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Though many expected the Chargers to build off their road success against the Ravens in the Wild Card, New England reasserted their prowess once again to advance to the AFC Championship. The Chiefs got revenge for Alex Luck’s 2013 playoff comeback, and Patrick Mahomes has the chance to add another chapter to his epic sophomore season.
In the NFC, the Saints ended the Eagles title defense, and Jared Goff of the Rams sent the Cowboys packing to earn his first playoff win. The Beatdown staff continues to submit predicts for every matchup, and readers can vote in the polls for each Conference Championship game.
Playoff standings:
- Dustin (7-1)
- Jake and Kyle B. (6-2)
- Zach (5-3)
- Logan, Frank, Vas and readers (4-4)
- Kyle A. (3-5)
- Sage (2-6)
Conference Championship games
Rams at Saints (NO -3.0)
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In the first battle of youth versus veteran Super Bowl champion, Jared Goff heads to New Orleans to try to derail Drew Brees’ campaign for ring number two. The Saints are allowing just 250 YPG in the postseason, behind only Baltimore’s playoff defense. However, the Rams are averaging 30 points per playoff game, 10 more than New Orleans. Michael Thomas, who recorded the most receptions in the NFL during the regular season, is also averaging the most receiving YPG in the playoffs.
The verdict: 78% of the Beatdown staff predicts the Saints will advance to the Super Bowl
Poll
Who will advance to the Super Bowl: Rams or Saints?
Patriots at Chiefs (KC -3.0)
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While the narrative around the Patriots has taken its familiar twists and turns this year, the Chiefs, led by a sensational Patrick Mahomes, are in title contention as many pundits have predicted all season. The Chiefs defense, which was ranked 31st in the regular season, came alive against a red hot Colts team, allowing only 266 yards compared to the 405.5 they gave up on average prior to the playoffs. Still, they will be faced with the tough task of trying to stop Tom Brady from advancing to his third-straight Super Bowl appearance.
The verdict: 67% of the Beatdown staff thinks the Chiefs will defeat the defending AFC Champions
Poll
Who will advance to the Super Bowl: Patriots or Chiefs?
All writers’ picks can be found in the table below.
NFL Playoff Picks Conference Championships
| Games | Dustin | Jake | Kyle B. | Zach | Logan | Vasilis | Frank | Kyle A. | Sage | BB Readers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | Dustin | Jake | Kyle B. | Zach | Logan | Vasilis | Frank | Kyle A. | Sage | BB Readers |
| Rams at Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints | Rams | Saints | Rams | Saints | Vote |
| Patriots at Chiefs | Patriots | Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs | Patriots | Chiefs | Patriots | Vote |
| Divisional Round Record | 4-0 | 4-0 | 4-0 | 3-1 | 2-2 | 2-2 | 3-1 | 3-1 | 2-2 | 3-1 |
| Playoff Record | 7-1 | 6-2 | 6-2 | 5-3 | 4-4 | 4-4 | 4-4 | 3-5 | 2-6 | 4-4 |