Well…well…well…here we are football fanatics, we’ve reached the AFC title game. Time flies when your team is still playing deep into January. As for the two teams left in what’s going to be a heavyweight fight, it’s down to Baltimore, who dismantled the young Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon. Kansas City won another wire to wire game in Buffalo in the first ever road playoff game for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. The Ravens will be hosting the Chiefs in a winner take all game and book their flight to Las Vegas, Nevada. Grab a warm coat, you’ll need it folks!
(1) Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens flexed their wings and flocked all over Houston Saturday afternoon. A little rust and playoff jitters got to them early. After a few adjustments, Lamar “Lights, Camera, Action” Jackson went to work. Rather if it was passing or scrambling, Lamar did any and everything he wanted to Houston’s defense. A combination of speed, timely throws and putting the team on his back, Flockers couldn’t ask for a better playoff performance from their franchise quarterback. Offensive line played well and running lanes were open for a track meet. This Ravens defense… Mercy! They deserve a big ovation for being very physical all season long! A top defense who can keep you out of the end zone and get after your quarterback. Led by Roquan Smith, this is the best defense Lamar has had since being the starter. When you have a coaching staff who’s on the same page with personnel and scheme, head coach John Harbaugh can focus on adjusting as needed. As we witnessed him dancing after the win Saturday afternoon, the vibes and focus was clicking at the right time. Special teams were a factor and will be even more crucial against Kansas City. Another legacy game for Lamar Jackson; this time against Patrick Mahomes. Baltimore must put points on the board and leave no room for Mahomes to lead a comeback. If they dominate early and often on both sides, Baltimore will be going back to their third Super Bowl since 2012.
(3) Kansas City Chiefs
In what’s been documented as subpar for the defending Super Bowl champions, Kansas City finds themselves back in the AFC title game for the sixth straight season. With no true number one receiver outside of tight end Travis Kelce, it’s been a mix of figuring who can be reliable. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been solid in 2023, not the flashy stats fans are used to seeing. Triumph in the face of adversity midway through the season gave Kansas City a different perspective. Not having home field advantage for the first time was going to be the test. Taylor Swift has made more headlines by showing up in support for Travis Kelce and enjoying the game itself with Brittney Mahomes. It looked like a distraction but hasn’t been for the most part. The Chiefs have bigger headlines to worry about heading to Baltimore. Isiah Pacheco is going to be pushed around all day by this Ravens defense. It could be the tall tale of the game.
The defense has carried Mahomes and the offense all season, while able to keep games within striking distance. Veteran Chris Jones is still a wrecking ball and will have to be for the backend to force some interceptions. They survived Buffalo in wire to wire fashion. Not a pretty game, but enough to stay in front.
This will be a heavyweight fight to the final whistle. Kansas City will have to control the pace and withstand Baltimore’s physicality up front. This is where the game will be won in my humble opinion. Are the Chiefs ready for the Ravens and their brand of football? We shall see…
Stai tuned…
