Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce shined brightly in the first half, the defensive unit slowed down Lamar Jackson and the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 on Sunday to book their ticket to the Super Bowl.
Kelce caught 11 passes for 116 yards and scored a touchdown in front of his partner Taylor Swift, present in the stands. The question now is whether the singer will go to Las Vegas in two weeks, when she will be in the middle of a tour.
“The Chiefs are still the Chiefs,” Kelce said after the game. And believe it, you have to fight for your right to party! We’re going to Las Vegas! »
The Chiefs (14-6) will now face the San Francisco 49ers on February 11. They will try to become the first team since the New England Patriots 19 years ago to win the Super Bowl in back-to-back years.
While the offensive unit hasn’t been as productive as in recent years for the Chiefs, the defense took charge in the AFC final, but also against the Bills in Buffalo this week. last.
“It’s been a hell of a year. We were the underdogs for the last few games, Mahomes said. We never feel like neglected people. We have a lot of guys on this team who know how to win. When the playoffs come, they are there. And now we’re going to the Super Bowl. The work is not finished. »
The Chiefs led 17-10 at halftime and Justin Tucker’s 43-yard field goal set up the only three points in the final two quarters with 2:34 to play.
The Ravens (14-5) then punted deep, but Mahomes found Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a third down and nine yards. The 32-yard play sealed the result of the game. Mahomes completed 30 of 39 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown.
The Ravens gave the Chiefs majors on their first two possessions, then made mistakes and were undisciplined the rest of the game.
With them trailing by 10 points in the third quarter, rookie Zay Flowers caught a 54-yard pass to the Chiefs’ 10-line. He was later punished for making fun of the Chiefs. Moments later, he lost the ball very close to the goal line and the visitors recovered it.
It was one of several frustrating moments for Ravens fans as Baltimore hosted its first AL final since 1971, when the Colts defeated the Oakland Raiders.
Jackson completed 20 of 37 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown, but the Ravens never attempted to exploit his talent on the ground. He was responsible for two turnovers, including an interception in the end zone with 6:45 remaining.
Jackson could win a second Most Valuable Player title after leading his team to the best record in the NFL at the end of the regular season.
It was a sixth appearance in the American final for the Chiefs, who will participate in a fourth Super Bowl in five seasons.