After a wild divisional round, four teams remain in their quest to hoist the Lombardi trophy. It is no coincidence that three of the four teams-the Chiefs, Bengals, and 49ers are repeating their appearances from last season. There was a hunger in all three times to get back to this stage and win it all. Another observation is that three of the four teams have their quarterbacks on rookie deals meaning they can pay for more premium talent at other positions. Another interesting fact about this weekend’s matchups is that it will be the youngest combined average quarterback age to feature in the Championship round. The matchups on paper look perfect, and these are the four best teams in the 2022 season. These teams have the right blend of being elite on one or both sides of the ball. It has been a remarkable journey for these teams, but only two will make it to Super Bowl LVII. In this article, we preview and predict the two-conference championship games.
Last week: 3-1
Playoffs: 8-2
Regular Season: 63-27
1. NFC Championship Game-San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles-Sunday, 3 p.m., Fox
These two teams have elite pass rushers, and the key to this matchup will be the running game of both teams. Miles Sanders and Boston Scott have to become a big factor in the offense if Jaylen Hurts quarterback runs are going to be effective. The 49ers duo of Christian McCaffery and Elijah Mitchell will have to earn yardage to ensure that the Eagles are not focused on just stopping Purdy. Another thrilling aspect of this matchup will be watching the catching talent of AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert versus Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuels, and George Kittle. Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans will be looking to make a statement on their side of the ball as they increase their stock as teams scramble to fill their head coaching positions. The last time these two teams met was on September 19, 2021, when the 49ers defeated the Eagles on the road 17-11 with Jaylen Hurts at the helm. I think this will be a high-scoring game, and it will be decided by a late turnover. I believe the 49ers will force that turnover to get the job done on the road and win this game at Lincoln Financial field.
49ers 30-Eagles 27
2. AFC Championship Game-Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs-Sunday, 6:30 p.m., CBS
The biggest storyline heading into this game is the health concerns about Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes gutted out a high ankle sprain in last week’s matchup against the Jaguars, but there is speculation about how healthy he will be when the Bengals roll into town. Look for the Bengals to test how the ankle looks early in the game by sending blitzes to get after the quarterback. The Bengals had Josh Allen guessing last week as the defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, utilized delayed blitz to make the Bills quarterback look human. Another key for the Chiefs will be the running game of Isaiah Pacheco and Jerrick McKinnon to keep the pressure off Mahomes. I favor the Bengals in this matchup because the Chiefs’ defense has shown they are incapable of slowing down the Bengals’ offense. Joe Burrow has completed 72% of his passes with eight touchdowns and one interception. The only way to slow down Burrow is to sack him, and I am not sure if the Chiefs’ defense will get this task done. Another threat to the Chiefs’ defense was the starring role Joe Mixon played on the ground last week in tallying 105 yards on 20 carries. The Bengals are 3-0 in their last three matchups, and I think they will go to 4-0 and win this tight ballgame.
Bengals 31-Chiefs 29.