As the AFC Championship Game approaches, it is time to start looking at the prop bets for the game. What makes betting fun is the ability to cheer for certain players even if you do not like the teams playing. Prop bets can be some of the most rewarding and infuriating bets to make, but at this point in the season, we have a much better idea of the tendencies of each team. As the AFC Championship Game draws closer, here are three prop bets for the Chiefs vs. Ravens. Note: all bets are via FanDuel sportsbook.
AFC Championship Game Prop Bets #1: Travis Kelce Stays Hot
Travis Kelce To Score 2+ Touchdowns: +800
In the divisional round game against the Buffalo Bills, Travis Kelce looked like his old self. After a lackluster season by his standards, the connection between him and Patrick Mahomes looked as strong as ever on Sunday. The future Hall of Famer had five receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. At +800, the odds pay out some good value. The only thing to be nervous about is the Ravens defense. They have been one of the most suffocating units in the league, and this could become a low-scoring game.
Are you a big believer in Kelce this weekend? You could go big. The odds for Kelce to score 3+ touchdowns is +5000. In terms of AFC Championship prop bets, this is very unlikely. However, the combination of Kelce and Mahomes is among the greatest in NFL playoff history. You are betting on a shootout between the two teams for this one. It may seem unlikely, but sometimes, letting it fly is more fun than playing conservatively.
AFC Championship Game Prop Bets #2: Ravens Sack Attack
Baltimore Ravens to Record 6+ Sacks vs Kansas City Chiefs +1800
The Baltimore Ravens led the league in sacks this season. In 17 games, the team racked up 60 sacks, led by Justin Madubuike (13), Jadaveon Clowney (9.5), and Kyle Van Noy (9). They have a rotation of defensive linemen who are relentless. The combination of Patrick Queen, Roquan Smith, and Kyle Hamilton gives defensive coordinator Mike McDonald plenty of blitzing options.
The Chiefs have had some protection problems late in the season. In the last six games of the regular season, the team gave up 14 sacks. In three of the final six games, Mahomes was sacked 3+ times. If the Ravens can get out to an early lead and force the Chiefs to be one-dimensional, there should be plenty of opportunities for sacks. The Ravens have only reached six sacks once this season in a game against the Tennessee Titans. However, they had four games with five sacks and another four games with four sacks. This team gets to the quarterback, making this one of the more interesting AFC Championship Game prop bets.
AFC Championship Game Prop Bets #3: Rush Attack
Same Game Parlay: Lamar Jackson 60+ rushing yards, Patrick Mahomes 25+ rushing yards, Isiah Pacheco 50+ rushing yards, and Gus Edwards 40+ rushing yards. +696
This one doesn’t make you rich, but it is still of decent value. Same-game parlays are some of the most fun bets because they constantly give you something to cheer for, depending on how you structure them. What I like about this one is it has a high chance to hit, and the odds mean a $5 bet becomes $35. Jackson and Pacheco would be the ones I would feel the most comfortable about. The Ravens quarterback is often featured in the running game. Pacheco is the clear number-one running back, so getting to 50 yards in a January game seems likely.
Mahomes and Edwards are the gamble; however, the numbers are lower, so it isn’t as hard to see it happening. Mahomes is good for two to three 3rd and 10 scrambles per game. After a couple of those, he hits the benchmark. Edwards would most likely be the one you would sweat out. Forty yards isn’t a lot, but the Ravens often go with the hot hand. The great thing about this parlay is if you feel great about one of those players, you can increase the threshold for rushing yards and get an even better pay out.
The AFC Championship Game has a lot of fun prop bets. There is potential for a lot of scoring but also a lot of great defensive performances. Good luck with your best this weekend!
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Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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