It is time for Championship Sunday in the NFL. The final four teams are set, and at this point in the playoffs, I always like to look at the possibilities that would create the best Super Bowl matchup. Here's how I rank the possible Super Bowl games in order:
1) Chiefs vs Rams: This game has plenty of star power on both sides. Plus, the last time these two teams played it was that classic shootout on Monday Night Football a few years ago.
2) Chiefs vs 49ers: This game would be a rematch of the Super Bowl from two years ago. That was a really good game, and this rematch would not disappoint.
3) Rams vs Bengals: This game would feature Zac Taylor going against his old mentor, Sean McVay. Plus, you would get the upstart Bengals going into LA to take on the star-studded Rams
4) 49ers vs Bengals: This would be a rematch of Super Bowls XVI and XXIII. Both of those were won by the 49ers.
Now, onto the picks for Championship Sunday.....
Last Week's Record: 2-2-0
Overall Playoff Record: 6-3-1
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
AFC Championship Game
(4) Cincinnati at (2) Kansas City
A Case for the Bengals: They are the true underdog of the four teams left. No one thought they would be here, and they can use that as motivation. Even after beating the Chiefs in Week 17, no one believes they will win this game in Arrowhead. They can play fast and loose. They can let it all hang out. They won two close games to get here, and they might not get nervous if it is a close game late. Maybe Joe Burrow really takes the leap here with a dominating performance.
A Case for the Chiefs: The fact that they outlasted the Bills and won that game in the Divisional Round tells me that KC is going to win this game and get to another Super Bowl. I can't see them losing this game-especially with the way they beat the Bills last week. It looked like they were going to lose with only 13 seconds left, but they tied it and won it in overtime. It felt like the winner of that game was going to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. They will take the Bengals seriously because they already lost to them in the regular season, and I think Pat Mahomes and that offense will dominate from start to finish. Plus, they get to host this game because the Titans were upset last week, and this will be the third straight home game for the Chiefs.
Prediction: KANSAS CITY (-7) over Cincinnati: The Bengals were a fun story, but the Chiefs win and advance to their third straight Super Bowl.
Final Score: Chiefs-34 Bengals-24
NFC Championship Game
(6) San Francisco at (3) Los Angeles Rams
A Case for the 49ers: They have won two really tough playoff games the last two weeks in Dallas and in Green Bay. They are battle tested and have confidence that they can win any game in any stadium. The Niners fans travel well and expect a big contingent to make their way to Sofi Stadium for this game. They have the look of a 2007 Giants or the 2010 Packers. Teams that got hot at the right time, won playoff games on the road, and advanced to the Super Bowl. Kyle Shanahan owns Sean McVay right now, and the 49ers have defeated the Rams six games in a row-including a wild Week 18 win. Once again, there is just something about this Niners team that has a really good vibe to it.
A Case for the Rams: After losing to the 49ers so many times the last few years, you have to think that the Rams and Sean McVay are due to break through and knock them off. Can SF really beat the Rams three times this year? You have to love how the stars are playing for the Rams in these playoffs. Matt Stafford, Von Miller, and Odell Beckham Jr., have all done their part to help the Rams advance. It just feels like they are due to put this all together and beat the Niners at home to win the NFC Championship.
Prediction: LOS ANGELES (-3) over San Francisco: In a very hard fought game, the Rams do just enough to get past the 49ers and advance to their second Super Bowl in four years.
Final Score: Rams-26 Niners 21
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