BREAKING NEWS: An ESPN personality has selected Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens as the MVP frontrunner over Patrick Mahomes of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC Championship in the 2023-24 postseason.

This upcoming Sunday presents a potential for breaking NFL viewership records as the Kansas City Chiefs face the Baltimore Ravens, and the Detroit Lions aim for their first-ever Super Bowl berth against the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs, led by two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes, are set for their third consecutive cold-weather game, challenging the top-ranked Baltimore Ravens.

Should Mahomes secure a victory, it would mark his fourth career Super Bowl appearance. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson of the Ravens, despite less impressive postseason statistics in his first three outings, is gearing up for his inaugural AFC Championship. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith created a stir on First Take when he surprisingly expressed a preference for Lamar Jackson over two-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes for Sunday’s game. Despite acknowledging Mahomes’ exceptional career achievements, Smith leaned towards Jackson, stating, “On this morning, I have to say, it’s Lamar Jackson.”

Co-host Marcus Spears responded with disbelief, considering Mahomes’ outstanding 13-3 postseason record, completing 67% of passes for 4,561 yards and 38 touchdowns with seven interceptions. In contrast, Jackson holds a 2-3 playoff record, a 75.7 rating, completing 58% of passes for five touchdowns and five interceptions, but excelling in rushing with an average of 93.4 yards per game.

A Chiefs win on Sunday would propel them to their second consecutive Super Bowl, but they must overcome the challenge on the road in Baltimore. Last Sunday, in their first playoff road game of the Mahomes era, the Chiefs triumphed over the Buffalo Bills 27-24. Mahomes showcased his skills, throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns, both connecting with future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce. This dynamic duo set a record with 16 touchdowns, establishing themselves as a formidable QB-receiver combination.