NFL Conference Championships Tips & Predictions

<p>Divisional Round provided scares and surprises. For some, it was to be the end of the road. For the remaining bunch, one more win sees them earn a visit to Las Vegas to play for it all. Championship Weekend is here.</p> <p>Before we take a look forward, we’ll take a quick peek back.</p> <p>The Bills will not get over this one for a while. The narrative was loud, sure, Kansas City had beaten them twice in the playoffs, but those games were at Arrowhead. This one was in snowy Buffalo, and things will be different.</p> <p>Alas, it was no different as Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs earned ANOTHER trip to the final four and the Bills are left to lick their wounds. Wounds that will be wide open for some time.</p> <p>San Francisco escaped Jordan Love and the Packers with a wake-up call and should be better for the run.</p> <p>Love and the Packers look like a force for the next handful of years, but nothing is given in this league – everything must be earned, just ask Josh Allen.</p> <p>The Ravens looked every part the No. 1 overall seed as they wiped Houston from the playoffs, 34-10.</p> <p>Lamar Jackson looked like the two-time NFL MVP he will soon become with two pass touchdowns and two more on the ground.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the romance story of the post-season continued on. The Lions, lacking playoff success, went from one playoff win in 31 years to two playoff wins with a gritty win at home against Tampa Bay. Jared Goff’s comeback story threatens to be the story of the playoffs should they sneak past the Niners.</p> <p>So, then there were four – it’s Championship Weekend! Check out my picks, betting tips and predictions for the NFL’s Conference Championships below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Monday, January 29, 7:00am AEDT – M&amp;T Bank Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For the longest time, Kansas City were not going to be here. Their season had been full of frustration and fumbles. Full of outside noise and internal struggle. Yet here we are – Mahomes, Reid and Kelce in another Championship contest with eyes only for the major prize.</p> <p>I learned the hard way to doubt No. 15 at your peril. His numbers last week were not eye-popping, but he did not miss a play that needed to be made and the defence stepped up.</p> <p>They’ll need to again this week. Allen rumbled for 70 yards and two rushing TDs last week, whilst Lamar does his work on the ground in a different manner, he’s probably even more dangerous and certainly more capable of popping off a 50-yard scamper for a score.</p> <p>The Ravens environment is enormous. It has to be worth a field goal or more. Speaking of field goals, their kicker Justin Tucker almost never misses a kick.</p> <p>Patrick Queen leads a ferocious defence and John Harbaugh prepares and moulds this squad magically. I’ve got to give it to them because I’ve knocked them all season long… and I’m knocking them again.</p> <p><strong>Pick:</strong> Kansas City 24 - Baltimore 23.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Travis Kelce anytime TD + Rashee Rice 75+ receiving yards.</p>

<h2>Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Monday, January 29, 10:30am AEDT – Levi’s Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Lions need to become lion-tamers this weekend because, despite winning, you get the feeling San Francisco will be breathing fire after almost being thrown out of the playoffs in the Divisional Round.</p> <p>Brock Purdy was wayward early but, on the money, when it mattered most and Christian McCaffrey continued to shine as he scored twice, including the game-clincher in the red zone.</p> <p>Dan Campbell dreamt up a persona for his squad and that dream has become a reality, but the Lions are continuing to dream big.</p> <p>With Goff, Gibbs, and Montgomery at running back and St. Brown and LaPorta as pass catchers, this Lions offence is a weapon but it’s one that’s been less deadly on the road. Can they fire on all cylinders in The Bay Area?</p> <p>Deebo Samuel’s status is key here as well. Midway through the week he was 50/50 to play so even if he does, you’ve got to imagine he will play a smaller part in the offensive scheme.</p> <p>Maybe George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk will see more touches on the outside.</p> <p>I’ll be thrilled to see these Lions advance to a Super Bowl – and for Goff to get back to another one – but my head (and pocket) says San Fran will roll and the Lions will be left to lick their wounds for 2024/25.</p> <p><strong>Pick: </strong>Niners 28 - Lions 21.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Brandon Aiyuk anytime TD + Sam LaPorta anytime TD.</p>

<h2>How to Watch the NFL in Australia</h2>

<h2>NFL Super Bowl LVIII Odds</h2>

<p>Enjoy Championship Weekend and when we speak next, we’ll be staring at the decider – in Sin City – with it all on the line.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Fancy a flutter on the NFL’s Conference Championships? Check out our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-nfl">How to Bet on the NFL</a> Punter IQ Guide.</p>