Highlights: Chiefs headed back to Super Bowl after shutting down Ravens
Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs are heading back to the Super Bowl.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift will be there, too.
Mahomes threw a touchdown to Kelce in the first quarter, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco ran for another, and the Chiefs beat NFL MVP favorite Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 to win the AFC championship game on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
The Chiefs advance to the Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, and await the winner of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers.
The Chiefs hope to repeat as NFL champions after winning it all last year, and after the 2019 season. It’s Kansas City’s fourth trip to the Super Bowl over the last five years after playing in the past six AFC championship games.
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Mahomes finished 30 of 39 for 241 yards with a touchdown, finding his favorite target in Kelce, who finished with 11 catches for 116 yards to break Jerry Rice’s record for catches in postseason history. Pacheco added 68 yards rushing for the Chiefs.
Jackson threw an interception in the fourth quarter — one series after rookie receiver Zay Flowers was penalized for taunting after a catch inside the 10-yard line and fumbled at the goal line for a crucial turnover.
Jackson finished 20 of 37 for 272 yards passing with a touchdown and interception, and rushed the ball eight times for 54 yards for Baltimore. Flowers led the Ravens with 115 yards on five catches. — Safid Deen
Chiefs-Ravens highlights from AFC championship game
Chiefs-Ravens winners, losers from AFC championship game
WINNERS
Andy Reid’s first quarter coaching calls — This is why he’s one of the best to ever do it. Reid was calculated and confident in his decisions early in the first quarter. Namely, he trusted his defense to deliver a quick stop on the game’s opening drive after Kansas City won the coin toss and deferred. Then, he compounded the gains from that choice on the subsequent Chiefs series by going for it on fourth-and-2 from Baltimore’s 41-yard line. The play call wasn’t bad either; Mahomes took the shotgun snap, rolled to his right to get the Ravens defense off balance and found tight end Travis Kelce streaking across the middle of the field for 13 yards. The Chiefs would score, on a Kelce 19-yard grab, to take an early lead. In a close conference title game, in a hostile environment, these are the types of decisions that can win games. And, considering that Kansas City kicked a field goal just before halftime only to receive the kickoff to start the third quarter, Reid’s decisions played out perfectly.
Travis Kelce — Things are going well for him. He’s thriving off the field and he remains a force on it, especially in the playoffs. Kelce was dominant against the Ravens, catching all 11 of his targets for 116 yards and a touchdown. He broke all-time great Jerry Rice’s NFL record for most career receptions and tied Rice for most career postseason games with at least 100 receiving yards (eight).
LOSERS
Todd Monken’s inability to adjust — This season, among players with at least 250 passing attempts, Lamar Jackson ranked sixth in average time to throw at 2.95 seconds. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo dialed up a consistent amount of pressure all game long. And if Baltimore offensive coordinator wasn’t expecting that, he at least should’ve done a far better job of adjusting. Monken continued to call seven-step drops and plays that took too long to develop, allowing Kansas City’s pass rush to disrupt the timing of Baltimore’s passing attack. Not only that, but Monken also didn’t see that Kansas City’s secondary was too tight down the field. Making matters worse, Monken completely abandoned the rushing game, which was Baltimore’s strength all season long.
Ravens drop early-game ball control edge — Kansas City knew the best defense against Lamar Jackson was, simply, to keep him off the field. The Chiefs, on both offense and defense, did their part. Midway through the second quarter, both teams had recorded three offensive possessions. In that span, the Chiefs led in time of possession (17:55 to 5:47), offensive plays (33 to 13), total yards (176 to 86), third down conversions (five-of-seven to one-of-three), trips to the red zone (three, with two conversions, to none), first downs (13 to four) and — most importantly — points (14 to 7). By the time halftime rolled around, Baltimore was actually losing the TOP battle 20:39 to 9:21. — Lorenzo Reyes
Can Taylor Swift make it from Tokyo to Super Bowl? In a word, yes!
It’s going to take a marathon of a trip after a marathon of a show for Taylor Swift to get to the Super Bowl.
Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce and his Kansas City Chiefs advanced to the NFL’s title game on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas. The pop superstar has been a frequent presence at Kansas City’s games this season, including Sunday’s AFC championship, and it seems unlikely she wouldn’t be present to watch the guy on the Chiefs try to win his third Super Bowl. But she wraps up a four-show stop of her Eras Tour in Tokyo the day before.
Can she get from one place to the other? In a word, yes!
Swift’s concert begins at 6 p.m. Saturday in Tokyo, which is 17 hours ahead of Las Vegas. Her shows last 3½ hours so, even allowing time for her to change and pack, figure she could be ready to go by 10:30 p.m. That’s 5:30 a.m. Saturday in Las Vegas.
The flight from Tokyo to Vegas is about 12 hours, which includes a stop, typically in Los Angeles. But that’s on a commercial flight, and Swift has a private jet. So even if she has to stop to refuel, she could be in Las Vegas by early evening Saturday night.
Plenty of time to get a good night’s sleep and be ready for the Super Bowl, which doesn’t kick off until 3:30 p.m. local time Sunday. — Nancy Armour
Chiefs-Ravens score
Chiefs — 17
Ravens — 10
Final
Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift celebrate Chiefs AFC championship
Travis Kelce is living the good life.
The All-Pro tight end is heading to his second consecutive Super Bowl and fourth overall after the Chiefs defeated the Ravens in the AFC championship game. The Kansas City star more-than did his part with 11 receptions for 116 yards while breaking Jerry Rice’s record for most career catches in the postseason.
And, of course, he’s dating pop icon Taylor Swift, who greeted him on the field after the game to celebrate. — Casey Moore
Patrick Mahomes, Marquez Valdes-Scantling call game
The Chiefs possessed the football with 2:34 left in the game and milked the clock all the way down.
The Ravens had stopped Kansas City on first and second down, but on third-and-9 with 2:19 remaining in the game, Patrick Mahomes tossed a deep 32-yard pass to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a first down just before the two-minute warning.
After the two-minute warning, the Chiefs got into victory formation and celebrated the victory. — Tyler Dragon
Ravens score: Justin Tucker 43-yard field goal
Justin Tucker scored the first points of the second half with 2:38 left in the game.
The league’s highest-paid kicker nailed a 43-yard field goal to bring the Ravens within one score.
On the drive, Lamar Jackson completed a series of passes, including an 11-yard throw to running back Justice Hill. Then three incompletions left Baltimore facing fourth-and-5 and Tucker scored.
The Chiefs are up 17-10. — Victoria Hernandez
Lamar Jackson throws interception in the end zone
The Ravens are running out of chances.
Lamar Jackson threw a pick in the end zone with just under seven minutes left in the AFC championship game.
On second-and-10 from the Kansas City 25, the NFL MVP candidate threw downfield trying to hit Isaiah Likely. The tight end was triple teamed and Chiefs safety Deon Bush jumped in front of the throw to snag the interception.
Veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. grabbed two catches on the drive.
But instead of scoring to help the Super Bowl champ return to the big game, the Ravens ended up committing their third turnover of the day. — Victoria Hernandez
Chiefs punt for fifth time
The Chiefs have punted on four consecutive drives.
After Zay Flowers’ costly fumble, the Chiefs offense was forced to punt the football in seven plays.
Ravens defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was called for a roughing the passer penalty that helped Kansas City extend its drive, but team failed to convert a third-and-13 and were forced to punt with 10:44 remaining in the game. — Tyler Dragon
Why does Baltimore have ‘M’ colored differently in the end zone?
Fans who are tuning into the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium might be confused as to why two letters in ‘Baltimore’ in the end zone are a different color. The ‘MO’ is colored all gold while the rest of the letters are white.
This is to pay tribute to Mo Gaba, a Ravens and Orioles superfan who passed away from cancer as a young teenager in 2020. He would have celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday.
In 2019, Gaba was the first person to read a pick written in braille during the NFL draft. The Ravens selected guard Ben Powers in the fourth round. — Victoria Hernandez
Zay Flowers touchdown nullified by end zone fumble
The Ravens left a touchdown on the table to start the fourth quarter and it resulted in their second turnover of the game.
