We have finally arrived at NFL Conference Finals Weekend, a trip to Super Bowl LVIII on the line for four teams.
Which teams will come up in the big time and advance to the biggest stage in football? Let’s take a closer look at each game.
Championship Sunday is set! #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/rq4SaUnt7a
— NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2024
AFC Championship Game
Who is surprised that these two teams have made it this far to arrive in the NFL Conference Finals? The Ravens are looking to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2012 while the Chiefs are looking to build what has almost become a legitimate dynasty.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are unreal run since Patrick Mahomes took over the starting quarterback role in 2018. Beginning with that season, the Chiefs have not only won the division but have also made it to the AFC Championship Game in each of the six seasons in the Mahomes era. Even though they have had some surprising defeats during the regular season, including the one against the Broncos, they have still kept their consistency.
This is a much different-looking Chiefs team than what we have known. The Chiefs have historically been an elite offensive team with question marks on defense. That script has flipped this year, with the defense coming through in the biggest moments.
Fans of the NFL are no doubt frustrated. After two decades of dominance for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, it seems as though we are seeing something similar unfold in Kansas City.
A heavyweight matchup awaits in Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/3pe7LKxc7C
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 26, 2024
Baltimore Ravens
Coming into this game, the #1 seed in the AFC is somehow being unheralded. The Ravens, led by the defense and an MVP-caliber season from QB Lamar Jackson, have simply done the job with consistency throughout the season.
There were not many blips so far this season. Even a slow first half against the Texans wound up turning into a blowout when all was said and done. The Ravens are deep on both sides of the ball and Jackson may have the best receiver core he’s ever had.
Having home-field advantage is certainly important but Mahomes has done the job over and over again. The home crowd will need to be over the top in order to help the Ravens swing the momentum to overcome the Chiefs.
"John Harbaugh is a masterful leader who hires and empowers smart people, Lamar Jackson is uniquely unstoppable and Mike Macdonald has stayed ahead of every play caller — they've given us very little reason to doubt them."
https://t.co/GlBKtRdXAb— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 26, 2024
NFC Championship Game
In the NFC, there is a bit of a David vs. Goliath feel heading into this one. Both teams were among the best in the conference this season, so it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that they are here. But there is more to this game than meets the eye.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are the feel-good story of the year. It is safe to say that the vast majority of America is behind the Lions, who have garnered their first playoff win since 1991 (and added another one, this time over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to boot).
Dan Campbell’s team fights like few others. The ground game has turned into one of the best thanks to the two-headed monster of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Jared Goff, spurned by the Rams, has emerged as a high-level starter in Detroit.
Most importantly, the ghosts of the past have been vanquished. This team is young, talented, and has strong leadership. Even if they don’t make their first Super Bowl, there is a feeling that the Lions will be in the thick of it for a long time to come.
#AllGrit pic.twitter.com/62hL7olBul
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 25, 2024
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers, meanwhile, have largely been in the discussion for “Best Team in the NFL.” Christian McCaffrey is a legitimate NFL MVP candidate and many feel that he should win over any quarterback that ultimately gets picked.
Brock Purdy is back and healthy, also playing at an MVP level. The defense is also filled to the brim with talent, capable of shutting down the best teams in football. All of the pieces are in place for the 49ers to get past the championship round this year and finally bring Mr. Lombardi back to the Bay.
If there is one thing to watch, it is the 49ers’ run game. The Packers were able to run on them in the divisional round and their ground game pales in comparison to the Lions. The 49ers aren’t unbeatable and all it takes is 60 minutes to shock the world.
Weathered the storm.
Go inside the team's Divisional Round victory over the Green Bay Packers in 49 Hours presented by @nrgenergy 🎥
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 26, 2024
The Picks For NFL Conference Finals
So, who is going to Super Bowl LVIII from the NFL Conference Finals? In the AFC, it is tough to pick against the Chiefs. They’ve been there three times in six seasons under Mahomes and now the defense seems to have caught up as well. It will be a tight, tough game but don’t bet against Mahomes if you can help it.
In the NFC, the Lions are going to make this more of a game than people think. The ground game can and will punish the 49ers, but there are just too many pieces on the 49ers roster to not get them back to the Super Bowl. Check out here what are the best Super Bowl prop bets for 2024.
