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NFL PLAYOFFS: Our official predictions for who wins in the AFC and NFC conference championships

Jan 24, 2021, 22:22 IST
Insider
Patrick Mahomes.AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
  • Just four teams remain in the NFL playoffs.
  • On Sunday, the NFC and AFC championships will be played to determine which two teams will meet in Super Bowl LV.
  • Check out our best bets for conference championship weekend.
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The NFL playoffs are down to just four teams, with the two conference championship games set for this Sunday to determine which two teams will meet in Super Bowl LV.

Sadly, that means there are only three games left in the NFL season to wager on, so get your bets in while you still can. Last week, our bets went a solid 2-2 against the spread. We'll see if we can build on that this week heading into what looks to be two extremely compelling matchups on Sunday.

LAST WEEK: 2-2
OVERALL: 6-3-1

Green Bay Packers* (-3.5) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Aaron Rodgers.AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Aaron Rodgers is a man on a mission. Last week against the Rams, the Packers offense put points on the board on its first five drives of the game, refusing to punt until halfway through the third quarter when they were already holding a 25-10 lead over Los Angeles.

The Tampa Bay offense is better than that of the Rams, but it's going to take a heroic performance from them on Sunday to keep pace with Green Bay. When these two teams met earlier in the season, the Buccaneers erased an early 10-0 deficit to score 38 straight points en route to a dominant victory. It feels like they already gave their best shot to the Packers once this season, and it's a lot to ask for them to give it again.

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Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, but his legacy is already sealed - winning or losing this game would do little to change what is already thought of him. But Rodgers is the best quarterback of his generation, and is still looking for the seconds Super Bowl title that he and the rest of the Packer faithful know he deserves. It's his for the taking.

Kansas City Chiefs* (-3) over Buffalo Bills

Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

On Friday, Patrick Mahomes told reporters that he had cleared the NFL's concussion protocol after his scary departure from the divisonal round, and was thus set to play on Sunday against Buffalo.

The Bills have been one of the most impressive teams to watch all season, playing a well-rounded game rooted in the brilliant play of quarterback Josh Allen and stud wide receiver Stefon Diggs. While Allen's arm can get them pretty far throwing to Diggs, through two games in the postseason, Buffalo's rushing attack has almost entirely disappeared.

Against the Ravens in the Wild Card round, the Bills ran 16 times for just 32 yards, and on Sunday against the Colts, the Bills two lead running backs - Devin Singletary and Zack Moss - ran for just 21 yards each, leaving Allen to lead the team in rushing with 54 yards on the ground.

While the Chiefs rushing defense has ranked in the middle of the league this season, the Kansas City offense is still a force to be reckoned with, and it's difficult to see a one-dimensional team taking them down. There are ways that the Bills can counteract this - a few design runs from Allen early in the game would help Buffalo keep the Chiefs on their toes and respecting the run. But if the Bills are forced to attempt to throw against a defense that is waiting for them, it could be a long day for Buffalo fans who have been enjoying this dream season so far.

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