The four best teams in the NFL remain. That’s all we can ask for in the final weeks of an NFL season.
49ers at Eagles (-2.5), Over/Under 46.5
- Let’s look at some regular season rankings:
- Yards per game: Eagles 3, Niners 5
- Points per game: Eagles 3, Niners 6
- Yards allowed per game: Niners 1, Eagles 2
- Points allowed per game: Niners 1, Eagles 8
- Opposing passer rating: Eagles 3, Niners 6
- Sacks: Eagles 1, Niners 11
- Interceptions: Niners T-1, Eagles T-4
- Turnover differential: Niners 1, Eagles 3
- What do those stats show? There is no advantage in this game. It is going to be decided by a big play here, or a big play there, or a costly turnover at the wrong moment, or a brilliant special teams moment. I give the Eagles a slight edge at quarterback, and a slight edge for the home field. And that slight edge is reflected in my score prediction.
- Eagles 24, 49ers 23
Bengals (-1) at Chiefs, Over/Under 47.5
- The Chiefs had been favored in 14 consecutive postseason games, and the only reason they are not favored this week is because of the health of their quarterback. What will Patrick Mahomes look like Sunday evening? There is a strong chance we won’t know until the game kicks off, and that makes it near-impossible to predict with any semblance of certainty.
- Joe Burrow’s postseason stats: 5-1, 68.1% completion, 1,556 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTS, 98.4 rating. Against the best competition, Burrow is at his best. Is he the best quarterback in the sport?
- With a hobbled Mahomes, I don’t think the Bengals are the better team. I think they are the significantly better team. So…
- Bengals 31, Chiefs 20
