Odds and predictions for NFL Conference Championship round
By Jake Luppino
With only four teams remaining, we find out who will be playing in Super Bowl LVI this weekend. The Divisional Round provided arguably the best 4-game stretch in NFL history with all games ending in walk-offs. Each game had its own theme. The one that stuck with me the most was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams. It was very reminiscent of the 2012 Divisional Round where the Seattle Seahawks came back from a 20 point deficit in the fourth quarter in Atlanta to only lose on a game-winning field goal.
Nonetheless, the Los Angeles Rams are now provided with an opportunity to host the Super Bowl. Something that was never done until 2021 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) now has a chance to be repeated. That stat alone can sum up the unpredictable NFL.
Back in August, who would of thought the San Francisco 49ers or Cincinnati Bengals would be playing in the Conference Championship round? That is why we play the games. Despite being sacked 9 times, Joe Burrow still found a way to propel his team to a road victory against the number 1 seeded Tennessee Titans. Although Jimmy Garoppolo only completed just north of 130 passing yards, he still managed to convert on third downs to help set up the game-winning field goal.
Even though my picks have been awful thus far, I am feeling very confident heading into the NFL Conference Championship Round.
NFL Conference Championship Odds
Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers
The rubber match with all the marbles on the line. In the third meeting of these divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Rams have a chance to avenge suffering a season sweep to the San Francisco 49ers. The WynnBet betting odds have the Rams has a -3.5 point favorite with -185 moneyline odds. The underdog San Francisco 49ers have +152 moneyline odds. The over/under for total points is set at 46.5 (-110 for the over/-110 for the under).
Betting the spread: If one were to bet on the Rams (-3.5), in order to win, they’d have to win by 4 or more points.
Betting the moneyline: If one were to bet on the Rams (-185), they would have to just flat out win. For every $185 bet, you win $100.
Prediction: It is extremely difficult to beat the same team three straight times in one season. Last year we saw a similar situation in the playoffs with the Saints and Buccaneers. The Saints completed the season sweep of the Buccaneers and then suffered their first defeat to them in the Divisional Round. Ironically, the Rams sort of created this playoff monster that is the 49ers.
Blowing a 17-0 point lead in Week 18 led to the 49ers clinching their playoff birth. Coupled with the fact that the Niners have beaten the Rams six straight times, it feels like Kyle Shanahan lives rent-free in Sean McVay’s head. The Niners style matches up really well with what the Rams like to do. If Los Angeles cannot run the football, they are in trouble. A part of me feels that the Rams will get their revenge, but if they do, it will be in a close game. At the very least, the Niners will cover the spread.
Kansas City Chiefs (-7.0) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are riding their playoff momentum into one of the loudest venues in the NFL, Arrowhead Stadium. The WynnBet betting odds have the Chiefs has a -7.0 favorite with -330 moneyline odds. Cincinnati has +265 moneyline odds. For those riding that wave with the Bengals, the moneyline odds present an enticing bet. The over/under for total points is set at 54.0 (-110 for the over/-110 for the under).
Betting the spread: If one were to bet on the Chiefs (-7.0), in order to win, they’d have to win by 8 or more points.
Betting the moneyline: If one were to bet on the Chiefs (-330), they would have to just flat out win. For every $330 bet, you win $100.
Prediction: In back-to-back rounds, the Chiefs have scored more than 80 points. Although the Bengals have been a surprise this season, I do not see them being the ones to slow them down. I really like Kansas City in this matchup. Defensively, Chris Jones and Frank Clark can cause some disruption and offensively, there is not a single human who can go stride for stride with Tyreek Hill. The Bengals have had an impressive year, but their Cinderella story comes to an end this weekend. I like the Chiefs to win by two scores.
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