On second-and-8, Lamar Jackson threw a short pass to Zay Flowers, who caught it at about the 8-yard line and turned downfield. When he reached the end zone, he reached out to try to put the ball across the goal line. But Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed swiped at the rookie and the ball bobbled out for a fumble. It bounced in the end zone and cornerback Trent McDuffie landed on it.
The play was ruled a touchback and the Chiefs offense got the ball at the 20.
On the drive, Flowers made a monster 54-yard catch, but he was flagged for taunting when he stood over Sneed after being tackled. — Victoria Hernandez
Joe Burrow says let the players taunt in playoff game
For all the smack both teams have shared in this one, the last thing fans want is for referees to step in the middle of it.
Ravens receiver Zay Flowers was penalized for taunting after a 54-yard catch, when he stood over Chiefs defender L’Jarius Sneed, causing referees to throw a flag.
One star NFL quarterback says let the players play, and even more.
‘Let the guys taunt,’ Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said on Twitter. — Safid Deen
End of third quarter: Chiefs 17, Ravens 7
The third quarter ended with no points added to the scoreboard, the first scoreless quarter of the game.
The Chiefs are still holding onto a 17-7 advantage into the fourth period.
The Ravens failed to cut into their deficit, but they are in the red zone entering the final quarter.
Lamar Jackson had 109 passing yards in the third period. Wide receiver Zay Flowers caught a long 54-yard pass from Jackson with under one minute to go in the third.
The Chiefs were held to just 44 yards and two first downs in the quarter. Patrick Mahomes was held to 28 passing yards. — Tyler Dragon
Chiefs offense forced to punt again
The Ravens are still in it. And the Chiefs offense has lost its rhythm in the second half.
Patrick Mahomes was unable to handle Baltimore’s pass rush, and running back Isiah Pacheco ran for four yards on two plays during Kansas City’s three-and-out.
Maybe, it was Baltimore introducing longtime defensive lineman Terrell Suggs to its home crowd that provided a spark.
It’s the third straight punt for the Chiefs, and fourth in their last five possessions. — Safid Deen
Lamar Jackson sacked to force another punt
The Ravens sputtered yet again.
This time, on third-and-9 from Kansas City’s 41, Lamar Jackson dropped back and tried to scurry around, but Chiefs safety Justin Reid wrapped him up for a sack. Baltimore was forced to punt for the fifth time this game.
The drive started well with a 16-yard pass from Jackson to Gus Edwards and then the quarterback ran for another 11 yards. But a few plays later, guard John Simpson was called for a holding penalty that sent the Ravens back 10 yards.
Baltimore is still down 17-7. — Victoria Hernandez
Chiefs injury: Charles Omenihu ruled out
The Chiefs downgraded DE Charles Omenihu to out.
Omenihu suffered a knee injury in the second quarter. He walked to the sideline before he was escorted to the locker room.
The Chiefs originally deemed Omenihu questionable but downgraded the defensive end in the third quarter.
Omenihu made a big impact before his exit. The defensive end had a strip sack on Lamar Jackson in the first quarter. — Tyler Dragon
Ravens go three-and-out to start second half
The Chiefs punted on their first drive of the second half and the Ravens didn’t fare any better, going three-and-out.
Gus Edwards ran for one yard, Zay Flowers ran for three and a Lamar Jackson throw fell to the turf. So Jordan Stout punted the ball away.
It was the Ravens’ fourth punt of the day. They remain down 17-7. — Victoria Hernandez
Chiefs first drive of second half ends in punt
Travis Kelce has 10 catches and 102 yards with a touchdown in this game.
Kelce’s 10th catch, which netted six yards, came during Kansas City’s first drive of the second half, but the drive ended after three plays. The Chiefs were unable to convert on third-and-3, with Mahomes looking for receiver Justin Watson blanketed in coverage.
