NFL Conference Championship Predictions
From playing on a broken ankle to fourth down prayers, the NFL had an extremely dramatic Divisional Round. Two games went to overtime, and the conference championships are now set.
AFC:
Patriots @ Broncos (-4.5, Sunday 3:00 PM, Empower Field at Mile High)
Divisional Recap:
You’d think everything would be great in Denver, but theoretically they’re barely standing. The Denver Broncos overcame adversity against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, winning in overtime (33-30) after forcing a Bills turnover (which has been hotly debated), which led to a questionable pass interference call (also, hotly debated). The Broncos were set up in great field position at that point, and kicked a chip shot for the game. The adversity in question is at the quarterback position. After the win, head coach Sean Payton publicly announced that Bo Nix broke a bone in his ankle later on in the game. This will require season ending surgery, so now it’s up to Jarrett Stidham. Stidham has been put in unusual territory, only taking four offensive snaps and throwing no passes this year. He also joins names like Roger Staubach, Frank Reich, and Taylor Heinicke to make their first start of the season in the playoffs.
Everyone knew that this Texans Vs. Patriots game was going to either be completely one sided, or must see tv. When your quarterback who only had 4 interceptions going into the game, throws 4 in the Divisional Round at Gillette Stadium where the atmosphere is already tough, don’t expect to win the football game. The Texans had the better defense on paper, and they did force an interception, but it wasn’t nearly enough. New England continued to force turnovers, and ultimately dominated the Texans at home on Sunday, setting up a date with the Broncos this week.
Prediction:
The stage is set. To say the Broncos have zero chance of winning would be ridiculous, as we have seen this happen before with the 2017-18 Eagles. When Nick Foles stepped in and led the Eagles through the playoffs and to a Super Bowl victory. But, if the Patriots forced CJ Stroud to throw a quad of interceptions, and force a fumble, Stidham might not be in luck. All things considered, the Patriots will be able to pull this one out on the road. Things may get tight, but having the better team, New England should get it done.
NFC:
Rams @ Seahawks (-4.5, Sunday 6:30 PM, Lumen Field in Seattle)
Divisional Recap:
The Seahawks appear to be the team to beat on the NFC side of the league. Quarterback Sam Darnold has the Seattle offense firing on all cylinders, with a fifth ranked run game that featured three Kenneth Walker touchdowns in their 41-6 win against the 49ers in the Divisional. Jaxon Smith-Njigba set the Seattle single season record for receiving yards in the regular season with 1,793. Just when you think this team can’t get any scarier, the notorious “12 man” defense (another player added by the fans’ impact) allowed the fewest points in the NFL this season. They are tied for sixth in the league for takeaways with 18.
Not many teams can compete with the Seahawks on both sides of the ball. Sean McVay and the Rams are their biggest challenge. With Stafford at the helm, The Rams are coming off a 34-31 last minute win at Carolina in the Wild Card round, and a 20-17 walk off win at Chicago via an overtime field goal. Away games have not been an issue to the Rams in the postseason with both wins being on the road in environments with loyal fans that are hungry for success. During the regular season, LA scored the most points in the NFL with 518. Their point differential was +172.
Prediction:
While the Rams have won both playoff games on the road, Seattle is a much different story. During the opening kickoff for the Seahawks postseason, Rasheed Shaheed returned it for a touchdown. Lumen Field recorded a small earthquake during the kick return. This is the last stadium you want to play in for an NFC championship game. Over the two games these teams played in the regular season due to being in the same division, the Rams got the better of the Seahawks in the first matchup in LA, but Seattle won in Washington. Both games were decided by two or less points. The season series total score ended up being 58-57 in favor of the Rams. Although both teams look unbeatable to a degree, one of these teams have to go home. The Seahawks are the more dominant team, with home field advantage, and a chip on their shoulder being the one seeded team. The Seahawks will advance to the Super Bowl come February.
