Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Championship Weekend: Just Three Games Left
I struggled in the Divisional Round, going 1-3. Overall, my record is dead, even at 138-138-6.
AFC Championship
- KC +4 (o/u 44.5)
- Chiefs 20 Ravens 16
The Chiefs are in the AFC Championship for the sixth consecutive year. They have won three, including two Super Bowl victories, and are seeking a shot to become the first team to win consecutive Super Bowls in two decades. The Chiefs' offense is playing better than they have at any point this season. The Ravens had a tough first half against the Texans last week but pulled away for an easy win in the Divisional Round last week. In the previous five years, the Chiefs defeated the Ravens three times in four games, with Baltimore winning the most recent matchup in 2021.
While Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes get the attention, it has been a defense that has been the key to success for both teams. The teams are ranked first and second in the AFC. With Patrick Mahomes used to the pressure, the Chiefs will have an avenue to steal a victory in Baltimore. Look for Travis Kelce to score the winning touchdown as cameras pan to Taylor Swift no less than 20 times.
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NFC Championship
- SF -7 (o/u 51.5)
- 49ers 27 Lions 17
The 49ers escaped last week as they struggled to beat the Packers in the rain. Brock Purdy had a bad game but made the plays when needed, as he led the game-winning touchdown drive in the game's final seconds. The Lions are in the NFC Championship for the first time in 32 years. Coming into the playoffs, the Lions had not won a playoff game since 1991 and had won just once since winning the 1957 NFL Championship. On the way to the NFL title game, the Lions rallied to beat the 49ers in the first playoff game in San Francisco.
The Lions stand at the doorway of their first Super Bowl appearance. The Niners are in the NFC Championship for the third straight season. They lost the previous two, but each game was on the road. If they reach the Super Bowl, it will be the eighth appearance for the 49ers. They won their first five trips to the big game but have lost their last two Super Bowl appearances to the Ravens and Chiefs. No matter what, they will get a rematch with one of those teams. Overall, the 49ers are the strongest team in the NFL. They have a solid receiving corpse, the NFL's best running back, a strong quarterback, and a great defense. Detroit has not won a playoff game on the road since that 1957 game at Cesar Stadium. It has been an excellent season for the Lions, and they will have their day soon, but this is the Niners' time.