The AFC and NFC championship games are here, as countless NFL fans await the clash of the final four teams, here are my predictions on who will win today, and move on to the Super Bowl.
AFC Championship – Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens
Sun, Jan 28, 2024 at 3:00 PM
This year’s AFC championship game is a matchup like no other. A juggernaut of a Baltimore Ravens team led by MVP candidate quarterback Lamar Jackson, host generational quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore this afternoon. The highlight of this game is the elite quarterback play—two MVPs, facing each other, both in conversations for the best quarterback in the NFL. Although Mahomes might be the undisputed best QB, Lamar Jackson has made this season his mission to prove that he belongs on top of the NFL’s QB mountain.
After leading the Ravens to a 13-4 record and the first seed in the AFC. Jackson’s dual-threat ability poses an enormous problem for defences, especially for a Kansas City defence that ranked 17th in their ability to stop the run this year. However, that is no knock on the elite Chiefs defence, in fact, the Kansas City defence, is the primary reason they’ve gotten to where they are, being ranked second in the NFL headed into the postseason behind only their opponent this week, the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens defense this year has been almost perfect, ranking first in points per game, 2nd in yards per play, 2nd in QB rating, 3rd in scoring rate, and 4th in rushing yards per game. The only cause for concern when looking at this defence is that they ranked 22nd in pressure rate amongst all NFL teams. This could be problematic when facing a superstar quarterback in Mahomes, giving a player like him too much time in the pocket could be a game-changer.
In saying this, Mahomes can only do so much with the way their receiving core has performed this season, being an up-and-down, inconsistent offence all year long. Unlike the Chiefs, the Ravens whose offense was ranked top of the league going into the postseason by Jason Burgos of sportsnaut.com. This might be Baltimore’s year to take down Kansas City. With a receiving core led by rookie Zay Flowers, who finished with 858 yards this year, along with, Odell Beckham Jr., and tight end Mark Andrews. This offence is more than capable of not only beating the Chiefs but also winning a Super Bowl. This game will not only be a quarterback showdown, it will be an offensive and defensive masterclass, and I think this week, it is Baltimore’s time.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens.
NFC Championship – Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers
Sun, Jan 28, 2024 at 6:30 PM
In what promises to be an absolute dogfight, Dan Campbell‘s newly revamped Detroit Lions are set to face Kyle Shanahan and his star-studded San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara tomorrow night. After the announcement earlier today that Deebo Samuel will be playing, this offense, which some are calling the Avengers, consists of MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and the big man Trent Williams.
Dan Campbell and the Lions have a difficult challenge against this 12-5 Niners team. This Lions defense ranked in the top 3 in the league in rushing yards allowed per game and rushing yards allowed per carry. Both of these teams rank in the top 5 of rushing offense and defense, so although the battle between Goff and Purdy may not be as exciting as Lamar and Mahomes, the matchup between Gibbs and McCaffrey will be elite.
The Detroit Lions, who had won only one playoff game in 63 years before this season, are now one win away from a Super Bowl appearance. This Lions team is deadly and known for their gutsy play calls. Although the Niners team is stacked, boasting a near-perfect offense, they are still very beatable. Having only beaten the young Packers by 3 points, this team could be shocked, and find out what this Detroit team is made of.
Jared Goff, who finished second in the league in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns, has recently been showing why everybody should be fearful of this young Lions team. Although facing arguably the best defensive line in the league, Goff should feel well-protected, as the Lions offensive line ranked 2nd in the NFL this season. Despite having Trent Williams, the weak spot of the Niners offense is definitely their line. Aidan Hutchinson and this Lions D-line will really test Brock Purdy tomorrow night.
Prediction: Detroit Lions.