3 games are left in the NFL postseason and they are geared up to be some good matchups. I was bummed out that my Titans lost last week, but we move on. It all comes down to these two games to see who is going to square off in Super Bowl LVI. Well, let’s not waste any more time.

- Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs (-7)

The AFC Championship consists of one team that was no shock to be in this spot and the other, was a little surprising. The Bengals have been the team of destiny this postseason and will look to take down the Kansas City powerhouse.

While the Chiefs have been one of the most dominant teams in the second half of the season, things got a little too close for comfort last week in their game against the Bills. The marched down the field in just 13 seconds to get the game-tying field goal to go to overtime. The rest is history and they moved on. There really isn’t anything left to say that needs saying. We know what the Chiefs are capable of and if they don’t move on, it would be a disappointing season for them. Their offense has the upper hand over the Bengals, but I really don’t think the gap is that far. The Bengals defense played a solid game against the Titans last week, intercepting Ryan Tannehill 3 times, so it won’t be an easy out for the Chiefs.

I think most of America is rooting for the Bengals in this matchup. It is easy to root for an underdog and it is particularly easy to root for Joe Burrow. He has been great ever since his arrival last year and he and Jamarr Chase will be a deadly combo for many years. The Bengals wins haven’t been pretty this postseason, but they get the job done. It will be tough to outmatch the Chiefs, but they did so not too long ago. In Week 17, the Bengals beat the Chiefs, 34-31. Can they do it again? I don’t see why not. Burrow and Chase both had wonderful games and to be honest, I don’t think the Chiefs defense can contain them. This matchup will likely be another shootout like we saw with Buffalo and Kansas City last week, so be prepared for that. It is crucial for the Bengals O-Line to protect Burrow. Against most opponents, they would’ve lost the game giving up 9 sacks, but they somehow pulled out a win. They must protect the QB today to go to the Super Bowl.

Prediction

The Chiefs are a pretty steep 7-point favorite here. I think the Bengals will keep it closer than that, but ultimately lose here.

Cincinnati Bengals 34 Kansas City Chiefs 37

- San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (-3.5)

I don’t think anybody expected to see the Niners in the NFC Championship, but this pairing is very similar to the AFC title game. The Rams were probably the favorites to make it here at the end of the regular season, just as the Chiefs were in the AFC. This will all come down to which team can make the crucial stops and both teams have great defenses, so it is an interesting pairing.

The Rams are favored here by 3 and I think that is appropriate. Last week’s game against the Bucs was closer than it should’ve been. The Rams dominated most of the game and they seemingly just gave up points in the 2nd half. Also, the have a momentum boost of not only beating the Bucs, but also possibly ending Tom Brady’s career. That’ll give them a boost moving forward, but the Niners have a tough defense. They held the Cowboys to 17 points and the Packers to 10 points in the last two games. Those are the two best offenses in the NFC. The Rams have a high-powered offense and defense, but it will be a tough game for them.

The Niners have found themselves one game away from the Super Bowl and this totally came out of nowhere. They have quietly been a solid team, but nobody expected them to be here at this point. Like I mentioned earlier, their defense has gotten them to where they are now. Their matchup this week may not even be their toughest test, and that is saying something. The Rams have averaged 32 points in the last two games, so we know they can bring the firepower on offense, but as I mentioned before, we know the Niners can hold them down. It will be an interesting matchup tonight. It’s also worth noting that the 49ers have won both matchups between the teams this year.

Prediction

This genuinely could be considered 50/50, but I’ll take the Rams and the points. They have the home-field advantage and I think they’ll get their revenge and win the matchup that matters.

San Francisco 49ers 20 Los Angeles Rams 28

Yacs

2021-22 NFL Conference Championship Round Preview