The Scout: NFL Conference Championships

Posted on January 28, 2022February 9, 2022 | Posted by The Scout

Cincinnati Bengals @ Kansas City Chiefs

The Bengals come into the AFC Championship game following a dramatic last-second field goal win over the Titans, while the Chiefs overcame the Bills in one of (if not the) greatest non-Super Bowl playoff games of all-time.

These teams met in week 17 with the Bengals winning 34-31 in an entertaining, offensive showcase. The Bengals lit-up the Chiefs defense on this occasion, with Ja’Marr Chase receiving for over 266 yards. The Bengals defense was also able to neutralize Travis Kelce and Tyreke Hill, with the pair combing for just 65 yards.

The Chiefs defensive strategy favours the blitz, but this seems to be the way Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow likes it. He was attacked relentlessly by the Titans’ defense (and was sacked nine times!) but was still able to stay composed, and make numerous big plays when it mattered most.

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have the playoff experience, but is it possible they played their Super Bowl last weekend? The Bengals came from behind to beat the Chiefs at the start of January, a game that saw Joe Burrow throw for 446 yards. I think he can repeat the dose again here.

Suggested Bet: Bengals WIN @ $3.75*

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San Francisco 49ers @ LA Rams

The 49ers have taken two massive scalps en route to the NFC Championship game (the Cowboys and Packers) while the Rams should be full of confidence coming into this game with the biggest scalp of them all, Tom Brady (and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

San Francisco have had the wood over the Rams for the last three seasons. The LA counterparts have failed to beat the 49ers in six straight attempts, with coach Kyle Shanahan completely outplaying Sean McVay. This includes a 27-24 OT win in the final week of the regular season this year.

That OT result though might be a signal for change, with the Rams now truly looking every bit a championship side. Their mid-season additions of Odell Beckham Jr and Von Miller are looking better than ever, and give this roster arguably the most star power in the league on either side of the ball.

The quarterback play will likely decide this game, and while neither Stafford nor Garoppolo instill much confidence, I have the bigger concerns over Jimmy G’s ability to deal with a defense containing Miller, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey.

Suggested Bet: Rams -3.5 (Line) @ $1.95*

*Odds correct as at 6am, 28th January 2022.

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