PORT JEFF, NY- Greetings, Let’s talk ball! Specifically, the NFL Championship Weekend.
Eagles vs Commanders
To kick off championship weekend, the Eagles and Commanders will face off for a third time this year. Both games have somewhat of an asterisk next to them as Jayden Daniels was nursing a broken rib in the first game which Philadelphia won, and in the second game the Eagles led 14-0 and then Jalen Hurts left the game with a concussion and the Commanders rallied to win that one. Jayden Daniels has had one of the best rookie seasons of all time, turning around this franchise with limited talent on offense and taking them to the NFC title game.
The Eagles have dominated the trenches in each of their two playoff victories. However, Hurts has looked injured and hasn’t looked like a competent passer for weeks. Saquon Barkley and the Eagles defense have been so good that it hasn’t mattered. However, in a match-up against this Commanders offense, I think Hurts will have to throw the ball down the field to potentially keep up. I think this will be a very close game. Ultimately I think the Eagles advantage up front on both sides of the ball wins this game and sends them back to the Super Bowl.
Eagles 27- Commanders 24
Chiefs vs Bills
Here we go again. Is this finally the year? Can the Bills finally break through and get back to the Super Bowl Big Game? The Bills and Josh Allen have played a completely different brand of football this year. This is a run-first offense that doesn’t turn the ball over and relies on its defense to get stops. Josh Allen was incredible all year and seems poised to send Buffalo over the top. For the Bills to win this game they’ll have to establish the run early and have long sustained drives that keeps the Chiefs offense off the field. For Kansas City, last week against the Texans they played exactly like they did all year long. It was a relatively close game that could’ve been a blowout but the Chiefs played around a little too much and it was a lot closer than it really should’ve been. However, this isn’t the Texans. If KC isn’t closing drives with TDs, Buffalo is going to make them pay.
Along with everyone else, I would love to see the Bills finally get over the hump and knock off the Chiefs. I just can’t pick against KC. Mahomes and Andy Reid will just find a way. There will be a third and eleven late in the fourth that Patrick Mahomes miraculous will convert on the Chiefs and position them to go to yet another Super Bowl. I think that’s what gets lost in a lot of the discourse about the Chiefs “getting every call”. Mahomes certainly does benefit from a favorable whistle, however so do all the greats in every sport. The Chiefs just like the Patriots and Brady put themselves in the best spot to take advantage of every edge they get.
Chiefs 24 Bills 23
That’s it for me. Leave your two cents below and come back tomorrow for the Sports Rain Man, Junoir Blaber.