The Conference Championships games commence this weekend for the NFL.
These are certainly entertaining teams, and a lot is at stake, but here are the favorites to win each game.
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AFC- Kansas City Chiefs -110
Kansas City posted 29.1 points per game, and Cincinnati scored an average of 26.1, so the offenses are comparable. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals allowed 1,706 yards on the ground, and the Chiefs allowed 1,823, so the rush defense is similar. Even the pass defense is similar as the Bengals allowed 3,665 yards while the Chiefs allowed 3,756.
In the regular season, the Bengals defeated the Chiefs 27-24 in a back-and-forth affair. Both teams finished the season on remarkable winning streaks. With the exception of the canceled game against the Buffalo Bills, the Bengals won its’ last eight of the regular season. Kansas City ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak.
But the wildcard of this game is Patrick Mahomes because he exited Saturday’s game against the Jaguars with a high ankle sprain. While Mahomes is arguably the best QB in the game, he may be more hesitant to scramble, favoring a traditional pocket passing role.
People cannot count out the feisty Bengals. If Mahomes is 100 percent, then he may exact his revenge for the previous playoff meeting between these teams.
NFC- Philadelphia Eagles -150
The Eagles open as the favorites for the NFC Championship.
A matchup against the 49ers offer some of the best defenses in the league. Philadelphia allowed the fewest passing yards in 2022 with 3,057. With the second-fewest rushing yards allowed at 1,321, San Francisco boasts a stout defense too.
Jalen Hurts stepped up significantly in the 2022 season, which helped the Eagles to a 14-3 record.
In 2022, Hurts threw for a career-best 3,701 yards. With 22 touchdowns to six interceptions, Hurts showed his potential to be a franchise quarterback. He proved his ability as a dual-threat QB as he rushed for 760, which was lower than the previous year, but found the endzone 13 times.
The acquisition of A.J. Brown helped the offense tremendously as he posted career bests in receptions and yards with 88 and 1,496, respectively. Brown managed to tie his career-high 11 touchdowns as well.
Furthermore, the Eagles scary pass defense may put the 49ers behind the eight ball. If Philadelphia establishes a lead, this may force San Francisco to pass, which is where Philly wants the opponent.
This will be a tough game for sure, but if the Eagles establish an early lead, then it will be tough for the 49ers to be a balanced offense that is not relying on the air attack.