NFL
NFL preview: Ravens in full flight for Super Bowl contention
The NFL postseason rolls on to the divisional round, but as the Ravens and 49ers make their 2024 playoff debut, who will advance to championship weekend?
We’ve previewed the key matchups below.
Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens
How much progress have the Texans made under their rookie quarterback CJ Stroud and first-year coach DeMeco Ryans since their 25-9 loss to the Ravens since opening week?
Stroud was sacked five times by five different players in that defeat, so be sure that the Baltimore Ravens will stick to a similar game plan.
Stroud remains a high-volume passer, but he faces a formidable defence that recorded as many interceptions (18) as it has allowed passing touchdowns (18) this season.
The unit ranks first in the league in fewest points per game allowed, total sacks and is tied for the most takeaways.
In their initial encounter this season, Baltimore’s offense struggled, managing just 265 yards with a couple of turnovers against the Texans, who also notably limited the Cleveland Browns to 56 rushing yards in the previous game.
The Texans’ key to success lies in making the Ravens look one-dimensional and containing the NFL MVP-elect, Lamar Jackson. If successful, they’ll be worth taking on at 37/10.
However, Baltimore will have star tight end Mark Andrews back for this game, adding to their collection of pass-catching weapons – coupled with their defence – this should give Jackson his first shot at an AFC championship game.
The Ravens are 2/9 favs on the Money Line. Both teams to score at least 2 touchdowns in the match is 10/29 and that could well be the way to go here.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills
In his first postseason away game, Patrick Mahomes renews rivalries with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills who secured a close a 20-17 victory against Kansas City last time out in Week 14.
All eyes will be on the showdown between Mahomes and Allen, however the game might shift into a defensive struggle. The initial encounter revealed both teams failed to establish a potent running game, with Buffalo controlling the majority of possession.
The strategy remains to keep Mahomes off the field as much as possible, but recently on the offense, he continues to be smart with the football.
The Chiefs are evolving their rushing attack with Isiah Pacheco, and the emergence of Rashee Rice as a key pass-catcher could be the biggest X factor of the playoffs in the AFC.
Andy Reid’s team have also improved on their defence, effectively shutting out the high-flying Dolphins in the Wild Card round (outside of a Tyreek Hill touchdown in the first half).
The key for the Buffalo Bills lies on Allen avoiding game-changing interceptions, allowing them to harness the energy of the home crowd and the challenging weather conditions.
However, Mahomes is an entirely different animal in the playoffs, even if he is playing on the road for the first time in his postseason career.
The reigning Superbowl MVP will be able to relay on tight end, Travis Kelce, and their improving run-game/defence, utilising their postseason experience.
The Bills are 4/6 favs on the Money Line, with the Chiefs 13/10 outsiders and EVS to cover the spread; total points over 45.5 is 10/11.
William Hill are also offering the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs all to win – was 7/2, now 4/1.
