The Bengals Have Patrick Mahomes' Number
Mitchell Leff. Getty Images.NFC Championship Game
Phi -2.5 (o/u 46.5)
Eagles 19 49ers 16
The 49ers have been the hottest team in the NFL, winning ten straight to close the regular season and continuing with wins over the Seahawks and Cowboys in the playoffs. The Niners have used defense to get to the NFC Championship Game for the second consecutive season. They have allowed 277 yards on the season, the best in the NFL, with Nick Bossa, the presumptive Defensive Player of the Year, leading the way. Injuries have played a role in the season as Trey Lance, their starting quarterback, went down in Week 1, while Jimmy Garapolo went down in Week 13. Fortunately, this stringer Brock Purdy went from Mr. Irrelevent to the future of the Niners, winning every game he has played in, with two playoff wins. Christian McCaffery has been a valuable weapon since acquired from the Panthers as the Niners hope to return to the Super Bowl for the eighth time in franchise history.
The Philadelphia Eagles got off to a flying start in 2022, winning their first eight games. The Eagles offense has been strong as Jalen Hurts became an MVP candidate, thanks to the acquisition of A.J. Brown, who led the team with 1,496 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. The Eagles have perhaps the best offensive line in the NFL, with three Pro Bowl representatives in Landon Dickerson, Lane Johnson, and Jason Kelce. They have done a masterful job at giving Hurts time to make plays to Brown and Davonta Smith. On defense, Darius Slay has been a difference maker, holding down opposing passing games, as he is a threat to return any pick for a touchdown.
This game promises to be close and low scoring, as the Niners' defense rarely allows big games from even the best quarterbacks. The Eagles' offensive line will be crucial and play a role, as the game will come down to a late field goal. Both quarterbacks are young, but the one with more pedigree is Jalen Hurts, as Jake Elliott kicks Philadelphia into the Super Bowl.
Jamie Squire. Getty Images.AFC Championship Game
Cin PK (o/u 48)
Bengals 31 Chiefs 20
When the season began, the Bengals appeared to suffer a Super Bowl hangover as they struggled through the early part of the schedule. However, after a horrifying loss to the Browns on Halloween, the Bengals have been surging, winning their final eight games, including a win over the Chiefs. After a lackluster win in the Wild Card against the Ravens, the Bengals dismantled the Bills, earning a rematch with the Chiefs. Last year, the Bengals rallied to beat Kansas City on the way to Super Bowl LVI. Joe Burrow had a strong game last week and has risen to elite status among NFL quarterbacks. He drives the Bengals' success, as Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase have become a dynamic receiving duo. Last week, the Cincinnati defense spoiled the Bills' season as they held Buffalo to ten points by putting pressure on Josh Allen.
Advertisement
The Kansas City Chiefs are the best team in the NFL, with Patrick Mahomes, the best player in the NFL, being a favorite to win a second NFL MVP. Mahomes passed for 5,250 yards, with Travis Kelce becoming one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history. Kelce was the Chiefs' top receiver with 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. Kansas City posted a record of 14-3 as they earned a trip to the AFC Championship for the fifth straight season. However, Patrick Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in the win over the Jaguars and clearly was not 100%. The Bengals have won three games over the Chiefs, including last year's AFC Championship Game. With Mahomes' ankle a question and the Bengals' ability to stop the Chiefs' offense, it looks like the Bengals will be making a return trip to the big game.