The New Orleans Saints suffered another unfortunate playoff loss in the Wild Card round, dashing the Saints’ Super Bowl hopes once again and putting a damper on these playoffs since that time. Of course, the NFL Playoffs steam ahead as the road to the Super Bowl comes near its end. Now, let’s take a look at the matchups ahead.
The NFL’s final four take the stage to determine who moves on to Super Bowl LIV. The AFC title matchup features an interesting contrast in styles as Kansas City’s flashy, high-flying offense faces Tennessee’s bruising old-school approach featuring a dominant run game and relentless defense, while the NFC title matchup features the best overall team in the NFL this year, in San Francisco, against the league’s poster-boy quarterback leading Green Bay. These games could get very interesting.
Last week I went 3-1
I told you so: Packers over Seahawks!
What do I know: Ravens over Titans?
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
#6 Tennessee Titans at #2 Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, January 19th - 2:05pm CST - CBS
Many are making the mistake of discounting the Titans once again, despite the teams they have already taken down so far. That mistake won't be made here, well, mostly. The Titans are the surprise team of the 2020 NFL Playoffs and they have taken down the defending Super Bowl Champions and NFL dynasty in New England, as well as the hottest team in the NFL and 14-2 juggernaut in Baltimore. They simply shouldnt be overlooked. Kansas City is back in this spot after an excruciatingly painful overtime loss in last year’s AFC Championship Game. They now look to make right what once went wrong, in front of the desperate KC faithful at Arrowhead.
Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill will be unbelievable. Derrick Henry will be absolutely dominant. These are the givens in this game. Henry has be come unstoppable and he faces the weakest defense he has faced on his 200-yards per game binge. Meanwhile Mahomes and Co. have proven they can only be contained for a while, and no deficit is too great for their offense. Ultimately, this may come down to Ryan Tannehill’s ability to make the big play in the clutch when his team needs him most. This could be his moment to shine, with some good weapons at his disposal, but it could be his time to turn back into the player we remember from his days before his career-changing season. This game will be great, but Andy Reid will finally get back to where he’s only been once before, many years ago, he will get back to the Super Bowl with the most dynamic team he’s ever coached.
Pick: Chiefs
Final Score: 35-28
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#2 Green Bay Packers at #1 San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, January 19th- 5:40pm CST - FOX
San Francisco will win this game by doing what they're best at, dominating in the tranches on both sides of the ball. The Niners’ offensive line will keep Jimmy Garoppolo clean in the pocket, while their defensive line will harass and humble Aaron Rodgers all game long. For all of the wins the Packers have amassed in spite of it, Green Bay simply doesn't have the horses to run with San Francisco on either side of the ball. For all of Aaron Rodgers’ magic, he simply hasn't been as magical in NFC title games. He survived his first one, thanks to key turnovers against Jay Cutler in Chicago, he blew a huge lead in the second one in Seattle, and he was blown out in Atlanta on their way to 28-3 glory. It will take far greater than these types of efforts to take down the Niners on the road. This will resemble an MMA mismatch with San Francisco choking the life out of Green Bay early and with little effort.
Pick: 49ers
Final Score: 34-13
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Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen, your potential conference champions. Although the Saints aren’t in the NFC title game this year, we’ll potentially have some players and story lines to root for or against this weekend. Leave us your picks, insight, and comments below.
Poll
Who will be playing in Super Bowl LIV?
This poll is closed
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49%
Chiefs vs. 49ers
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20%
Chiefs vs. Packers
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20%
Titans vs. 49ers
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11%
Titans vs. Packers