Five teams built to beat the Chiefs: No. 1, Lamar Jackson’s Ravens. This choice reflects the Ravens’ unique blend of talent, strategy, and determination, making them a formidable contender against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens have consistently shown they can compete at the highest level, and with Jackson at the helm, they possess the tools needed to disrupt the Chiefs’ quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl title.
Lamar Jackson, frustrated after a critical mistake in the previous season’s AFC Championship Game, threw his helmet to the ground. This moment highlighted the pressure he faces in pivotal games. With less than seven minutes remaining and the Ravens trailing the Chiefs 17-7, Jackson’s ill-timed pass to Isaiah Likely, who was heavily guarded, resulted in an interception, squandering a chance to close the gap.
This defeat marked the second time in five seasons that the Ravens, despite being the AFC’s No. 1 seed, fell short of reaching the Super Bowl. Observers noted the ongoing rivalry between Jackson and Mahomes, with Mahomes leading their matchups 4-1, further emphasizing the stakes for Jackson.
Postgame, former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen expressed his support for Jackson, stating, “That guy was the main guy I was playing for, honestly.” Queen’s words resonated, showcasing the camaraderie and belief within the Ravens’ locker room. They all want to see Jackson succeed and earn the accolades he deserves.
Looking ahead to 2024, Jackson, now 27, is coming off a season where he secured his second MVP award, joining an elite club of players with multiple MVPs. His performance as a passer reached new heights, with career-best figures in several categories, including passing attempts and completion rate. Additionally, he led the Ravens in rushing for the fifth consecutive year, amassing 821 yards.
The Ravens’ backfield has become even more potent with the addition of Derrick Henry, a perennial Pro Bowl running back who signed a two-year, $16 million contract after a stellar career with the Tennessee Titans. This dynamic duo of Jackson and Henry presents a dual-threat that could give opposing defenses nightmares.
Why Jackson and the Ravens could beat the Chiefs in a potential playoff rematch
During a crucial drive last season, the Ravens showcased their offensive strategy. Facing a fourth-and-1 from their own 34, they called a designed run for Jackson, who gained 21 yards. Following that, running back Gus Edwards added 15 yards, culminating in a touchdown pass shortly after. This sequence exemplifies how a focused rushing attack could be the key to overcoming the Chiefs.
Under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the Ravens have the potential to shift their strategy. In their previous encounter, Jackson faced immense pressure, resulting in four sacks and two turnovers, while the Chiefs dominated possession, holding the ball for over 37 minutes. A more balanced offensive approach could change the outcome in a future playoff game.
Historically, Jackson has performed well against the Chiefs. In seven regular-season matchups, he has rushed for 447 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 111.8 rushing yards per game against them. This impressive statistic underscores his ability to exploit Kansas City’s defense.
Henry’s playoff performances against the Chiefs have also been noteworthy, with 225 rushing yards in two games. The Chiefs’ defense, while improved, allowed 4.5 yards per carry last season, ranking 17th in the league. This vulnerability presents an opportunity for the Ravens to capitalize on their strong running game.
The Ravens’ combination of Jackson’s dynamic playmaking and Henry’s powerful running style could create significant challenges for the Chiefs. This potential matchup highlights why the Ravens are viewed as a serious threat to Kansas City’s aspirations.
This is why two-time MVP Jackson aims to finally reach the Super Bowl stage.
Five teams that can prevent a Chiefs three-peat:
No. 1: Lamar Jackson/Ravens
No. 2: Jared Goff/Lions
No. 3: C.J. Stroud/Texans
No. 4: Brock Purdy/49ers
No. 5: Jalen Hurts/Eagles
