Championship Game Picks


We've reached the Conference Championship Games. Last week I went 3-1 in picks, failing to realize the Patriots would still have the Chargers' number. I'm now 6-2 this post season with three games left to go.

This week the NFC and AFC will be decided as the two two seeds from each conference advanced. These are also the four highest scoring teams in football in 2018, so let's hope we get some better games than last week. But who will win? Time for me to make my fearless predictions.

NFC Championship
No. 2 Rams at No. 1 Saints
About: This is a re-match of a Week 9 meeting that the Saints won 45-35. That game proved the difference in the NFC and is the reason the re-match is again in New Orleans. At the time, it was the Rams' first loss. But they weren't quite as dominant late in the season. Neither were the Saints. Both offenses were held in check at times, but they should be on more equal footing here. The Rams looked great in running all over the Cowboys last Saturday, while the Saints spotted the Eagles 14 points before holding on for an intense 20-14 win. Experience is on the side of Drew Brees and Sean Payton, and the Saints are at home. The Rams have a stout offense, and likely want to make a statement, but I've been picking the Saints all season. No turning back now.
The Pick: Saints 41, Rams 38

AFC Championship
No. 2 Patriots at No. 1 Chiefs
About: This is another re-match, as these teams met in Week 6 in New England. The Patriots jumped out to a 24-9 halftime lead in that one and held on for a 43-40 victory thanks to a last second field goal. That was the Chiefs' first loss. And if the Patriots had been stronger to end the season, this game would be in New England. But they weren't, and it's not. The Chiefs' playoff struggles under Andy Reid are well known, but in a dominating 31-13 win over the Colts they seemed to lay some of that to rest last week. The Patriots, meanwhile, rolled to a 35-7 half time lead over the Chargers, winning easily 41-28. This should be a back-and-forth battle. The Chiefs have been high flying all season, and the Patriots have plenty of playoff experience, this being their eighth straight trip to the AFC Title Game. It's hard to go against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, but this Chiefs team feels different.
The Pick: Chiefs 45, Patriots 42

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