Only two weeks of NFL picks and score predictions remain, and we're shaping up for a very fun Championship Weekend in the NFL. We have some new faces and some familiar ones with Patrick Mahomes returning to the AFC Championship game and only the second road playoff game of his NFL career.
A couple of MVPs will face off in the AFC Championship game as the Chiefs travel to face the Ravens, while a couple of afterthoughts at QB on opposite spectrums of NFL Draft status take each other on in the NFC title game.
Let's jump to it.
NFC Championship Game: (3) Detroit Lions @ (1) San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, January 28, 6:30 PM ET
And then there were two in the NFC. Both the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers had to endure some early playoff scares as the Lions fought hard to fend off the red-hot Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round and the 49ers got all they could handle from the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional round.
And this matchup is shaping up to be absolutely phenomenal. The Lions reminded everyone of how explosive and efficient their offense is capable of being in their Divisional round win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one of the toughest defenses left in the postseason. Detroit just has so many ways to beat you, and Jared Goff is playing sensational football right now.
And as of now, it really feels like Goff is the best quarterback in this game, which ultimately will matter a lot. Brock Purdy has had an outstanding season, but with the way the Lions were bringing sporadic pressure from their defensive backs against Baker Mayfield, I would not be shocked if Purdy is rushed quite a bit in this game.
The status of Deebo Samuel could be up in the air, and while I love the 49ers' overall group this season, I'm flip-flopping back to the Lions being the team of destiny in this year's playoffs. I think they're headed to the Super Bowl and they'll send the 49ers away disappointed.
Prediction: Lions win 34-30
AFC Championship Game: (X) TEAM @ (1) Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, January 28, 3:00 PM ET
As of right now, it's hard to see anyone going into Baltimore and getting a win against the Ravens. The Ravens are more than just a well-oiled machine at this point. It's difficult to find any weakness in the armor. Sure, the Ravens's 2023 season didn't come without blemishes, but they are healthy, they have star power, they are extremely well-coached, and it feels like it's going to take Baltimore making a ton of mistakes for anyone to beat them.
With that said, anything is possible. These are the NFL playoffs, after all.
And how can you possibly count out Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs? The Chiefs are just inevitable. Patrick Mahomes has never not played in AFC Championship Game.
It's one of the wildest facts in modern NFL history. He's just an unbelievable weapon at this time of year, especially.
But the Baltimore Ravens are a different animal. The Chiefs are not going to go down easy, but after this heavyweight bout in Buffalo, I think the Ravens will move on to the Super Bowl.
Prediction: Ravens win 27-23
Super Bowl LVIII: (3) Detroit Lions @ (1) Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, February 11, 6:30 PM ET (Las Vegas)
And it all comes down to this. The Detroit Lions, playing in their first Super Bowl in franchise history against the Baltimore Ravens, playing for their third Lombardi.
It's important when you look at this game to not get too emotionally attached to the story of the Detroit Lions. Although, isn't that what being a fan is about? Everyone will want to see the Detroit Lions cap off their incredible story by winning it all.
It would be an ending fit for Hollywood.
But the Baltimore Ravens are a force right now. Lamar Jackson is truly playing MVP football. The Ravens run the ball well. They have a plethora of options in the passing game. They play top-flight defense.
As much as we would all want to see the Lions win their first Super Bowl in franchise history, it would be borderline impossible against this Baltimore team, which I guess would make it all the sweeter. But I keep going back and forth with who I really think is going to win it all right now. The Lions feel like the team of destiny, and I know they can hang with anyone left in the playoffs.
The Ravens just look like they are capable of absolutely dog-walking any team standing in their path.
I'm going to flip-flop again, and say that I think the Ravens are winning it all heading into Championship week.
Prediction: Ravens win 37-27