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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
glenn erby

One thing to watch for in each Ravens offensive position group against Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs travel to Baltimore for the AFC Championship Game to take on the Ravens.

Since becoming Kansas City’s head coach in 2013, Andy Reid has been 4-1 through the regular season against the Ravens, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been 3-1.

Last Sunday, the Chiefs defeated the Bills in Buffalo 27-24 to advance to the AFC’s final game, while Baltimore is riding high after a 34-10 win over Houston and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

With preparation for the matchup set to begin, we’re looking at one thing to watch at each offensive position group.

QB

Sep 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Lamar Jackson will be making his first AFC Championship game appearance, and all of America will be watching to see the likely NFL MVP go throw for throw and scramble for scramble with the great Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes has been to six straight AFC Championship games, how will Lamar Jackson perform in his first.

RB

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) runs the ball against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore will employ Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Dalvin Cook against a Chiefs defense that is ranked 18th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed.

Someone other than Lamar Jackson has to make a play on the ground, and we’re looking to see which running back will breakout on the biggest stage.

WR

Dec 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) reacts against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The most productive pass catcher at the position in 2023 was rookie Zay Flowers, but Odell Beckham Jr. has always performed on the biggest stages.

Baltimore kept the veteran receiver on a snap count all season long, but will be watching to see if Odell shines when the lights are brightest.

TE

Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) runs following his catch for a second quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Andrews is back, and he’ll return to a Ravens offense that has seen Isaiah Likely take on a prominent role over the past 10-12 weeks.

Will be watching to see how OC Todd Monken incoporates Andrews back into the offense.

OL

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 10: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a touchdown with Tyler Linderbaum #64 during the first quarter in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

Baltimore’s offensive line play improved once John Harbaugh and company started rotating offensive tackles to keep Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses fresh.

We’ll be watching to see how Tyler Linderbaum, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson fare in matchups against Chiefs all-world defensive tackle, Chris Jones.

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