Baltimore gets the ball back after Kansas City’s three-and-out. — Safid Deen
Ravens halftime leaders
Passing: Lamar Jackson 5-12, 67 yards, TD
Rushing: Lamar Jackson: 4 carries, 27 yards
Receiving: Zay Flowers 2 receptions, 39 yards, TD
Defense: Roquan Smith 10 tackles; Kyle Hamilton 9 tackles, tackle for loss
Chiefs halftime leaders
Passing: Patrick Mahomes 20-25, 161 yards, TD
Rushing: Isiah Pacheco 14 carries, 41 yards, TD
Receiving: Travis Kelce 9 receptions, 96 yards, TD
Defense: Drue Tranquill 4 tackles; Charles Omenihu 1 sack; George Karlaftis 1 fumble recovery
Halftime: Chiefs 17, Ravens 7
The Chiefs have dominated possession for the first half of the AFC championshp game and as a result, they carry a 17-7 lead into the locker room at M&T Bank Stadium.
Completing his first 11 passes of the game, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is 20-for-25 for 161 yards and a touchdown at the break. He’s also added 18 more yards on the ground.
Kansas City has outgained Baltimore 221-111 in total offense, going 5-for-8 on third down conversions and 1-of-2 on fourth down. The halftime margin could have been even larger if the Ravens hadn’t stopped Isiah Pacheco on a fourth-and-1 run at the Baltimore 13 late in the second quarter.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce leads all receivers with nine catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, while Pacheco is the game’s leading ball-carrier with 14 rushes for 41 yards and a score.
For the Ravens, Lamar Jackson is just 5-for-12 passing for 67 yards — with one of those completions to himself on a pass that was deflected at the line of scrimmage. Jackson is also the team’s leading rusher with 27 yards on four carries.
Kansas City will receive the kickoff to start the second half. — Steve Gardner
Chiefs score: Harrison Butker 52-yard field goal
Two roughing the passer penalties helped the Chiefs march down the field on an eight-play, 55-yard drive that led to a field goal.
After the two penalties, Patrick Mahomes tossed a 21-yard pass to tight end Travis Kelce to put the Chiefs in field-goal range. The Chiefs were then called for holding penalties on separate plays and had to settle for a 52-yard field goal by Harrison Butker to lift them to a 17-7 lead just before halftime. — Tyler Dragon
Ravens defense holds Chiefs to first three-and-out
The Chiefs were forced to punt for the first time in the AFC championship game after going three-and-out.
Patrick Mahomes threw three incomplete passes during the series and Kansas City had to punt the football back to the Ravens with under three minutes remaining in the second quarter. — Tyler Dragon
WATCH: Lamar Jackson throws it to … himself
How about that, Gisele?
Tom Brady’s ex-wife Gisele Bündchen once said, ‘My husband cannot f****** throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time.’
Well, Lamar Jackson can.
Check out this crazy Lamar Jackson highlight, where his pass was deflected but he still caught it for a 13-yard gain. The drive ended up stalling out and Baltimore was forced to punt. — Safid Deen
Chiefs turnover: Ravens stop Chiefs on fourth down
Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu’s strip sack set Kansas City’s offense up at Baltimore’s 33-yard line, but Patrick Mahomes and company couldn’t take advantage.
The Chiefs turned the ball over on downs in seven plays. On fourth-and-1 from Baltimore’s 13-yard line, Chiefs ran power with running back Isiah Pacheco, but he was stopped short of the first down by Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton and Travis Jones.
The Ravens took over possession of the football. — Tyler Dragon
Travis Kelce breaks Jerry Rice’s playoff receptions record
With his seventh catch of the first half, the Chiefs tight end eclipsed Jerry Rice’s NFL record of 151 career receptions in postseason play.
Kelce broke the record on a 7-yard completion with 7:01 left in the second quarter.
In last week’s game, Kelce caught his 16th touchdown pass in the playoffs from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, breaking the record they shared with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.
The Chiefs duo extended that record on a 24-yard scoring play in the first half against the Ravens. — Steve Gardner
Ravens turnover: Lamar Jackson fumbles, Chiefs force first turnover
The Ravens appeared to be marching again in the second quarter when Justice Hill powered for a first down on third-and-1.
