On Sunday, wager $10 on the Kansas City Chiefs (+2).
To beat SF:
$20.00
Lose by less than two.
To win: $18.70 To lose: $18.33 The AFC Championship will be played at M&T Bank Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Ravens are favorites to win. We welcome managing editor Kyle Phoenix of Baltimore Beatdown, our sibling SB Nation site covering the Ravens, to Five Questions with the Enemy.
1) The Ravens will face a lot of pressure on Sunday. How is this squad better prepared to face it this season?
I believe it begins with the coaching. The Ravens undoubtedly have one of the greatest staffs in place, led by the (usually) even-keeled John Harbaugh. The coordinators are knowledgeable, the play-calling is more accommodating, and they don’t look to be panicked.
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Regarding the players, there is significantly more leadership in the room this season than in previous years. The club is led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and ILB Roquan Smith. Jackson has grown into a better leader, as he was the one who rallied the offense as they went into halftime tied 10-10 against the Houston Texans in the divisional round. He’s more mature and analytical than when he first entered the league and annihilated opponents with his talent alone. On defense, they have Smith, who is essentially the modern-day Ray Lewis. It is incredible to watch someone fill those shoes, yet Smith has done so.
2) The Chiefs defense relies on blitzes to get sacks. How do the Ravens put pressure on their quarterback?
The Ravens are effective in many ways. They are a team that enjoys simulating pressure by sending four players after the quarterback while altering their approach. Sometimes they drop two defensive linemen and rush with a nickel cornerback and an inside linebacker. However, they are a club that does not require a blitz to get to the quarterback. Their edge rushers can get him. Both Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy have demonstrated that even as veterans, they can still get the job done.
3) How has Lamar’s game evolved over the last year, allowing him to be so composed now?
He is just so “locked in.” No more contract problems. No more struggling without receiving weaponry. He is now working with an offensive coordinator who can help him develop as a passer. Since draft night, he has focused solely on winning the Super Bowl. And he believes he can achieve it with this team.
4) Are there any prop bets that you like?
My favorite prop bet is “Lamar Jackson’s longest rush over 17.5 yards.”
Jackson is lethal with his legs, and if the Chiefs try to blitz him and he breaks free, I believe he will be able to slash the defense for more than 18 yards. So, that is my favorite prop bet.
Some believe Mark Andrews’ anytime TD is a possibility. Given that he’ll be back in the lineup and is Jackson’s preferred target, that could be a tease.
5) According to DraftKings, the Ravens are small favorites, which is usual given their home advantage. Do you believe the Bank will be pivotal? How do you see this game progressing?
I can easily see the M&T Bank Stadium crowd having an impact on this game. They did so against the Texans last week, resulting in six pre-snap penalties. And this fandom is so determined to win, especially against the Chiefs, that I expect them to go crazy on Sunday.
Call me a purple Kool-Aid drinker if you want, but I’m betting on the Ravens in this game against the spread. The Ravens have recently demonstrated an incredible ability to defeat excellent teams, and I envision them dominating a Chiefs club that isn’t their regular superpower self. And, while the Chiefs are still good, I believe the Ravens will be even better — especially at home.
