Here are Richard Witt’s predictions for Sunday’s NFC and AFC championship games.
EAGLES (-2-5) 49ers and above; 46.5 and above
The bendy but unbreakable Eagles have passed just 183 yards per game this season, nearly 40 yards below the overall NFL average. He gained only 3.4 yards per shot.
The Eagles’ focus on their ground game gives them the best chance to open up against this 49ers foe with yet another strong defensive effort bolstered by a talented defensive specialist. We are ready to provide a skilled and organized first half to do.
The Eagles continue to maintain a meaningful level of favorability over the 49ers, despite questions about their optimal mobility prospects related to the throwing shoulder of Eagles QB Jaylen Hurts.
Rookie 49ers QB Brock Purdy has been blessed with multiple talented receivers in San Fran’s quest to keep the ball away from the Eagles, but he’s had a few in his short career. I’ve run into test situations repeatedly. However, given Purdy’s limited NFL history, those circumstances can prove challenging.
This is a clash that situationally maximizes the Eagles’ chances of having clear command from the start and leading the defense to a comfortable victory. The core of the Eagles’ defense was able to solidify the ability to do just that.
Aside from a flurry of unexpected injury news, it’s unlikely we’ll sway from the Eagles’ positive rubber stamp.
It would take a world of additional adverse evidence to shake the Byrds’ previous heartfelt endorsement of Hurts and his ideal fit for this quarterback assignment. He’s proven to be an opponent, and his toughness fits the ideal overall character profile.
Philadelphia’s offensive line will certainly turn a half-hearted running back into a football-toting specialist and beat the world. An early profile of the Philadelphia Pigskin’s enthusiasm for combat figures satisfies our enduring confidence.
Eagles, 27-21
Bengals from CHIEFS (+1). 48+
Last year, it was amazing how QB Joe Burrow’s second season saw the Bengals relentlessly climb to the top of the AFC hierarchy. The fact that the Bengals have settled into the role of a slim underdog after taking a lead against chief quarterback Patrick Mahomes earlier this week is a huge endorsement of Burrow’s ability.
He carries out various missions with considerable leeway and demonstrates a firm concentration. Burrow has played with a maturity beyond his age during the early stages of his professional career.
The Chiefs’ extensive history and ever-dangerous offensive prowess have driven many NFL contests into frantic track and field. Mahomes is a flashy signal-caller, and Kansas City’s wide-open style can lead to some extreme results.
We’re optimistic about Cincinnati’s potential to make an even more positive impression on the world of sports. Against the troubled Mahomes and the rest of the offensively-minded Chiefs, they face a golden opportunity to play their best defense.
The Bengals have beaten the Chiefs in each of the three times Burroughs and Mahomes have collided, but all games have been close. We would be surprised if this were all different.
When we first encountered Barrow, we were stunned by his ideal fit for this situation, the mission, and the abilities he was most likely to succeed in. Barrow’s demeanor and abilities are beyond ideal. As long as they can avoid sideline injuries, we’d be shocked if the Bengals don’t beat the Chiefs with extreme prejudice.
Note again that the Chiefs are largely inconsistent in maintaining optimal gridiron form. It’s no coincidence or surprise that Burrow played the most important role in his three games as Cincinnati narrowly beat Kansas City.
We’re also not afraid of unfavorable cold weather, which poses a noticeable problem for Sincey’s offense, and we’re confident Mahomes won’t be happy with a firmer-than-usual playing surface.
Bengals, 34-27
