New England Patriots (2) @ Denver Broncos (1)
- The AFC Championship game is a classic. Reminiscent of the Peyton vs. Brady days. New England goes on the road to take on Denver for the AFC crown. Denver is forced to start QB2 Jarrett Stidham because of the season-ending injury to starter Bo Nix. Stidham hasn’t played all year and he is now getting thrown into the fire. Look for both teams to lean on their ground-game as Denver sells out on the run to stop New England’s passing attack. I have the Patriots winning as they are the more complete team. I don’t think Stidham will give Denver a chance. The New England Patriots return to the Super Bowl after a short lay-off for what seems like the millionth time. Critics will call this a cup-cake run to the Super Bowl because of their easy path.
Prediction: Patriots 21 – Broncos 13
Los Angeles Rams (5) @ Seattle Seahawks (1)
- The NFC Championship game on Sunday night features two divisional foes. The LA Rams go on the road to Lumen Field to battle the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC crown and a spot in the Super Bowl. The Seahawks have yet to be tested in the playoffs yet after an absolute beatdown on the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional round, while the Rams have been in a couple of really close games so far. In toss-up games like this, I always like to take the team with the better QB. The Rams QB Matt Stafford is easily the MVP this year and a top 3-5 QB in the league, as well as a future hall-of-famer. Give me the Rams to advance in another close one and take on the Pats in the Super Bowl in what would be a re-match from 2019.
Prediction: Rams 24 – Seahawks 23
