The Conference Title Games are set for Sunday, January 28th, 2024
AFC Title Game: (3) Kansas City Chiefs @ (1) Baltimore Ravens (-3 1/2) 3pm CBS.
— The Kansas City Chiefs are in the AFC Title Game for the sixth straight season. Yet after 5 straight AFC Title Games at home, this year the Chiefs have to go on the road. The Ravens have won a pair of AFC Title Games in their history, but had to go on the road both times. This is the first time the Ravens have ever hosted the AFC Title Game. The Ravens were the top seed in 2019 but were upset in the divisional round. Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are the most exciting quarterbacks in the game, with Mahomes being the better passer and Jackson a running sensation. Walrus Andy Reid is a play-calling wizard on offense while John Harbaugh is a special teams guy who has a nasty defense. Reid likes more innovative approaches while Harbaugh prefers smash mouth football. The Chiefs are more vulnerable than in years past, but their win over Buffalo shows how resilient they are. Home field and cold weather should not matter. Despite the Lamar Hunt Trophy being named for their late owner, the Chiefs will have a tough time retaining that trophy from last year. With everything else being equal, the Ravens have the best kicker in the game in Justin Tucker. In a close one, trust Tucker. Ravens win but fail to cover
NFC Title Game: (3) Detroit Lions at (1) San Francisco 49ers (-7) 6:30pm on FOX.
— 40 years ago in San Francisco, the Lions lost a heartbreaker 24-23 when kicker Eddie Murray missed a 43 yard field goal. Murray had made 3 kicks including one from 54 but missed 2 kicks under 45 yards. The 49ers went on to a dynasty as the Lions remained sad sacks. 40 years later, the Lions are the feel good story of the year. They are built Dan Campbell tough. Campbell is one of the most aggressive play-callers in the league. The Lions have an explosive offense. The 49ers have a nasty defense in addition to offensive playmakers. The 49ers barely survived Green Bay, while the lions barely survived the Rams in the opening round. Home field matters because the Lions are much better indoors at home than in bad weather on the road. Brock Purdy and Jared Goff both have plenty of weapons. The Lions are in the NFC Title Game for the first time in 32 years. Like last time, their attempt to win their first ever George Halas Trophy will require going on the road against a superior team. Weather is not expected to be a factor, but it’s hard to trust the Lions on the road. All Fairy Tales come to an end at some point. 49ers cover
eric