The Divisional Round of the playoffs is in the books and my predictions were spot-on for this round. The Baltimore Ravens took care of business against the upstart Houston Texans. The Ravens continued their dominance by blowing out the Texans 34-10. Lamar Jackson accounted for 4 TDs and the defense frustrated C.J. Stroud the entire game. The Saturday night game saw the San Francisco 49ers barely edge the young Green Bay Packers 24-21. The game was close the entire time with the Niners needing a game winning drive from Brock Purdy. Jordan Love tossed an INT to end their comeback attempt. In the first game on Sunday, the Detroit Lions advanced to the NFC Championship game by beating the Bucs 31-23. The Lions withstood Baker Mayfield throwing for almost 350 yards to win the game. They intercepted Mayfield on their final drive where they tried to tie the game.
In the weekend finale, the Chiefs found a way to go to Buffalo and defeat the Bills. Isiah Pacheco, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes lead a balanced offense to the win. The Chiefs defense came up with timely plays to send the Chiefs to Baltimore next weekend. We have the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. In the NFC, we have the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Detroit Lions for the chance to go to the Super Bowl. Who will advance to the Super Bowl? Let’s check my picks to see what will happen.
AFC Championship Game
We have the 2-time MVP in Patrick Mahomes visiting the upcoming 2-time MVP in Lamar Jackson. The Kansas City Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions and want to get back to defend their crown. Despite having a lackluster season, the Chiefs are back in the AFC Championship game. Kansas City usually beat teams with big plays from Mahomes, but they’re different this season. Mahomes is still that dude, but the defense has become one of the better ones in the league. They have the 2nd ranked scoring defense, which is different from any other year. In the past, Mahomes and the offense used to carry them, but now they are there for one another. Isiah Pacheco has become that running back that gets those tough yards for the Chiefs. In the playoffs, you need a stout defense and a good running game, and the Chiefs have both.
There are a couple of big differences in this Ravens team from years past. First off, Lamar Jackson has remained healthy and he’s most likely will be rewarded with his 2nd MVP award. After signing his new contract, Jackson has said the only thing he wants to do is win that elusive Super Bowl. This season the Ravens also provided him with some weapons at the receiver position. With the dominating defense, the Ravens are one step away from making their first Super Bowl appearance since 2012. These two teams’ kind of mirror one another and the team that makes the least mistakes will win. It feels like Lamar is focused, but you can never discredit Patrick Mahomes. I’m seeing this game go down to the wire and whoever got the final possession wins. It’s hard to pick against Mahomes and I’m not doing it here. Kansas City Win 26-24
NFC Championship Game
We have the Detroit Lions making the trip out west to San Francisco to face the 49ers. The Lions are one win away from reaching the franchise’s first ever Super Bowl. Jared Goff has had an amazing season and he’s not turning the ball over. Goff is using his weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs. The ground game is one of the best, but my only gripe is they don’t run enough. Gibbs and David Montgomery can carry this team to the Super Bowl is giving the chance. Detroit added to their offense with the signing of Zach Ertz. The defense will need to find a way to stop the run and get to Brock Purdy. If there’s any team built to stop San Francisco it has to be this Lions team. Can they beat the Niners and finally reach their first Super Bowl?
San Francisco has advanced to another NFC Championship game and a major injury could hurt them. Deebo Samuel left the Packers game early with a shoulder injury. Samuel is 50-50 on if he’ll be able to play or not. Deebo Samuel opens the offense up so much more when he’s healthy and in the lineup. The Niners will rely heavily on Chrisitan McCaffrey seeing the Lions have issues stopping the run. San Francisco will have their hands full on the defensive side of the ball with the weapons the Lions have. Fred Warner will have his hands full in the middle of the field with Sam LaPorta. Will Samuel play in this game? If so, how effective would he be against Detroit? Can Purdy lead the Niners to the Super Bowl? This should be a great game, but I’m picking the 49ers to advance. San Francisco Win 30-20
Trav’s Super Bowl Picks
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
