2023 NFL Playoff predictions: Do Seahawks have any more magic?
Conference Championships
NFC Championship game: 49ers vs Eagles
The first of an all-time classic championship week sees the clear four best teams in football do battle. In the first game, the NFC championship, the 49ers’ defense goes up against the Eagles’ offense. The best units in football do battle in an epic environment in Philadelphia. The Key here will be whether the 49ers’ pass rush can get home on Jalen Hurts and keep him from running for big yards.
The Eagles will have their moments, and this is a tall task for Purdy, but I believe a healthy Deebo Samuel and George Kittle will make enough plays to keep Philly’s offense off the field and put up enough points for an overtime win on the road to go to the super bowl.
Prediction: SF over PHI 24-21(OT)
AFC Championship game: Chiefs vs Bills
The most unique conference championship game ever, a neutral site shootout in Atlanta for the chance to go to the super bowl. It’s almost going to feel like a mini appetizer super bowl. There’s some great history of shootouts and epic battles between these two teams, and while I expect the game to involve a ton of points, I do think one team will separate themselves.
I believe this is a game where both offenses will be humming early, but as the game moves along, it will become clear that Buffalo is just a little faster, stronger, and more deserving to finally get over the hump. For the first time in 30 years, the Bills are going to the super bowl.
Prediction: BUF over KC 45-24