Every year throughout the Kansas City Chiefs' dynasty run, one of the biggest questions asked by media and fans is who will be the biggest threat to them in the postseason.
The Chiefs have beaten 11 AFC teams in the playoffs since 2019. Since then only the Cincinnati Bengals have beaten them, which was in 2021. Kansas City avenged that loss the following year in the 2022 AFC Championship game.
As we enter the 2024 postseason, the Chiefs have positioned themselves well to once again make it back to the Super Bowl, already having secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They will be well-rested and have momentum, winners of their last six games.
K.C. will host the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round in about 2.5 weeks time. If they win that game, the Chiefs will host the AFC Championship for the fifth time in the last six years. As we ponder who poses the biggest threat to knock off them off, X account CitadelChief identified the Baltimore Ravens as that team based off win-loss records vs. .500 or better teams.
The Ravens are tied with the Chiefs for the most wins over teams with at least a .500 record with nine. However, K.C. has just one loss in that department, whereas Baltimore has three. The 11-5 Ravens can clinch the AFC North division title with a win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.
Baltimore certainly has what it takes to beat the Chiefs. John Harbaugh is one of the best coaches in the NFL, quarterback Lamar Jackson may be in line to win his third MVP, and the Ravens have the No. 1 offense in the league. K.C. edged out the Ravens in last year's AFC Championship game 17-10 in Baltimore.
One factor that could prove to be a game-changer in the Ravens' chances of beating the Chiefs is the addition of running back Derrick Henry. In last year's matchup the Ravens struggled to run the ball against the Chiefs' defense. Henry has elevated Baltimore's offense to an elite level, as he ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Not to be forgotten is the Chiefs-Ravens Week 1 matchup to begin the 2024 season. K.C. edged out the Ravens yet again as tight end Isaiah Likely couldn't get a second toe down in bounds on what would have been a receiving touchdown, setting Baltimore up to either potentially tie the game with an extra point or go for the win with a two-point conversion.
It's fair to make the argument that the Chiefs were fortunate to play the Ravens when Henry wasn't quite yet accustomed to the offense. K.C. limited him to 46 yards on 13 carries. However, an argument can also be made that the Chiefs are just that good, as they have surrendered the least amount of rushing yards to the running back position this season.
Regardless of where the truth lies, if the Ravens and Chiefs meet yet again in the postseason, it should be a great matchup. K.C. is looking to become the first team to ever win three straight Super Bowls, while Jackson and Henry are chasing their first one to put the feather in their caps of future Hall of Fame careers.
