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Author: Luke Hovhanesian
Jan 24, 2024 11:00 AM
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Don't doubt Mahomes
Get ready for an brilliant weekend of NFL and it all kicks off with the AFC Championship match.
The Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs go head-to-head iand this isn’t just a game; it’s a clash of titans.
Two of the best teams all year, they have continued their dominance in the post season.
With the Ravens’ ground dominance and the Chiefs’ offensive prowess, this match-up promises to be a great spectacle for all football fans.
Betting Odds
The betting odds are set with the Ravens as slight favorites at -4.5, and the over/under for the game is 44.5 points.
The money line stands at Baltimore $1.44 and Kansas City $2.66.
The Ravens have been formidable in the playoffs, going 10-3 against the spread (ATS) in their last 13 playoff games.
The Chiefs, however, have shown resilience on the road this season, including playoffs, with a 7-3 ATS record.
The Ravens’ Strengths
The Ravens have been a force to reckon with on the ground, leading the NFL with an average of 156.5 rushing yards per game during the regular season.
This trend has continued into the playoffs, with the Ravens amassing 229 rushing yards in their recent victory over the Texans.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been instrumental in this success, rushing 11 times for 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the last game.
The Chiefs’ Strengths
The Chiefs have stepped up their offensive game in the playoffs, averaging 26.5 points per game and 6.3 yards per play.
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ quarterback, has been a key player in this success.
He has thrown 10 touchdown passes and no interceptions in the last five postseason games, matching the longest playoff streak without an interception since 1970.
Match Prediction
Betting against Mahomes, particularly during the playoffs, may not be the wisest move. He managed to cover as an underdog last week and boasts an 11-5 record against the spread in postseason games.
Throughout this season, Kansas City has a record of 11-8 against the spread and has managed to cover in their last four consecutive games.
They’ve also demonstrated strong performance on the road, with a 7-2 straight-up record and victories in their last three away games.
Baltimore has also shown impressive performance against the spread this year, with a 12-6 ATS record overall and a 6-2 record in their last eight games.
However, their recent home game performance has been inconsistent, with a 3-3 ATS record in their last six home games.
NFL Pick: Chiefs +4.5
