NFL Championship Weekend Preview
And then there were four. After a rousing Divisional round of NFL playoff action, the final quartet of teams are set to square off for a coveted spot in Super Bowl 59. The NFL conference championship games are up next, and four of the hottest heavyweights in the league are about to battle it out with a trip to New Orleans on the line. The penultimate NFL Sunday of the 2024 season is coming to a screen near you very soon, so keep on reading for a preview that’s guaranteed to get you in the mood!
Washington Commanders @ Philadelphia Eagles – Sunday 8pm
All season long it seemed like the Lions were destined to return to the NFC title game and avenge last season’s devastating loss. That was of course until Jayden Daniels came along. The first year phenom torched a beleaguered Detroit defense to the tune of 299 yards and two touchdowns, cementing his status as undisputed Rookie of the Year and perhaps even putting his name in contention for MVP. Daniels has been sensational all season long, unlocking a long dormant Washington offense that should have the Eagles quaking. After surviving a late 4th quarter comeback surge by Matt Stafford, Philadelphia will have an even more potent threat to contain when Terry McLaurin and Co call to South Broad Street on Sunday. And it’s a good thing that Nick Sirriani has an All World Running Back such as Saquon Barkley at his disposal, because otherwise points would be a lot harder to come by. Jalen Hurts continued to look out of sorts against the Rams, missing AJ Brown on multiple occasions and even appeared to pick up a knock at one point. Some miscues can be accounted for by the snowy weather, but that excuse isn’t going to fly in the NFL. It’s worth remembering that Washington pulled off an “upset” of the Eagles earlier in the season, and we could well see a similar type of game unfold this time around. One thing is certain: it’s gonna be a dog fight in Philly.
My prediction: There are not enough superlatives in the world to accurately encapsulate Jayden Daniels, and I think his talent and general aura will elevate him to a whole new level in Philly on Sunday. Washington to win it all.
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs – Sunday 11.30pm
Here’s a fun little fact: the Kansas City Chiefs have contested the previous SIX AFC Championship games. They’ve won four in total, including the last 2 straight. Their last title game tilt against Buffalo came in 2021, and was a very one sided affair. But this year’s Bills squad is for real. Josh Allen is playing at his highest ever level and all three phases are firing. After seeing off the Ravens in the Divisional round, Buffalo now faces a thrilling rematch with Patrick Mahomes and the seemingly unstoppable Chiefs. Allen got the upper hand in their regular season clash. He also has arguably better offensive players at his disposal: Shakier and Cook in particular have been monstrously instrumental in their teams success throughout the year, while kicker Tyler Bass has proven to be one of the top kickers in the game. But none of that matters anymore. This is the playoffs. And Pat Mahomes is a different beast in the postseason. All bets are off when the whistle blows, because as we have seen all season the Chiefs will always find a way to win, no matter the odds or circumstances. And you never bet against the house.
My Prediction: The Chiefs have all the momentum in the world behind them and are seemingly unstoppable. Pat Mahomes will edge out an imperfect Buffalo side to reach a third consecutive Super Bowl.
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