With only two games left before the Super Bowl, that means it's time for 2024 AFC Championship Game predictions and 2024 NFC Championship Game predictions. Kickoff times for this weekend's playoff games are set and we have two great matchups waiting for you.
NFL Conference Championship Game Predictions
Through the first 10 playoff games, only two teams have won. This means there weren't many surprises despite some compelling games. It also means that the best teams have made it to the conference championship games.
The top two seeds in the NFC are still alive while not. 1 nor. 3 seeds are set to play in the Asian side. Let's take a closer look at each match.
NFC Championship Game: Lions vs. 49ers
It's certainly no surprise to see the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game for the third straight year and fourth time in the past five seasons. Players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner can already be considered among the best defensive players ever at their position, giving San Francisco one of the best defenses in the NFL once again. Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey gives the 49ers the best offensive skill position player in the game right now.
Brock Purdy, on the other hand, left a lot to be desired during the win over the Packers despite leading a late comeback. It's also doubtful that Deebo Samuel will play in the NFC Championship Game. His absence could change the entire outlook of San Francisco's offense. It's also worth noting that the 49ers are just 2-4 against the spread in their last four games and a modest 5-5-1 against the spread this season when favored by seven or more points.
At the same time, it's hard to ignore the momentum and confidence the Lions have in the team's first trip to the NFC Championship since 1991. They're also 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games and 7-2 against the spread on the road this season. Under Dan Campbell, there is no doubt that Detroit will embrace the underdog title in this game.
In fairness, Detroit's defense is easily the worst of the four remaining teams. However, Jared Goff is arguably a more reliable quarterback than Purdy at the moment. Also, with the way rookies Jahmir Gibbs and Sam LaPorta have contributed along with Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery, Detroit's offensively skilled players are just as dangerous as San Francisco's playmakers. Behind Goff, look for the Lions to make this a close game and overcome the deficit, which could lead to an upset.
He chooses: Black +7
AFC Championship Game: Chiefs vs. Ravens
Well, this hasn't been the most impressive season for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. However, they are in the Asian Championship for the sixth consecutive season. During Kansas City's wild card win over the Dolphins and road win over the Bills, the Chiefs played some of their best football of the season.
Since the Christmas Day debacle against the Raiders, the Chiefs are 4-0 and 4-0 against the spread, including a pair of wins as road underdogs. In addition to the superstar Mahomes, they have one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history in Travis Kelce and a running back in Isiah Pacheco who was outstanding during the playoffs. There is also Kansas City's defense, which continues to be stout, especially in the second half of games.
On the other hand, the Ravens have Lamar Jackson, the presumed MVP. Despite a shaky playoff history, Jackson was in complete control in last week's win over the Texans. If we forgive Baltimore's loss in Week 18 when Jackson and other key players were rested, the Ravens have won seven straight, going 6-1 against the spread in those games.
Keep in mind that Jackson has the top defense in the NFL backing him up. The Ravens conceded just 16.5 points per game during the regular season and just 14.4 points per game in their last five games. Keep in mind that they played the Jaguars, 49ers, Dolphins, and Texans during that span, so they faced quality offensive teams and stifled them. That could be the difference in this matchup, allowing the Ravens to beat the defending champions and cover their three-point deficit.
He chooses: Crows-3
