Chiefs DT Chris Jones has big incentive up for grabs in AFC Championship
27 January 2024
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) — It’s brisket against “Old Bay.” Smoked ribs anted up for a couple of dozen crabs.
It’s time for the mayors to bet ahead of the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. The moment showcases the local foods in both cities.
The bet also takes on a little more importance with the Chiefs as road-dogs. It’s somewhat intuitive, but FOX4 confirmed with a few restaurants that their biggest business days happen on Sunday evenings when the Chiefs play at home.
The high watermark for money-making this season was the December game against the Buffalo Bills played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
That’s not to say a lot of money won’t be spent this weekend, especially when people start thinking about sports betting in the playoffs, too.
Looking over the spread of food included in his bet on Friday, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas recommended the wings at Jack Stack.
That said, he hasn’t had to pony up on many mayor’s bet payouts during his tenure, so he sees the target on his back.
“We lost to the Lions, first game of the season. I bumped into a bunch of mayors from Michigan, and you would have thought they won the Super Bowl already. They had a Lions hat for me. They had all this stuff,” Lucas said.
“I think Kansas City is really coming together at the exact right time,” he said.
And most fans at the Martin City Jack Stack location agreed.
“My gut reaction is that they’re going to do it. They’re going to take the Ravens down,” one fan said.
“They’ve got the experience. And they know what it takes to win in the playoffs,” said another.
But the line doesn’t agree, with oddsmakers favoring the Ravens.
“So, yeah, I’ve watched Baltimore probably three or four times this year,” another fan said. “I’m a Lamar fan. However – I do want the Chiefs to win. Let me be clear. But I think the Ravens have an outstanding offense.”
“A lot of people really like to herald their regular season record against the Chiefs. That is wonderful. I think the Chiefs are coming together at the right time this postseason. I’m very proud of it,” Lucas said.
“I’m giving no bulletin board material, by the way,” he added.
The other part of that mayor’s bet is that the loser has to wear the other team’s jersey and light city hall in the opposing team’s color. So there is some reputation on the line beyond the food.