NFL Conference Championships preview

We are now down to four teams in the National Football League. The surprising Tennessee Titans (9-7) are playing the Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) in the American Football Conference Championship and the Green Bay Packers are playing the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football Conference Championship. Both of the NFC Championship finalists had a regular season record of 13 wins and three losses.

Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs

I was wrong with the Titans in the first two weeks of the playoffs. The mere fact Ryan Tannehill and the Titans have got this far is downright shell shocking to say the least. Tennessee stunned New England 20-13 in the AFC Wildcard and then beat Baltimore 28-12 in the AFC Divisional playoff.

Why the Titans win:

We all know how well Derrick Henry has ran in recent weeks. Now it is time to praise the Titans defense. It is mesmerizing that Tennessee was able to limit Baltimore to only 12 points last week. Part of that was self-inflicted as the Ravens could not hang on to the pigskin, but Tennessee needs to be given some credit. If the Titans defense continues to play fantastic, they could just deliver the upset.

Why the Chiefs win:

Two players. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. If Mahomes continues to be mobile like he was last week (53 rushing yards to lead Kansas City), it will create problems for the Titans D. We know Mahomes and Kelce are creating beautiful chemistry at the moment. Kansas City will need others, such as Sammy Watkins, Tyreek Hill and Damien Williams to step up.

My take:

Tennessee has been fortunate to get to the AFC Championship. Kansas City was expected to get to the AFC Championship. Now the Chiefs are the favourite. That speaks for something. Shouldn’t it? I was wrong with the Titans the first two weeks. I cannot be wrong another week. Can I? Take Kansas City.

Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers 

Last week San Francisco and Green Bay both won at home in the NFC Divisional Playoff. The 49ers beat the Minnesota Vikings convincingly 27-10 and the Packers squeaked by the Seattle Seahawks 28-23.

Why the Packers win:

The offensive skill of the big three. The Packers big three offensive stars of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Davante Adams step up. All are critical if Green Bay is to win.

Why the 49ers win:

San Francisco does not have to be great in all areas, just good enough. San Francisco has got incredible running depth from their backfield and are getting improved production from their receivers. The 49ers also gave up three fewer points than Green Bay this season in a battle of two much improved defenses.

My take:

The 49ers hammered the Packers 37-8 in the regular season on November 24. Keeping that in mind and the fact the Packers historically struggle against all teams in California, I really like San Francisco.