2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Conference Championships

NFL Playoffs Predictions for AFC Championship Game

No. 4 Cincinnati Bengals at No. 2 Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday, January 30, 3:05PM ET

Here it is — a rematch between two AFC contenders for the right to be crowned conference champs.

About a month ago, the Cincinnati Bengals pulled off a huge upset of the Chiefs to give themselves a boost as the playoffs loomed just around the corner. Can they muster more magic — this time on the road — and topple a team that’s become an annual performer in the AFC Championship game?

I think so. Right now, I trust in Joe Burrow. Sure, the Bengals aren’t as flashy as the Chiefs are. They rely on Burrow to make big plays in the passing game and their defense to keep opponents from running up the score. Kansas City is more than capable of doing that and proved it this past weekend by hanging 42 on the league’s top defense.

Still, Cincinnati is red-hot right now and is playing like a team possessed. As long as they can protect Burrow and get more big plays from offensive stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Mixon, the pieces could fall into place for them to topple the AFC’s champ from the last two seasons.

It comes down to the wire, as many of this year’s playoff games have. Burrow leads a last-minute drive that ultimately ends with an Evan McPherson field goal and a huge win for the Bengals.

Prediction: Bengals win 33-31