Betting tips and picks for Chiefs at Ravens

First of Sunday’s pair of conference title games is in Baltimore, as the AFC’s top-seed Ravens (regular-season 13-4) host the Kansas City Chiefs (11-6).

Kansas City went to the Buffalo this past Sunday, edging the Bills, 27-24, to earn a sixth consecutive berth in the AFC title game.

Baltimore was dominant in the second half against the Houston Texans Saturday afternoon, rolling to a 34-10 win. This is the first AFC title game hosted by the Ravens (first in Baltimore since 1971 when the then Baltimore Colts beat the Oakland Raiders). 

Baltimore is a field-goal favorite (total at 4.5), according to NFL odds. The moneyline is Ravens -175, Chiefs at +150.

It’s the 13th meeting between the teams (including postseason), with Kansas City leading 7-5.

Chiefs’ Road Odyssey

It's a familiar destination, though not a familiar path. The Kansas City Chiefs went on the road in the NFL playoffs for first time in quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ career, withstanding the Buffalo Bills, 27-24, when Bills’ kicker Tyer Bass went Scott Norwood (Google him) in the final minutes. 

Mahomes (17-of-23, 217 yards) and tight end Travis Kelce were on the passing and catching end of two touchdowns (league-record combination of 16 postseason touchdowns), while Isiah Pacheco (15 carries, 97 yards) added the other touchdowns. 

KC yielded 258 yards (186 passing, 72 rushing) to Bills' quarterback Josh Allen, but were able to rally, despite a 14-minute disadvantage in time of possession, four times to claim the victory.

Ravens to Run

The Baltimore Ravens snapped a 10-10 deadlock against the Houston Texans with 24 unanswered points after halftime. Led by 229 rushing yards (100 by quarterback Lamar Jackson), Baltimore just continued its NFL-best ground offense (160.6 yards per game).

Jackson, who may grab a second league MVP award, was quite efficient (16-of-22, 152 yards, two touchdowns), while the defense did not allow a touchdown (Texans’ punt return was their lone trip to end zone).

It’s that side of the ball which continues to thrive. Baltimore surrenders just 16.1 points/game (including postseason), stingiest in league. Add in a league-leading 60 sacks during the regular season. It will be coming after Patrick Mahomes in this one. 

Take the Chiefs

There are any number of alternative wagers, as per Kansas City vs. Baltimore props.

The Baltimore Ravens were clearly the best team in the AFC during the regular season, but that doesn’t matter. Playing at home gives the Ravens some advantage in this game, but the Chiefs proved that they can win on the road.

If Baltimore gets out to an early lead in this game, the ground game makes it hard to stop. But, Patrick Mahomes gets our vote as best player in the NFL. He will meet the challenge here. 

Bet the Kansas City Chiefs +150 to win the AFC Championship, earning a chance to defend their Super Bowl title.