But the next play, MVP candidate Lamar Jackson took the shotgun snap and dropped back. Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu snuck around behind him, beating tackle Ronnie Stanley, and got the strip-sack. The ball bounced on the ground and Kansas City defensive end George Karlaftis fell on it to grab the first turnover of the game. — Victoria Hernandez
Patrick Mahomes starts game with perfect first quarter
Patrick Mahomes is off to a hot start. He was 10 for 10 with 80 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter of Sunday’s game.
Mahomes started the game with 11 consecutive completions, his first miss coming early in the second quarter. But he was still able to lead a scoring drive, resulting in Isiah Pacheco’s touchdown run.
Mahomes is 13 of 14 for 106 yards, with 15 yards rushing, and a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce in the first quarter. — Safid Deen
Chiefs score: Isiah Pacheco 2-yard touchdown run
Isiah Pacheco powered his way to a 2-yard touchdown run to put the Chiefs back on top at the 10:56 mark of the second quarter. Pacheco’s TD capped a 16-play drive that resulted in a 14-7 Chiefs lead.
QB Patrick Mahomes connected on his first 11 passes of the game before finally misfiring on a short toss to Richie James. Later in the drive, Mahomes converted a crucial third-and-5 at the Ravens 27 when he scrambled around the pocket and connected with a leaping Kelce to pick up the first down.
With two receptions on the drive, Kelce now needs 1 more catch to tie Jerry Rice’s all-time playoff record. (151) — Steve Gardner
WATCH: Travis Kelce highlight catch
On third-and-5 during the second quarter, with Patrick Mahomes in trouble, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce made this stellar catch to keep Kansas City’s drive alive.
Here’s the highlight:
End of 1st quarter: Chiefs 7, Ravens 7
The Chiefs and Ravens are all tied up at the end of the first quarter in what is shaping up to be a classic AFC championship match.
Kansas City scored first with a 19-yard touchdown throw from Patrick Mahomes to star tight end Travis Kelce. Mahomes is a perfect 10-for-10 with 86 yards so far.
The Ravens answered with a 30-yard sling from Lamar Jackson to rookie Zay Flowers for a score that the offense celebrated by swag surfin’. It capped off a drive that featured Jackson rushing for 21 yards on fourth-and-1.
There was an ‘administrative timeout’ midway through the quarter due to a rogue drone in the area. — Victoria Hernandez
Is Mark Andrews playing?
Yes. The All Pro tight end is playing for the Ravens for the first time since Nov. 16, when he suffered a cracked fibula and ligament damage to his right ankle against the Bengals.
Andrews immediately burst on the scene in the AFC championship game, catching Lamar Jackson’s first pass attempt for nine yards — Casey Moore
Celebrities at Chiefs-Ravens AFC championship game
Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed were announced as the team’s ‘Legends of the Game’ and were recognized on the field pregame. Other former Ravens are involved as well, with Hall of Fame tackle Jonathan Ogden, receiver Anquan Boldin and linebacker Terrell Suggs all named honorary captains for the AFC title game.
In addition, Baltimore native and 23-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps delivered the game ball. — Jack McKessy
Ravens score: Lamar Jackson 30-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers
Baltimore strikes back!
Lamar Jackson broke free for a 21-yard run on fourth-and-1, and found a streaking Zay Flowers in the end zone for a 30-yard touchdown to tie this game in the first quarter.
Jackson was nearly taken down on the play by the Chiefs defense, but he was able to shake free and deliver the pass down the field to Flowers in the end zone. — Safid Deen
Chiefs score: Travis Kelce 19-yard touchdown catch from Patrick Mahomes
Taking possession on their own 14-yard line, the Chiefs came out throwing on their opening possession and marched down the field to take an early 7-0 lead on a 19-yard touchdown reception by Travis Kelce.
It marked the eighth consecutive postseason game in which the Chiefs have scored on their first possession.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed his first three passes to three different receivers as the offense moved quickly into Ravens territory.
