A dozen (or so) tasks the Chiefs must accomplish to knock off the Ravens

11. Patrick Mahomes needs to be Patrick Mahomes (again)

I said the same thing last week and it remains especially true this week. The Chiefs are likely outclassed in players 2 through 53 on both rosters, but they have a strong advantage at the one position that can swing this game one way or another. Quarterback.

Due to circumstances out of his control, Patrick Mahomes hasn't had as good of a season as Lamar Jackson, but there's no question that he's the better overall player. That needs to be the case in this game. The Chiefs have relied on Mahomes more so this year than in any other season and he's lived up to the challenge so far. If he has an off game, the Chiefs are in danger of being clobbered.

The Ravens are better than the Bills in pretty much every area, except quarterback, and the Chiefs were in danger of losing the Divisional Round game in the fourth quarter, so Patrick Mahomes needs to be on his A-game for the Chiefs to win.

If Patrick Mahomes plays like the future first-ballot Hall of Famer that he is, the Chiefs will likely win. If he has a down game, the Chiefs will get crushed. Patrick Mahomes needs to be Patrick Mahomes.