Conference Championship Predictions
So far, this year’s NFL playoffs have fully lived up to the hype.
We’ve now reached our final four teams competing to play for a Super Bowl appearance with the Conference Championship games happening this weekend.
Here are my predictions for this weekend’s slate of games.
AFC Championship: Broncos vs. Patriots
It’s a familiar playoff matchup with a bit of a different look. During the 2010s, the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots faced off three times in the playoffs, including two meetings in the AFC Championship Game.
Those games featured meetings between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. This time, it was supposed to be two up-and-coming quarterbacks facing off for the top spot in the AFC in Drake Maye and Bo Nix.
However, Nix suffered a broken ankle in Denver’s Divisional win against the Buffalo Bills, meaning Jarrett Stidham will be taking the snaps at QB for the Broncos.
While Denver’s defense will certainly make things tough on Drake Maye, the MVP candidate will find a way to lead his team to a close win on the road.
Patriots win, 24-20
NFC Championship: Seahawks vs. Rams
This is a huge moment for Sam Darnold who spent his first half-decade in the NFL viewed as a bust. Now, he is on the cusp of the football mountaintop after his second consecutive 14-win season with a new team.
That being said, the team that stands in front of him has been seen as his kryptonite over the past couple years. With the Vikings last season, the Los Angeles Rams ended Darnold’s and Minnesota’s playoff run before it could really get started. He then threw four interceptions against Los Angeles in the first meeting between the Rams and Seahawks this year.
Darnold did find a way to defeat his boogeyman with a 38-37 overtime win against LA in their Week 16 meeting, which ultimately decided the NFC West and No. 1 seed races.
This Rams team should not be overlooked, though. Matthew Stafford is an MVP candidate for a reason. Puka Nacua has solidified himself as a top receiver in the NFL. Jared Verse is one of the best young defensive ends in the league.
With all that in mind, this Seattle team is just better, especially at home. The atmosphere is incredible, and this hard-hitting defense feeds off the crowd’s energy.
Seattle wins 24-17
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