The key play of the drive came on a fourth-and-1 at the Baltimore 41, when Mahomes connected with Kelce for 13 yards and a huge first down. — Steve Gardner
Ravens’ first drive ends with punt
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense is heading to the bench.
Jackson missed receiver Nelson Agholor on a crossing route on third-and-7, and the Ravens are punting on their first drive of the game. A three-and-out wasn’t an ideal start. Now, the Ravens defense takes the field to defend Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. — Safid Deen
Chiefs vs. Ravens game time
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Chiefs vs. Ravens how to watch
The AFC championship game will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, and is also available to stream for free on Fubo.
Who is favored Chiefs or Ravens?
The top NFL betting apps favor the Ravens over the Chiefs in the AFC championship game.
Chiefs vs. Ravens spread
The Ravens are 3.5-point favorites over the Chiefs according to the BetMGM NFL odds.
Chiefs vs. Ravens over under
The over-under is 44.5, according to BetMGM.
Chiefs vs. Ravens moneyline
The Ravens are a -200 favorite on the moneyline. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are a +165 underdog, according to BetMGM.
Chiefs vs. Ravens weather
Chiefs vs. Ravens predictions
Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 26, Chiefs 19
Tyler Dragon: Ravens 24, Chiefs 23
Safid Deen: Ravens 30, Chiefs 28
Victoria Hernandez: Ravens 28, Chiefs 23
Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 23, Chiefs 16
Jarrett Bell: Ravens 27, Chiefs 20
Chris Bumbaca: Ravens 27, Chiefs 23
Nate Davis: Ravens 27, Chiefs 20
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Ravens 24, Chiefs 23
Chiefs vs. Ravens history
The Chiefs and Ravens have gone head to head 12 times – 11 in the regular season and just once in the postseason. Kansas City leads the regular-season series 7-4, with the most recent game coming during the 2021 season when Baltimore won 36-35 with 12 fourth-quarter points. Their only encounter in the playoffs came after the 2010 season when the Ravens blew out the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Matt Cassel was at quarterback and Todd Haley was coaching Kansas City, and Joe Flacco threw two touchdown passes to lead Baltimore.
How many AFC championships has Patrick Mahomes been to?
Sunday’s game will mark the sixth time Mahomes has played in the AFC championship game — all of them consecutively. Mahomes’ first full season as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback was 2018, when Kansas City lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the conference championship game. The Chiefs returned to the game and were victorious in 2019 (vs. Tennessee Titans) and 2020 (vs. Buffalo Bills). They lost in the AFC championship in 2021 to the Cincinnati Bengals, but got revenge in the same game last season by beating the Bengals 23-20.
AFC championship game history
The last 10 results in the AFC championship game:
2022: Chiefs 23, Bengals 20
2021: Bengals 27, Chiefs 24
2020: Chiefs 38, Bills 24
2019: Chiefs 35, Titans 24
2018: Patriots 37, Chiefs 31
2017: Patriots 24, Jaguars 20
2016: Patriots 36, Steelers 17
2015: Broncos 20, Patriots 18
2014: Patriots 45, Colts 7
2013: Broncos 26, Patriots 16
What uniforms are Chiefs wearing Sunday?
The Chiefs’ social media team sent out a picture with their uniform for Sunday’s AFC championship game.
Kansas City will be going with their white jerseys with red pants, the same combination the team wore during their divisional round victory against the Buffalo Bills.
What uniforms are Ravens wearing Sunday?
The Ravens tweeted out earlier in the week that they would be wearing their purple jerseys with black pants for Sunday’s AFC championship game. It’s the same combination Baltimore wore for its win in the divisional round against the Houston Texans.
What team has the most AFC championships?
Since 1970, these are the AFC teams who have won the most conference championships.
1. New England Patriots – 11
T2. Pittsburgh Steelers – 8
T2. Denver Broncos – 8
4. Miami Dolphins – 5
T5. Las Vegas Raiders – 4
T5. Buffalo Bills – 4
Chiefs playoff history
The Chiefs are 22-21 all-time in the NFL playoffs, including 2-0 this season. They’ve won seven consecutive playoff games, with their last loss coming in overtime in the AFC championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals after the 2021 regular season. K.C. has appears in eight conference championship games and has a 5-3 record in them.
