The AFC championship game is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, at M&T Bank Stadium, and the main protagonists in this new epic clash are the reigning champs Chiefs and the first-seed Ravens. It will be an intriguing matchup between two of the league's best quarterbacks, both with MVP resumes and defensive units ranking at the top in every possible category.
Betting apps consider the home team, Baltimore, a 3.5-point favorite for the AFC title game. However, the Chief will be playing their sixth straight AFC championship game, but the first on the road, since Patrick Mahomes became the starting signal caller. This title game can be an exciting event, available for betting on with a BetMGM sportsbook promo code. Let's preview the teams and betting lines.
The Chief’s Defence Is a Show Stopper
Patrick Mahomes proved he could win a playoff game on the road after the Chiefs defeated the Bills 27-24 at Buffalo last week. In the past five seasons, Kansas City benefited from home-field advantage in the postseason, but this year, the road to the Super Bowl must be paved through enemy territory. The two-time league MVP had a good game in the blistering cold in Buffalo, throwing for 215 yards and 2 TDs, both caught by Mahomes' most reliable receiver, Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs offense is efficient in the playoffs, with no interceptions, averaging 26.5 points a game. Mahomes threw for 477 yards in the two games, and it's worth mentioning the inclement weather. If the winds pick up in Baltimore, head coach Andy Reid can rely on running back Isaiah Pacheco to rush for yards. Pacheco has 186 yards on the ground in the postseason, with 2 TDs and an average of 4.8 yards per carry.
Although the offense takes center stage in every news report, the defense has kept Kansas City competitive this year. In the playoffs, the Chiefs have allowed only 15.5 points, which is better than their regular season average of 17.1 points. The unit ranks 2nd in scoring defense and fewest yards allowed. The mix of young defensive backs and the maturity of defensive tackle Chris Jones creates a nearly impregnable wall behind the line of scrimmage.
Baltimore Is The Full Package
There are a few reasons why the Ravens are the number-one seed and playing a conference title game. One is dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is the most likely candidate for regular season MVP, and the other is an uncompromising defense, which leads the NFL in takeaways and sacks.
Three players on Baltimore's roster have at least nine sacks, for a team total of 60 sacks in the regular season. The defensive line can hunt for Mahomes from each side practically unhampered. Baltimore allowed 10 points in the postseason. They have played only one game, but in the regular season, their average was 16.5 points.
The Ravens scored 28.7 points on average per contest this season and led the league in rushing with 160 yards per contest. The comeback of tight end Mark Andrews will open new passing opportunities for Lamar, who already has 3,678 yards this season. Rookie WR Zay Flowers is also expected to make big plays in clutch moments.
Betting Prediction and Odds
The Chiefs have made it a routine to play AFC championship games, while the Ravens are back in a title game for the first time since 2012. Mahomes has 13 playoff wins, while Lamar has only two. The moneyline odds on the Ravens are -200, while the Chiefs receive a +165 betting line for the same wager. Covering the 3.5 points spared is valued at -115 odds for Baltimore and -105 for the underdog Kansas City. The total is 44.5 points with equal -110 odds for the Over and Under.
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