The AFC Championship Game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs was a clash of titans that left fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams had displayed exceptional performances throughout the season, making this showdown highly anticipated.
The Ravens, led by their dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson, boasted an impressive offense that had dominated opponents all year. On the other hand, the Chiefs were spearheaded by Patrick Mahomes, a young and talented quarterback who possessed incredible arm strength and accuracy. The stage was set for an epic battle.
The Ravens are a four-point favorite at home having won their divisional round matchup by 24 points. The Chiefs enter this matchup having defeated the Miami Dolphins in Round 1 and Buffalo Bills on the road last week.
Mahomes already has two MVP awards under his belt, but Jackson is also about to win his second. Jackson got the playoff monkey off his back last week with a historic performance, tearing up the Texans for 152 passing yards, 100 rushing yards and four total touchdowns.
While both quarterbacks are roughly the same age (Jackson is one year younger), postseason experience could be a factor here. This is Mahomes’ sixth-straight Conference Championship game – the second-longest streak in NFL history behind Tom Brady. He’s 13-3 in the playoffs after last week’s win, including 3-2 in this round.
Jackson has never been one win away from the Big Game, so this is the first time he’s playing with a Super Bowl trip on the line. He’s 2-3 in the postseason and doesn’t have Mahomes’ track record.
The Chiefs will play without wideout Kaderius Toney, who is listed as out due to a hip injury as well as undisclosed "personal reasons" by the team. Kansas City also has injury issues along the offensive line with left guard Joe Thuney missing with a strained pectoral muscle suffered in the Divisional Round matchup with Buffalo.
Running back Isiah Pacheco will need to have a big day against the Ravens' defense, and that could be hindered by Thuney's injury. Pacheco himself has been dealing with an ankle and toe injury.
Geoff Schwartz is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He played eight seasons in the NFL for five different teams. He started at right tackle for the University of Oregon for three seasons and was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection his senior year.
Read more
Jürgen Klopp unexpectedly step down as Liverpool soccer team manager Celtics win over Heat 143-110
Sarah H
Also on site :
- Teagan O’Dell Clocks 1:53.43 In 200 IM, Nearly Breaks HS Record At CIF-SS D1 Championships
- Cadan Murley hat-trick helps Harlequins to emphatic win over Gloucester
- Saracens keep alive play-off push with crushing win over Newcastle