Baltimore had the NFL’s best record in the regular season (13-4) and their quarterback Lamar Jackson is favourite to be named this season’s Most Valuable Player.

He was up against reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes and they looked set for a quarterback shootout as both threw a touchdown pass in the first quarter, but defences then dominated.

Tight end Travis Kelce, again watched by his superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift, claimed the opening score and continued to be a vital target for Mahomes. He caught all 11 passes to him for 116 yards to pass San Francisco legend Jerry Rice for most receptions in NFL play-off history.

After Mahomes fired a 19-yard dart to Kelce just inside the pylon on Kansas City’s opening drive, Jackson replied by escaping a sack to launch a 30-yard touchdown to Zay Flowers.

The Chiefs then ushered Isiah Pacheco into the end zone, before making it 17-7 with a field goal right before half-time.

Kansas City’s defence stifled Jackson, sacking him four times, and pulled off two key plays to seal victory.

The first was a touchdown-saving tackle by L’Jarius Sneed at the start of the fourth quarter as the Chiefs cornerback punched the ball out of Flowers’ grasp as the Ravens receiver reached for the end zone.

Then with Baltimore still trailing 17-7 with less than seven minutes left, Jackson forced a pass into the end zone on second down, with his intended target Isaiah Likely surrounded by three defenders.

Kansas City’s Deon Bush claimed an interception, meaning it is set to be the second campaign in which Jackson, 27, has produced an MVP-winning season only for the Ravens to fall short in the post-season.