NFL Conference Championship Game Recap: Kansas City Chiefs 17, Baltimore Ravens 10

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

A year after taking home the Lombardi Trophy, the Kansas City Chiefs are headed back to the Super Bowl, handing the Baltimore Ravens a 17-10 loss at M&T Bank Stadium. 

Even though both teams boast strong defenses, each team's offense got off to a hot start, trading opening drive touchdowns to begin the game, though each team's defense settled in after its poor start. There were glimpses of Lamar Jackson‘s heroics, but Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce (who broke Jerry Rice's record for most postseason receptions) and the Chiefs largely controlled the first 30 minutes, taking a 17-7 lead into halftime.

The Ravens couldn't recover from their first-half deficit, as Kansas City's defense was able to force multiple turnovers as the Ravens attempted to get back into the game, enabling Mahomes, Kelce and Andy Reid to reach their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years.

The Chiefs defense deserves a ton of credit for the job it did against Jackson and company, forcing three turnovers while holding the likely MVP to less than 20 points.

Offensive spotlight: On a day when he broke Jerry Rice's postseason receptions record, Travis Kelce put together an outstanding performance, hauling in all 11 of his targets for 116 yards, six first downs and a touchdown. Kelce's back shoulder touchdown grab was incredibly impressive, especially since it came against Kyle Hamilton — PFF's second-highest-graded safety in coverage (90.2) during the regular season.

OH MY GOODNESS TRAVIS KELCE pic.twitter.com/b8W7hs0ih4

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 28, 2024

Defensive spotlight: L'Jarius Sneed — 59.1 passer rating allowed when targeted during the regular season — has been locking up opposing No. 1 receivers all season, but his ability to punch the ball out of Zay Flowers‘ grasp on the goal line was arguably the most important play of the game, as it took away an assured Baltimore touchdown right as the comeback appeared to be a serious possibly. 

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, L'JARIUS SNEED!!! pic.twitter.com/rHw8hcuUgG

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 28, 2024

Additionally, Charles Omenihu, despite playing only a handful of snaps before leaving the game due to injury, also made his presence felt with a hugely important play, as his first-half strip-sack enabled Kansas City to build its 10-point lead that Baltimore failed to claw back from.

CHIEFS STRIP SACK.

????: #KCvsBAL on CBS
????: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/IIZbdmhqNS pic.twitter.com/oFH0mpU6xD

— NFL (@NFL) January 28, 2024

Rookie spotlight: Even though the lost fumble was frustrating, it shouldn't take away from Zay Flowers‘ performance, as he was Baltimore's only effective receiving threat for most of the game. Flowers finished five receptions for 115 yards, three first downs and a touchdown. The loss stings, but the Jackson-Flowers connection is going to be prolific for the foreseeable future.

Box Score

Passing

Rushing

Receiving