Ravens playoff history
The Ravens have a 17-12 record in the NFL playoffs and are 1-0 this year. This marks the fifth time they will appear in the AFC championship game, and they have a 2-2 record in the game. The last time they played for the right to go to the Super Bowl was after the 2012 season, when they beat the New England Patriots and went on to win Super Bowl 47 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce vs. Justin Tucker
There’s some early gamesmanship going on during pregame warm-ups in Baltimore.
As Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was stretching near the end zone where the Chiefs were warming up, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce swooped in and moved a couple footballs and a Ravens helmet out of the way to allow quarterback Patrick Mahomes room to throw passes. Tucker seemed to find it humorous.
It didn’t end there as Mahomes proceeded to kick and toss aside Tucker’s holder while Baltimore’s kicker continued to stretch. Mahomes and Tucker exchanged words, though neither appeared to be angry. Just good, old-fashioned gamesmanship. — Casey Moore
Chiefs inactives against Ravens
Kadarius Toney, WR
Keith Taylor, CB
Ekow Boye-Doe, CB
Willie Gay, LB
BJ Thompson, DE
Joe Thuney, G
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE
Chiefs depth chart
RWR: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justyn Ross
LWR: Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman
LT: Donovan Smith, Wanya Morris
LG: Nick Allegretti
C: Creed Humphrey
RG: Trey Smith Mike Caliendo
RT: Jawaan Taylor, Lucas Niang
TE: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Blake Bell
QB: Patrick Mahomes , Blaine Gabbert
RB: Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, La’Mical Perine
SWR: Rashee Rice, Richie James
Defense
LDE: George Karlaftis, Malik Herring
RDT: Mike Pennel, Tershawn Wharton
LDT: Chris Jones, Neil Farrell
RDE: Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu
WLB: Leo Chenal, Darius Harris
MLB: Nick Bolton, Cole Christiansen
SLB: Drue Tranquill, Jack Cochrane
RCB: Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams
LCB: L’Jarius Sneed
SS: Justin Reid, Deon Bush
FS: Mike Edwards, Chamarri Conner
NB: Trent McDuffie, Nic Jones
Is Taylor Swift at the Chiefs’ game against Ravens?
Yes!
The pop sensation rolled into M&T Bank Stadium with her hair down with natural curls. She was accompanied by Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, sporting a black coat with a red sweater underneath.
Boyfriend and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce similarly came to the game wearing all-black.
Ravens inactives against Chiefs
Malik Cunningham, QB
Tylan Wallace, WR
Rock Ya-Sin, CB
Del’Shawn Phillips, LB
Sam Mustipher, C
Sala Aumavae-Laulu, G
Josh Johnson, QB (third QB)
Ravens depth chart
Offense
LWR: Odell Beckham Jr.
RWR: Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay
LT: Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Mekari
LG: John Simpson
C: Tyler Linderbaum
RG: Kevin Zeitler, Ben Cleveland
RT: Morgan Moses, Daniel Faalele
TE: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar
QB: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, Josh Johnson
RB: Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Dalvin Cook
SWR: Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor
Defense
DE: Brent Urban
NT: Michael Pierce, Travis Jones
DT: Justice Madubuike, Broderick Washington
LOLB: Jadeveon Clowney, Tavius Robinson, Malik Harrison
LILB: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson
RILB: Patrick Queen
ROLB: Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh
LCB: Marlon Humphrey
SS: Marcus Williams
FS: Geno Stone
RCB: Brandon Stephens, Ronald Darby
NB: Kyle Hamilton, Ar’Darius Washington, Arthur Maulet
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore shotguns beer with Ravens fans
You can’t say Maryland Gov. West Moore isn’t a man of the people. The 45-year-old Democrat appeared on social media with tailgating Ravens fans shotgunning beers before the AFC championship game against the Chiefs.
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