Championship Sunday Picks

 We are down to the final four in the NFL as we get set up for Championship Sunday. The NFC Championship Game and AFC Championship Game both feature the four best teams in the NFL. What is interesting is that three of the four teams were in the Championship games last year (SF, KC, and Cincy), which is very hard to accomplish. We also have a rematch in the AFC Title Game with the Chiefs hosting the Bengals for the second straight year (First time since NE/Balt in 2011-2012). Philly and San Francisco have been on a collision source for over a month now, so the NFC game should be really good. Before I break down the games and give picks, I always like the rank the best/juiciest/most intriguing Super Bowl matchups based on the four teams left. Here is how I would rank the matchups:

1) Kansas City vs Philadelphia: The Andy Reid Bowl

2) Kansas City vs San Francisco: The rematch from Super Bowl LIV after the 2019 season

3) Cincinnati vs San Francisco: The third matchup for these teams in the Super Bowl (XVI and XXIII)

4) Cincinnati vs Philadelphia: Not a lot of history here, but you could build up the battle between Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts

Now, let's get to the picks for Championship Sunday...

Final 2022 Regular Season Overall Record: 137-119-16

Last Week's Playoff Record: 2-2

Overall Playoff Record: 4-6

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

NFC Championship Game 

(2) San Francisco at (1) Philadelphia

A Case for the 49ers: The Niners have the best defense in the league and the best of the final four teams. They have not played the Eagles this year, and it feels like Philly might not be ready for what the 49ers bring to the table. This is the second straight year the Niners have made a NFC Championship, so they have the experience and have been there before. The moment won't be too big for them. Even if Brock Purdy struggles, we know that they have so many weapons (Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk) that it can help them get by. I also give the edge in coaching to Kyle Shanahan. They haven't lost since October 23rd, and it would surprise no one if they went into Philly and beat the Eagles.

A Case for the Eagles: They also can lay claim to the title of best team in the NFC all year long. Yes, they faltered a little bit down the stretch, but they completely dominated the Giants in the Divisional Round, and that could have gotten them back on track. They are at home, and that Philly crowd will be fired up with the chance to see the Eagles go back to the Super Bowl. Their run game is dominating with Jalen Hurst at the controls, and their pass rush could be the deciding factor in the game. You could see the Eagles pass rushers take over the game, and putting the end to the Brock Purdy story.

Prediction: PHILADELPHIA (-2) over San Francisco: I think this is a great game between the true two best teams in the NFC. This will be a slugfest, but I'm think the Eagles win the game with their pass rush and the homefield advantage making the difference. Philly heads to their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and the second Super Bowl appearance in six seasons.

Final Score: Eagles-24 49ers-17

AFC Championship Game

(3) Cincinnati at (1) Kansas City

A Case for the Bengals: The Bengals looked dominating in their win over Buffalo in Orchard Park in the Divisional Round. They completely destroyed the Bills. We know they are not scared of the Chiefs. They have won three in a row over KC and that includes last year's stunning win in Arrowhead in the AFC Championship Game. Joe Burrow has put himself in that top tier of franchise QBs, and it looks like it might be his time to get a Super Bowl and create his legacy. The Bengals haven't lost since Halloween, and they have a chip on their shoulder from being overlooked with all the neutral game site involving the Bills and the Chiefs. They know they can beat the Chiefs and in Arrowhead, so that will not be an issue for them. They have been here before and the pressure won't overwhelm them. Plus, there is a lot of questions regarding Pat Mahomes' ankle after he injured it last week against the Jags. If he is limited at all, then the Bengals could really take advantage.

A Case for the Chiefs: How can you bet against or go against Pat Mahomes? He suffered a high-ankle sprain on Saturday in the Divisional Round win over the Jaguars, but he finished the game and threw a TD pass to seal the victory. He practiced all week, looked good on it, and is expected to be full go for the game on Sunday. I think he will play well and the ankle won't be a factor. I know Mahomes and the Chiefs have lost three in a row to the Bengals, but I can't see them losing a fourth straight time to them. Think about it: Are the Chiefs really going to lose back-to-back AFC Championship Games at home to the Bengals? I can't see it happening. Mahomes will do enough to find a way to help the Chiefs win. Plus, the Chiefs have plenty of motivation after being an underdog at home for most of the week, and the Bengals calling Arrowhead Stadium: "Burrowood Stadium." They hear the chatter, and they will use that in their effort against the Bengals. 

Prediction: KANSAS CITY (PICK) over Cincinnati: The Chiefs blew last year's AFC Championship Game at home to the Bengals, but they get revenge this year and punch their ticket to Super Bowl LVII, their third Super Bowl appearance in four seasons. 

Final Score: Chiefs-28 Bengals-23