Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens – The AFC Championship is set to feature a high-stakes clash between the Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) and the Baltimore Ravens (13-4), drawing significant attention not just in the United States but also among enthusiasts of live betting in Canada. Scheduled for Sunday, the game will unfold at the M&T Bank Stadium with live coverage on CBS. This matchup promises not only an intense competition on the field but also an intriguing scenario for bettors, given the contrasting styles and recent performances of both teams.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens
Date & Time: Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium
TV: CBS
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Chiefs | +172 | +4 -110 | 44.5 over (-110) |
| Ravens | -197 | -4 -110 | 44.5 under (110) |
Kansas City Chiefs Analysis
The Chiefs enter this AFC Championship matchup led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has completed 40 of 64 passes for 477 yards, 7.5 yards per attempt, and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions in 2 playoff games thus far. His top target has been rookie receiver Rashee Rice, who has already hauled in 12 receptions for 177 yards (14.8 avg) and 1 major score. Rice has shown a knack for big plays, logging 4 receptions over 20+ yards.
However, the Kansas City ground game has struggled mightily, rushing for just 52 total yards at 2.6 yards per carry during their first two postseason contests. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has not provided much spark, compiling only 26 rushing yards per contest. The Chiefs offensive line must open up more consistent holes versus a fierce Ravens defensive front. Red zone efficiency will also be critical for KC after scoring touchdowns on just 42% of red zone trips.
Defensively, the Chiefs have bent but not broken, allowing 21.5 points per game in the playoffs. They limited opponents to just 6.2 yards per pass attempt by taking away big chunk plays in the passing game. Kansas City has also held playoff foes to 3 of 8 conversions in the red zone. However, a key area to improve is getting more pressure on the quarterback after registering only 1 sack through 2 games. Applying heat on Lamar Jackson early and often will be imperative to slowing down Baltimore’s multi-faceted offense.
Baltimore Ravens Analysis
At quarterback Lamar Jackson is the catalyst for the league’s #2 scoring offense at 26 points per game. Jackson threw for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns last week while running for an additional 16 yards. His dual-threat ability opens up the dominant Ravens rushing attack. Running back Justice Hill racked up 66 yards on 13 carries in their playoff opener, spearheading a ground game that averages 164 rushing yards per contest. When Jackson drops back to pass, he looks for explosive receiver Zay Flowers, who is averaging over 10 yards per catch and already has 3 first down receptions this postseason.
On defense, the Ravens have playmakers at all three levels, leading the NFL by allowing just 16.2 points per contest. Linebacker Patrick Queen and rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller key a unit that forced 2 turnovers in their first playoff game. Baltimore registered 55 sacks during the regular season, third-most in the league, thanks to a fierce pass rush. Their front seven held opponents to just 4.0 yards per carry rushing while racking up 20 stuffs at or behind the line of scrimmage. Containing Mahomes and the Chiefs’ quick-strike ability will put their aggressive defense to the test.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens Against the Spread
The Chiefs are 4-2 against the spread in their last 6 games against the Ravens. Kansas City is also an impressive 11-2 straight up in their last 13 games on the road. However, the total has gone over in 4 of Baltimore’s last 5 matchups against Kansas City. The Ravens are 5-1 ATS in their previous 6 contests against AFC opponents.
Baltimore has won 4 straight home games entering this title bout with 7 covers in their last 8 overall. With home-field advantage, the Ravens are well-positioned to cover as 4-point favorites. But Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have proven they can win high-scoring shootouts on the road when needed.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Baltimore Ravens (-197). The Ravens are the more reliable pick, given their strong home record and ability to perform under pressure, especially their defense’s proven ability to adapt and contain high-octane offenses.
Spread: Kansas City Chiefs (+4 -110). Given their ability to keep games tight and their offensive power, the Chiefs are an excellent bet to cover the spread, even if outright victory might elude them.
Total: Over 44.5 (-110). Both teams have displayed an affinity for high-scoring games against each other, making the over an attractive pick.
Predicted Score: Baltimore Ravens 28, Kansas City Chiefs 24
The AFC Championship betting picks favor Baltimore Ravens to claim victory while Kansas City Chiefs may cover the spread in what promises to be an evenly matched contest. Total points are expected to exceed 60, reflecting both teams’ offensive capabilities and recent encounters; bettors should consider investing on Baltimore due to its strong home performance and defensive adaptability while betting against Kansas City due to its formidable offensive prowess.due to their strong home performance and defensive adaptability, but the Chiefs’ offensive prowess makes them a good bet against the spread.
