AFC-NFC Championship Game Predictions

My predictions on who advances from the AFC and NFC Championship Games to face off in Super Bowl LVIII.

Super Bowl LVIII participants will be decided today with the winners of the AFC and NFC Championship Games. The AFC title game kicks off first, with the 14-4 Baltimore Ravens hosting the 13-6 Kansas City Chiefs. The NFC will be decided when the 14-5 Detroit Lions play at the 13-5 San Francisco 49ers. 

Kansas City, the defending Super Bowl champion and third seed in the AFC, is playing in their sixth straight AFC championship game. The top-seeded Ravens have brought the conference title game to the city of Baltimore for the first time since 1970, when the Colts franchise defeated the Oakland Raiders.

San Francisco, the NFC's Number One seed, is playing in their third straight NFC title game and fourth in five years. Third seed Detroit is in their first championship game since the 1991 season and only their second appearance since the Super Bowl began in 1967.

Here are my predictions for who advances out of today's games into Super Bowl LVIII. 

AFC Championship

Sep 19, 2021; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws from his end zone against the Baltimore Ravens. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

We're used to Kansas City rolling through opponents with an explosive offense behind QB Patrick Mahomes. This season, the Chiefs have gotten here primarily on the backs of a stifling defense, though Mahomes and the offense have turned it up in the playoffs.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is making his first conference title appearance, playing an outstanding game in the Divisional round after winning only one of his first four career postseason games. Baltimore brings their own punishing defense, along with the league's top rushing attack. 

The Ravens have been the NFL's best team down the stretch, winning seven of eight contests while dismantling several opponents in the process. This is not the same Chiefs team we've seen in the past, but Kansas City is full of seasoned pros that make plays with the game on the line.

Both offenses are capable of big plays, but also have the league's top two scoring defenses. Kansas City has been a little vulnerable against the run, but puts tons of pressure on quarterbacks with athletic defenders up front. The quarterback that makes fewer mistakes and has the more consistent running attack will have the better opportunity to make plays in key situations. 

Baltimore has been the league's most dominant team over the second half of the year while the Chiefs are the more banged-up team. I believe Kansas City quiets a raucous Baltimore crowd by making some plays early on offense and forcing the Ravens to play catch up. Both defenses will keep this close, but the playoff experience of Mahomes and the Chiefs pull out a close win.

Chiefs 23

Ravens 20

NFC Championship 

Sept. 12, 2021; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) tackles Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14). © Junfu Han via Imagn Content Services, LLC

San Francisco has been dominant throughout much of the year, but has looked a little vulnerable down the stretch. Upstart Detroit has been consistent through much of the year and has come up big in the playoffs despite their lack of experience. 

The Lions come in with the worst ranked defense statistically, by far, of the remaining four teams. However, it's a unit that's come up with big plays in key moments all year. They've been most vulnerable against the pass, with a leaky secondary betraying a solid pass rush. Detroit brings in an explosive offense that ranks in the top-5 across the board.

San Francisco possesses the NFL's most complete team. It's a physical squad on both sides of the ball with explosive players on each side. Quarterback Brock Purdy is complemented by playmakers Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk. A suffocating defense has held 11 opponents to under 20 points and ranks first in interceptions. 

Lions QB Jared Goff is accustomed to the 49er scheme from his time with the Rams. If he can take care of the ball, Detroit is loaded with weapons. San Francisco relies on offensive balance and their battering defense. Each team looks to establish the run, but has the capability to win games if forced to rely on their passing attack. 

If the Lions can avoid tackling breakdowns that have hurt them this season, then they've managed to stiffen in the red zone or create big plays. Goff must be efficient and spread the ball around, but Detroit has a talented enough offensive line to muster at least the threat of the run.

Admittedly, this feels like a pick made with my heart over my head. However, the Lions are playing like a team that doesn't know they aren't supposed to be here.

Lions 31

49ers 27