San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions (Levi 's Stadium)
This game is fascinating for a few reasons. The first of which is plain and obvious. It involves the Detroit Lions.
Detroit just won their first playoff game since 1992 against the Rams, and then they followed that up with another victory against Baker's Bucs.
So now, after an 8 game and 32 year playoff losing streak the Detroit Lions find themselves playing for a chance to go to their 1st ever Super Bowl
Next, the quarterbacks. What is going on man. The quarterback matchup in this year's NFC championship game is Brock Purdy and Jared Goff. Each of the previous 4 years have featured one of Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford or Jalen Hurts. That is 3 possible HoF QBs and one who was top 3 in MVP voting in his year.
Everyone knows that QB is the most important position in the NFL. However, these two teams have proven that it is not the only important one. This is no slight to Purdy or Goff. Both of these QBs have done exactly what their team has asked them for and then some. Both of these guys had fantastic seasons, but while this may hold true, no number of stats will ever convince someone that Purdy and Goff are better than the AFC Quarterbacks. They probably won't even convince you that they belong in the same breath as Mahomes and Lamar.
Finally, the predictions. I love the Lions and their story. Who doesn't? It would be amazing for the city of Detroit and their fans. However, I think you know where this is going. The 49ers are just too good. Now I will mention the fact that Deebo might not play, and I actually do believe that has potential to alter the outcome of this game. That said, my assumption is that he will play and the Niners will prove to be too much for the Lions.
I see this being a high scoring game. Both of these teams share the same weakness. Their secondary. Ever since the 9ers lost Hufanga, their secondary has not been the same. And the Lions, well.... they never had much of one. I think these teams sling the rock around a little bit but San Fran comes out on top. I see big games from Amon-Ra and Aiyuk. 34-31 San Francisco
Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs (M&T Bank Stadium)
Now for the AFC championship. This one is a lot simpler. However, this is one of the hardest games that I have ever had to predict.
Let's start with the Ravens.
Wow. This team is unbelievable. They are now 14-4 with victories over the Texans (twice), the Bengals (twice), the Browns, the Lions, the Rams, the Jaguars, the 49ers and the Dolphins.
Every single one of those teams finished above .500. They are the only team to record double-digit wins against above .500 opponents.
The Ravens boast one of the greatest defenses in the history of the league. They won the first ever triple crown leading in scoring defense, sacks, and takeaways.
This team is very real and very scary.
Let's welcome their opponents. The Kansas City Chiefs.
This team is appearing in its 6th consecutive AFC championship game. However, this is their first time on the road.
Patrick Mahomes has won two league MVPs, two Super Bowl MVPs, and as we just covered, has never missed a trip to the AFC championship.
But alas, this is not the same Chiefs teams of the last half decade. Travis Kelce is 34, their starting running back is a 7th round pick, and their receivers lead the NFL in dropped yardage.
The largest difference between this team and the one from years past however, is that the defense is twice as good. They rank in the top 3 in opponent yards and points per game, and they are first in sack percentage.
This defense truly is elite.
My prediction: I think this will be a tremendous game, but perhaps not in the way people would like to see. I see a final score of 20-17 with both teams defenses continually stepping up when they need to. But when everyone looks back at this game I think they will remember one play or one call that could have changed the outcome entirely. 20-17 Baltimore
Commenti