Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) vs. Baltimore Ravens (13-4)
As the NFL season approaches its climax, the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens are set to face off in a highly anticipated AFC Championship game on Sunday. With the Chiefs boasting an 11-6 record and the Ravens at 13-4, this matchup is poised to be a classic battle of wills at M&T Bank Stadium, airing live on CBS. Fans and bettors alike are turning their attention to this showdown, with many consulting the top live betting website for insights and odds.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive strategy has relied heavily on a balanced attack, led by Patrick Mahomes’ dynamic passing game and Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s ground game contributions. Patrick Mahomes has excelled with an outstanding 62.5% completion rate while amassing 477 passing yards and 3 touchdowns without an interceptions while Edwards-Helaire provided some spark in their ground game with 52 rushing yards on just 9 attempts and 5.8 yards per carry averages; Rashee Rice led their receiving corps, providing Mahomes dependable targets at 14.8 yards per reception average and 1 touchdown as Mahomes found success as Mahomes made big plays on his passing team!
Baltimore Ravens counter with their arsenal, led by Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Jackson has shown remarkable proficiency, posting an outstanding 72.7% completion rate while throwing for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns in just one game for a passer rating of 121.8. Their running game, led by Justice Hill’s 13 attempts for 66 yards rushing and Zay Flowers’ 41 receiving yards on 4 receptions has provided Jackson with reliable options in passing game play.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens Game Info
When: | Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET |
Where: | M&T Bank Stadium |
TV: | CBS |
Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Patrick Mahomes QB vs. Lamar Jackson QB
Patrick Mahomes has been sensational through two playoff games, completing 40 of 64 passes for 477 yards, 7.5 yards per attempt, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. His sterling 100.8 passer rating demonstrates his excellence directing the Chiefs’ lethal passing offense. Mahomes possesses the strongest arm in the NFL and will test Baltimore’s secondary with deep shots to Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce all game. He threw for 41 touchdowns in the regular season and his scoring prowess gives Kansas City a chance in any shootout.
Lamar Jackson enjoyed another exceptional season both through the air and on the ground. He completed 72.7% of his throws for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns in Baltimore’s playoff opener. Jackson remains the Ravens’ engine, as evidenced by his regular season totals of 2,242 passing yards, 22 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions, along with 1,248 rushing yards and 11 rushing scores. The former MVP’s elusiveness and breakaway speed make him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. Kansas City allowed the 8th most rushing yards per game this season, so Jackson could exploit that weakness with his legs. His accuracy throwing the football continues to improve as well.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Baltimore Ravens -197, Total Odds: 44.5
The betting odds for this AFC Championship tilt lean towards the Baltimore Ravens as favorites, with a spread of -4 at -110 and a moneyline of -197. The total for the game is set at 44.5, reflecting the expectation of a closely contested battle. Bettors are weighing these odds carefully, considering the strong performances and recent trends of both teams.
Kansas City Chiefs Betting Trends
The Chiefs are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 games. Kansas City is also 5-2 ATS in their previous 7 meetings with Baltimore. With Mahomes leading a high-flying passing attack, taking Kansas City plus the points is recommended.
Baltimore Ravens Betting Trends
The Ravens have gone over the point total in 4 of their last 5 contests against the Chiefs. Baltimore is also 7-1 straight up in its last 8 overall. With Jackson as a dynamic dual threat, the Ravens should comfortably cover the 4-point spread at home.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens 1/28/24 Betting Picks
The stage is set for a thrilling AFC Championship game, with both teams displaying formidable strengths and few weaknesses. The Chiefs, with Mahomes at the helm, have the offensive firepower to challenge the Ravens, but Baltimore’s balanced attack and home-field advantage cannot be underestimated.
Given the trends and performances, the game is expected to be tightly contested, possibly coming down to the wire. The slight edge goes to the Baltimore Ravens due to their defensive prowess and the advantage of playing at M&T Bank Stadium. However, the Chiefs are more than capable of covering the spread, making them a valuable pick for those looking for free AFC Championship picks.