NFL: Kansas City Chiefs vs Baltimore Ravens, Winners Go to Super Bowl LVIII

Game details

The Kansas City Chiefs will play against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game on January 28 in Baltimore. The number one seed Ravens are the betting favourites. They have -200 odds to reach the Super Bowl on 888Sport. The number three seed Chiefs are the underdogs. They have +160 odds to win the game.

The point spread betting market is three and a half points. The Ravens are at -3.5, and the Chiefs are at +3.5. The over/under for the game is 44.5 points. The Ravens scored 34 points against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round. The Chiefs scored 26 points against the Miami Dolphins in the first round and 27 against the Buffalo Bills in the second round.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens looking for a storybook ending

There were a ton of questions about Lamar Jackson in the offseason. Will Jackson and the Ravens agree on a new contract? Can a team win a Super Bowl with Jackson? Will his style work in the long run? So far Jackson has done everything possible to quiet the doubters and is likely on his way to winning his second regular season MVP award.

For the Ravens, this game is about Jackson and his defence. Baltimore’s offence revolves around their quarterback almost like no other. He is a huge part of the running and passing game. Jackson led his team in rushing yards this season, and none of their receivers went over 1,000 yards. When Jackson struggles, their offence looks average. The Ravens lost three games during the regular season. Jackson threw just one touchdown and three interceptions in those games.

"He's definitely a Hall of Famer. I believe it's just two greats, two up-and-coming greats going toe to toe like a heavyweight fight."

Lamar knows that the AFC Championship will be a battle 🥊 pic.twitter.com/dvvS06vd6J
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2024

If the Chiefs prevent Jackson from throwing the ball effectively, Jackson and the Ravens will be in trouble. The Chiefs with Mahomes starting were held under 20 points seven times during the regular season, so the Ravens might still have a chance if their defence can do that. The Ravens allowed the fewest points per game during the regular season at 16.3 points allowed.

The defending champions looking to run it back

After a subpar regular season, the Kansas City Chiefs are in the AFC Championship again. At this moment, it is safe to say betting against the Chiefs, especially in the playoffs, is not a great idea when Patrick Mahomes is in the lineup. The Chiefs have a 13-3 playoff record in the Mahomes era. Two of those losses were to teams with Tom Brady. Last week they defeated a scorching hot Buffalo Bills team that had not lost a game since November 26, and they did it as underdogs. They destroyed the Dolphins 26-7 in the first round and looked like the Chiefs we all remember.

#ChiefsKingdom or #RavensFlock? Who's going to #SBLVIII?

📺: #KCvsBAL - Sunday 3pm ET on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CpbISy31NM
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2024

But this season feels different. Mahomes does not have to have a bad game for the Chiefs to lose. His supporting cast on offence has had a tough season. The Chiefs allowed the second fewest points with 17.3 points per game, but still lost six games in the regular season. And that was not because of Mahomes. If the Chiefs can not shut down Jackson, Mahomes’ supporting cast consisting of Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and others will need to show up. A few of the Chiefs’ players on offence and defence are currently listed as questionable to play on Sunday. The Chiefs could be in danger if enough of them sit out.