Kansas City Chiefs (-7) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Chiefs had a rougher regular season than usual. They looked beatable and Mahomes looked human – making critical errors and throwing interceptions far too often. However, it did not take them long to find their footing again and close out the season in a strong way. Winning their division and ultimately hosting the AFC championship game for the fourth straight postseason. Mahomes is back to playing at an unreal level and everything seems to be working just right for the team on both sides of the ball.
I love Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase – the chemistry they built at LSU never lost its footing once they linked up again in Cincinnati. This is only Burrow’s second season as the franchise quarterback, and I believe he has all the talent needed in a quarterback to win the Superbowl one day but unfortunately this is not the year to do it.
The Chiefs just feel inevitable to win this game. Like I mentioned above Mahomes and company are playing at a near-perfect level. Experience in the playoffs coupled with a loud home field advantage just tells me this has a Kansas City win written all over it. They have been here before and done it before so I cannot bet against Mahomes in the playoffs. It is very likely the Chiefs move on to lifting yet another Lombardi trophy in just a matter of weeks.
Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (-7)
Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers
This will be the 49ers fourth straight road game dating back to the final game of the regular season in a win against the Rams. They were able to secure a spot in the playoffs knocking out the Dallas Cowboys and then Aaron Rodgers and the Packers at Lambeau Field. It has been a tough stretch for them, but they are a very resilient team led by offensive guru Kyle Shanahan.
The Rams franchise has been in a “win now” mentality for the last several years. Making several trade acquisitions in the offseason and throughout the regular season in hopes of securing that Superbowl victory. Their biggest trade came in the offseason with the upgrade at the quarterback position from Jared Goff to Matt Stafford. It easily showed why it was such a necessity and why it has paid off so well thus far. You need an elite quarterback in today’s NFL to take you to the Superbowl and win – last week’s game against Tampa Bay in the final drive of the game for the Rams shows you why you make that upgrade from Goff to Stafford.
The 49ers are banged up and suffering from some injuries, especially at the cornerback position. I expect the Rams to take advantage of that in the air with Stafford slinging it to Cupp who should have another impactful game. Garoppolo is not the best quarterback to rely on so he will need to make quick passes and handoffs to his receivers including Deebo Samuel to try and stay within reach of the Rams on the scoreboard. That definitely will not be an easy task with arguably one of the greatest defensive linemen in Aaron Donald and recently acquired Von Miller constantly getting pressure. The Rams are healthy and strong on the offense and defense so I will take their spread this weekend.
Bet: Los Angeles Rams (-3.5)
