Chiefs stock watch: Which players impressed during AFC Championship Game vs. Ravens?

The Kansas City Chiefs are returning to the Super Bowl to defend their title following their 17-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Head coach Andy Reid and his team are crowned AFC Champions again and look ahead to a business trip to Las Vegas in two weeks.

The Chiefs’ defense was more than up for slowing down potential league MVP Lamar Jackson—defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit utilized pressure throughout the game. The game consisted of crucial red zone takeaways and excellent coverage in the secondary.

The defensive line overpowered the highly respected Ravens’ protection schemes to stall one of the league’s best offenses to a crawl; George Karlaftis, Tershawn Wharton, Charles Omenihu, and Justin Reid collected a sack.

On offense, the combination of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce reminded the world that they are the best in the business. There were crushing runs from Isiah Pacheco and solid play from rookie Rashes Rice. The game-sealing catch from Marquez Valdez-Scantling was poetic justice after a highly criticized regular season.

The Chiefs are ready for a trip to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII to defend their title and etch their name in history as one of the best dynasties.

Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the AFC Championship victory at M&T Bank Stadium:

Stock Up: Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) throws the ball into the stands after scoring on a 22 yard touchdown catch.

The big game challenge was met and dominated by Kelce as he torched the Ravens’ defense all game. He finished with 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, passing Jerry Rice for the most receptions in post-season history.

Stock Up: Patrick Mahomes

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up prior to the AFC Championship football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Mahomes is undefeated in post-season road games, as he seemed very comfortable against the Ravens defense. He ended the game 30-39 for 241 yards and a touchdown, punching his fourth ticket to the Super Bowl.

Stock Up: L'Jarius Sneed

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 07: L’Jarius Sneed #38 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after forcing an incomplete pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter of the game at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

The coverage of Sneed on top receivers has been his calling card all season. His play in the fourth quarter caused a fumble at the goal line on Baltimore receiver Zay Flowers that ended any momentum the Ravens were building to spark a comeback.

Stock Up: Drue Tranquill

Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) celebrates after a play against the Denver Broncos during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

A game-time decision ruled Willie Gay out for the game as he continues to deal with a neck injury. Tranquill was all over the field, leading the team with eight tackles, playing in relief of Gay, and proving he’s an invaluable part of the unit.

Stock Up: George Karlaftis

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) warms up prior to an NFL football game agaisnt the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

The second-year pass rusher continues to improve significantly with each big game he plays, and Sunday’s victory was another example of his growth. Karlaftis tallied three tackles and a sack on Lamar Jackson while often featuring on all-down blitz packages from his defensive end spot.