The NFL playoffs are down to just four teams - each with a legitimate path to victory. The Eagles have Barkley, the best running back in the league this year. The Commanders have Jayden Daniels, a sensational rookie quarterback looking to make history. The Chiefs have the refs and Patrick Mahomes. And the Bills have likely MVP Josh Allen looking to avenge past playoff losses. This should be fun.
Conference Championship Predictions
The Eagles have been perennially strong, while the Commanders are the upstart team. My head says the Eagles will take this one, but my heart would prefer Washington. Actually, my heart would prefer the Browns but here we are. My prediction is 34-31 for Washington.
The Chiefs have seemingly had everything going their way this season, despite not playing stunningly good football. Their sloppy execution has been counterbalanced by occasional quarterback heroics and frequent assists from potentially corrupt officials. The Bills, on the other hand, look very much like the best remaining team right now - they take care of the ball and have a multifaceted attack in terms of being able to run or pass. They may be able to do enough to make up for the Kansas City mob or whoever's paying these refs. My prediction is 27-24 for Buffalo.
Super Bowl Prediction
Buffalo vs Washington would be a fun matchup. Two refreshing newcomers in recent memory. A Super Bowl run would be a long time coming for the Bills, while it would be a genuine shock for any preseason prognosticator from Washington. While I think Jayden Daniels and his team have a genuine shot at making the big game, I don't think they would be able to overcome a determined Bills team that has waited so long for this moment. My prediction is 38-28 for Buffalo.
What about the Browns?
Nick Chubb broke his foot a few games into his return from MCL / ACL injury, signaling the official end of Cleveland's season. My dream is for the Browns to take Ashton Jeanty with the Number 2 pick, but the odds are very low. As I've said before, I don't think we're likely to make any significant ground until the Browns come under competent ownership. Chubb, though, I think is capable of one more big comeback to help raise the Browns from being terrible to mediocre next season.
