In a highly anticipated matchup, the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off in the 2024 AFC Championship Game on Sunday. With the top-seeded Ravens aiming to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 11 years, and the defending champion Chiefs looking to secure their sixth consecutive conference championship appearance, football fans are in for an exhilarating showdown.

Baltimore (14-4) last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after the 2012 season when they narrowly defeated the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling contest. The Ravens are riding high after their dominant 34-10 victory over the Houston Texans in the divisional round. Led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who showcased his dual-threat abilities with 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns, Baltimore's top-ranked rushing offense will look to continue its dominance against the Chiefs.

Kansas City (13-6), on the other hand, is no stranger to the high-stakes of the playoffs. Coming off a hard-fought 27-24 win against the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been exceptional, throwing 10 touchdown passes without any interceptions during the Chiefs' five consecutive postseason victories. The Chiefs' offense has elevated its game, averaging 26.5 points per game and 6.3 yards per play in the playoffs, surpassing their regular-season numbers.

As the Ravens and Chiefs prepare to clash at M&T Bank Stadium at 3 p.m. ET, the odds slightly favor Baltimore as a 3.5-point favorite, with an over/under of 44.5 total points scored. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has an impressive track record of success, has simulated the game 10,000 times, accumulating a remarkable 184-129 run on top-rated NFL picks since the 2017 season.

The projection model reveals that the Ravens have excelled in their ground attack, leading the league with an average of 156.5 rushing yards per game during the regular season. Their success has continued into the playoffs, as they amassed 229 rushing yards against the Texans. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been instrumental in the Ravens' success, recording 18 total touchdowns and committing only two turnovers during his last seven starts.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs' offense has hit its stride in the playoffs, outperforming their regular-season averages. Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding, tossing 10 touchdowns without a single interception, matching a record for the longest postseason streak without a pick dating back to 1970.

With so much talent on both sides of the ball, the SportsLine Projection Model suggests an exciting game with a leaning towards the over on the total points scored. Furthermore, the model indicates that one side of the spread will cash in well over 50% of simulations. As football enthusiasts eagerly await this clash, it is highly recommended to consult the model's analysis before making any NFL picks.

In what promises to be a battle of offensive superiority, the Ravens and Chiefs are set to create a legacy in this thrilling AFC Championship Game. Only time will tell if Baltimore's ground game can overpower the Chiefs' relentless passing attack or if Kansas City's dynamic offense will continue to stamp its mark on the postseason. The stage is set, the teams are ready, and fans across the nation are eagerly awaiting kickoff to witness football history being made.