The most recent occurrence of Baltimore hosting a conference championship game traces back to the era of Richard Nixon's presidency, with the median family income in the United States standing at a modest $10,290.
Now, more than 50 years later, Charm City is bestowed with yet another opportunity. However, this time it is the Ravens, not the Colts—who, a mere 13 years after the inaugural AFC Championship game, relocated to Indianapolis—vying for a conference title at M&T Bank Stadium instead of the historic Memorial Stadium.
The Chiefs find themselves in their sixth consecutive championship game, but notably, this marks their first away game among this six-game stretch. On the other side, the Ravens are set to make their fifth appearance in a conference title game, but this time, they have the home-field advantage.
Kansas City, however, faces challenges as they enter the game without the services of wide receiver Kaderius Toney, who is ruled out due to a hip injury, compounded by undisclosed "personal reasons" cited by the team. The Chiefs also grapple with issues along the offensive line, with left guard Joe Thuney sidelined due to a strained pectoral muscle suffered in the Divisional Round clash against Buffalo.
The responsibility now falls on running back Isiah Pacheco to make a significant impact against the Ravens' defense, although the absence of Thuney could pose a hindrance. Pacheco himself is contending with an ankle and toe injury.
As for the Ravens, their injury landscape includes cornerback Marlon Humphrey, wide receiver Tylan Wallace, and safety Rock Ya-Sin, all listed as questionable, while linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips is deemed doubtful. The team is optimistic about the return of tight end Mark Andrews, marking his first game since sustaining an ankle injury against the Bengals on Nov. 16, causing him to miss the final seven regular-season games and the Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans.
%20(1)-Photoroom.png)