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The NFL playoffs have reached their pinnacle with the AFC and NFC Conference Championships set for this Sunday! The action kicks off with an exciting matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by a thrilling game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for these pivotal games.
(6) Commanders at (2) Eagles
Time: 3 p.m. ET | Network: Fox | Betting Line: Eagles -6 (47.5 O/U)
Commanders Storyline to Watch:
One of Washington’s biggest challenges will be handling defensive tackle Jalen Carter and standout running back Saquon Barkley. Washington’s offensive line has already suffered a significant blow with right guard Sam Cosmi tearing his ACL, leaving them with an unknown replacement. Carter, one of the NFL’s top defenders, will be a force to reckon with, and Barkley’s explosive runs (including a three-carry, 130-yard, three-touchdown performance against Washington this season) could cause major headaches for the Commanders defense.
Eagles Storyline to Watch:
Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts is coming off an injury to his left knee, sustained during last week’s divisional round win against the Rams. Although Hurts managed to rush for 71 yards before being injured, his mobility remains a big question mark. His ability to run and extend plays could be crucial against a defense that will look to stop the Eagles’ potent rushing attack.
Stat to Know:
This is the fifth NFC Championship Game between NFC East teams, with the previous two winners (1982 Washington and 1986 Giants) going on to win the Super Bowl.
Bold Prediction:
Barkley and Hurts will combine for at least 42 rushing attempts. Washington’s defensive scheme, which invites the run, will likely see both teams relying on their ground games heavily in this matchup.
Matchup X Factor:
Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown has become a significant deep threat for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Look for Washington to use Brown in pass concepts that attack both split-safety and man coverage, potentially creating big plays against the Eagles’ defense.
Injuries:
- Commanders: Several injuries on the offensive line and in the secondary.
- Eagles: Jalen Hurts’ knee status remains a concern.
Betting Nugget:
The Commanders are 5-3 outright and 6-2 against the spread (ATS) as underdogs this season, and they’ve won three straight outright games. The Eagles, meanwhile, have won nine straight home games, although they’ve only gone 5-4 against the spread during that stretch.
Officiating Nugget:
Referee Shawn Hochuli has been the lead official in two games involving both teams this season. He tends to throw multiple penalties for roughing the passer, which could be an important factor in this matchup.
Final Score Predictions:
- Kalyn Kahler: Commanders 31, Eagles 30
- Eric Moody: Commanders 34, Eagles 30
- Seth Walder: Eagles 30, Commanders 17
- Football Power Index (FPI) Prediction: Eagles win 63.7% of the time (by an average of 5.1 points)
(2) Bills at (1) Chiefs
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET | Network: CBS/Paramount+ | Betting Line: Chiefs -2 (47.5 O/U)
Bills Storyline to Watch:
The Bills are hoping to break their playoff losing streak to the Chiefs, having dropped three straight postseason matchups to Kansas City. In their regular-season win over the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes threw two interceptions. Buffalo will need to force turnovers and keep Mahomes in check to have a chance at finally defeating Kansas City in the playoffs. Despite Buffalo’s defensive prowess, the Chiefs have yet to commit a turnover in the last eight games.
Chiefs Storyline to Watch:
For the Chiefs, stopping the Bills on third downs will be essential. In their regular-season loss, Buffalo converted 9 of 15 third downs and held a time-of-possession advantage of 34 minutes to 26. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will need to get creative in putting pressure on Josh Allen, much like the Chiefs’ defense did in their divisional round win with eight sacks on C.J. Stroud.
Stat to Know:
The Bills have committed the fewest turnovers in the NFL this season (8) while also recording a league-high 35 takeaways (including the regular season and playoffs).
Bold Prediction:
Samaje Perine, the Chiefs’ running back, will record at least four receptions, matching a season-high. The Bills’ defense tends to give up a high percentage of targets to running backs, and this could be an area where the Chiefs take advantage, especially if they find themselves in more passing situations.
Matchup X Factor:
George Karlaftis, the Chiefs’ defensive end, will need to contain Josh Allen by limiting his ability to extend plays outside of the pocket. Karlaftis has been a force with three sacks in the divisional round, and he will be crucial in keeping Allen from creating magic late in the down.
Injuries:
- Bills: Von Miller and others in the secondary.
- Chiefs: Travis Kelce has dealt with minor injuries throughout the season, but he’s expected to play.
Betting Nugget:
Mahomes and Allen are 4-4 outright and ATS against each other. However, Mahomes is 3-0 in the playoffs, all of which were ATS victories.
Officiating Nugget:
Referee Clete Blakeman has worked 12 games with Mahomes as the starting quarterback. While his crew has led the league in penalties, Blakeman himself tends to throw fewer flags for roughing the passer, which could impact the flow of this game.
Final Score Predictions:
- Kalyn Kahler: Bills 34, Chiefs 31
- Eric Moody: Bills 30, Chiefs 29
- Seth Walder: Bills 29, Chiefs 20
- Football Power Index (FPI) Prediction: Bills win 54.6% of the time (by an average of 1.6 points)
With the stakes higher than ever, these matchups are sure to deliver intense action as the AFC and NFC Championship games will determine who advances to the Super Bowl. Be sure to catch both games for an unforgettable weekend of playoff football.