights brawls between them.
While the quarterbacks will drive the headlines, though, this outcome could be decided by the defenses. Neither unit is getting as much attention as it deserves, as the Ravens and Chiefs were first and second, respectively, in points allowed per game. They also held the same spots in sacks. Both are disruptive up front and stingy all over the field.
Neither will stop the opposing quarterback, but the hope is at least making them uncomfortable and forcing them to earn every inch of their production. Kansas City will count on getting pressure from defensive tackle Chris Jones and edge rusher George Karlaftis, plus lockdown coverage from cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie. Baltimore will count on its collective speed and physicality to continue creating chaos.
This feels like a coin flip, not to mention a likely instant classic. Baltimore gets the edge, though, thanks to its defense's ability to generate takeaways (31, tied for the league lead) and Jackson's overwhelming talent as both a passer and a rusher.
This will be a thrill ride, but the Ravens will eventually prevail in front of their home fans.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Chiefs 21
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