The Chowder is Safe, the Patriots Are In!

A 23-20 Patriots win over the Ravens means U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta and some his buddies in D.C. will dine on Maryland crab cakes and his New England clam chowder will remain here in New Hampshire.

According to a story reported on WMUR, Guinta and Rep. Andy Harris, R-Maryland, placed a friendly bet on this afternoon's AFC Championship, offering up treats synonymous with the states they're from.

Guinta, the Republican Congressman for New Hampshire's 1st District, bet chowder from Brown's Lobster Pound in Seabrook, while Harris offered up a batch of Maryland crab cakes according to the story on WMUR.

"When Ravens fans are eating crow next week, my staff and I will be eating Maryland crab cakes," he posted on Facebook. "I'm proud of the Patriots, and proud of New England's famous clam chowder, too. Come Sunday night, our chowder will be staying in New England and the Ravens will be heading home in defeat."

Guinta's confidence paid off when Ravens place kicker Billy Cundiff went wide on a field goal in the last minute of the game, missing what would have been the tying score and likely forcing the game into overtime.

The Patriots will now head Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis on Feb. 5 being played right now, between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers.

This will be the first time the Patriots have returned to the Super Bowl since they lost the 2007 contest to the Giants 17-14, ending what would have been a perfect season for the New England team.