Four teams remain in the hunt for football's ultimate prize...the Lombardi Trophy. With the opening two rounds of the NFL Playoffs now in the books, this Sunday's Conference Championship battles will determine which two squads will earn spots in Super Bowl LVII.
After injuries derailed their 2023 season and they lost their first playoff game in 2022, the Ravens are finally back in the Conference Championship game. Lamar Jackson is just one win away from reaching the Super Bowl, and they will have the opportunity to advance at home in M&T Bank Stadium.
Let's take a look at how the Baltimore Ravens got to this year's AFC Conference Championship game and why they can defeat the Chiefs to make the 2024 Super Bowl.
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How Did The Ravens Get Here?
Baltimore decisively won the AFC North with a 13-4 record, achieving a 13-3 mark in the first 16 games and allowing them to rest their starters in Week 18 of the regular season. Late-season victories against the Dolphins and 49ers showcased the team's potential. In the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans, they secured a dominant 34-10 win, with the defense preventing Houston's offense from reaching the endzone.
The Ravens currently hold the top spot in DVOA, boasting the fourth-best offense and the number-one defense in the NFL. Offensively, they excel with the fifth-best passing offense and the best rushing attack in DVOA. On the defensive front, Baltimore ranks first in DVOA against the pass and seventh against the run.
Lamar Jackson, likely to win his second MVP this season, serves as the driving force for the team's offensive prowess. In his first year as the offensive coordinator, Todd Monken has elevated the passing game, and defensive coordinator Mike McDonald continues to impress as one of the league's most promising coordinators. With elite talents on both sides of the ball, the Ravens emerge as a strong contender for the title of the most complete team in the NFL.
Why The Ravens Will Make The Super Bowl
This marks the best defense Patrick Mahomes has ever had, providing the Chiefs with a chance in every game. Travis Kelce's standout performances in their first two playoff games played a crucial role, although it's worth noting that both opponents faced notable injuries, particularly at the linebacker position. In contrast, the Ravens enter the matchup with almost complete defensive health and boast the NFL's best linebacker duo in Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen.
As shown in the recent Bills game, the Chiefs are vulnerable against the run this season. While the Ravens have significantly improved their passing game, they remain a run-first team at heart. With the ability to overpower Kansas City on the ground, utilizing Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Lamar Jackson, and potentially Dalvin Cook, they can control the game's tempo.
Baltimore's defense, a standout throughout the year, excels in various coverage types and personnel packages. With talent across every position, the Ravens are poised to exploit the Chiefs' persistent issues at the receiver position. While Patrick Mahomes is undoubtedly an all-time great, the Ravens have the necessary elements to knock him off at home and advance to the Super Bowl.
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