Basics Kickoff Time: M&T Bank Stadium, 3 p.m.
TV stations include Paramount Plus, WUSA Channel 9 (Washington), WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore), and others. Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tracy Wolfson (sideline), Evan Washburn (sideline), Jay Feely (sideline), and Tony Romo (analyst) from the CBS staff.
Radio: WBAL 1090 AM, 98 Rock 97.9 FM, Channel 83 or 226 on Sirius XM. Ravens team Play-by-play writer Gerry Sandusky and analyst Rod Woodson. Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Devin McCourty (analyst), Jason McCourty (analyst), and Ross Tucker (sideline) from Westwood One Sports
Past Events.
Including the postseason, the Chiefs have a 7-5 all-time advantage in the series. For the previous two regular seasons, Baltimore and Kansas City were not pitted against one another. In the second week of 2021, the Ravens defeated the Cowboys 36-35 at M&T Bank Stadium on “Sunday Night Football.” That was their most recent match. With just over three minutes remaining, Lamar Jackson somersaulted into the end zone for the game-winning 1-yard touchdown run. The game was sealed by Odafe Oweh’s strip sack and fumble recovery against Patrick Mahomes on Kansas City’s last play. But Mahomes and the Chiefs have a 3-1 record overall against Jackson and the Ravens.
Risks
For the first time in twelve years, Baltimore can win its third AFC Championship and make it to the Super Bowl. The Chiefs can continue their pursuit of back-to-back Super Bowl victories by winning their fourth conference championship in the last five years.
Important Tales
Which elite quarterback will land the winning blow?
Which quarterback makes the biggest play in the final five minutes might decide the winner of this contest, which Jackson has likened to a heavyweight title battle. Mahomes has played in numerous games similar to this one and has been a fantastic closer throughout his career. Jackson, though, is certain to receive his second MVP prize; he was outstanding in Baltimore’s divisional triumph over the Texans in the second half of the game. Jackson does everything it takes to win—run as much, throw as much, or speak as much—to get his team one victory away from the Super Bowl. Mahomes wants to prevent Jackson from going where he has been, and Jackson wants to go where Mahomes has been. The quarterback with the better performance is probably going to advance.
How much will the Ravens benefit from homefield advantage?
That’s saying a lot because M&T Bank Stadium might be packed to capacity for the Ravens’ first conference championship game ever. Last Saturday, the Texans struggled to communicate at the line of scrimmage and ended up with 11 penalties, eight of which were on offense. Although C.J. Stroud of the Texans is a rookie quarterback and has far less experience than Mahomes, the quarterback for the Chiefs stated earlier this season that the two loudest road stadiums he has ever played in are Baltimore and Seattle. Baltimore’s chances will be enhanced if the Chiefs’ offense struggles with the noise from the spectators.
What effect is Mark Andrews likely to have on his anticipated return?
An important step forward for a Baltimore club that is already clicking offensively is Andrews’ anticipated return to action after missing seven games due to ankle surgery. It would be nice for Jackson to have one of the league’s most skilled targets available on third downs and in the red zone, even if Andrews doesn’t play the number of snaps he usually does. Isaiah Likely, who has performed admirably in Andrews’ absence, may see less snaps if Andrews plays. Alternatively, offensive coordinator Todd Monken may decide to employ Andrews and Likely in more two-tight-end sets. In any event, the Chiefs have even more reason to be concerned now that Andrews is involved.
Players to Keep an Eye on Kyle Hamilton
Travis Kelce, the tight end for the Chiefs who is Mahomes’ go-to man in crunch time, will likely face Hamilton as one of the starting defenders. With a talent-filled, physically gifted, and All-Pro safety like Hamilton, Baltimore has an advantage over Kelce that other teams do not. The Ravens’ prospects will increase if Hamilton and his teammates can prevent Kelce from going off.
The defense’s emotional leader, ILB Roquan Smith, will be focusing on Isiah Pacheco, a physical back who doesn’t back down from contact. Mahomes will be much more difficult to stop if the Chiefs run the ball well, and Smith has no intention of allowing that to happen. There might be significant crashes when.
Flowers is a rookie, but he doesn’t play like one, and Baltimore’s offense has benefited greatly from his ability to get open throughout the season. Jackson will want to get the ball out of his hands as soon as possible to avoid Kansas City pass rushers Chris Jones (10.5 sacks) and George Karlaftis III (10.5 sacks) from making it home. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo enjoys blitzing. Flowers could be frequently addressed and present important chances to sustain urges.
