The Divisional Round of the playoffs could not have been more exciting with all four games going down to the final play. It was some of the best football we’ve seen played over the last decade and it sets up two massive games this weekend.
In the NFC, you’ll have the 49ers taking on the Rams in Los Angeles in an NFC West showdown. And in the AFC, it’s the Chiefs hosting the Bengals with two of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks.
To get you prepared for the week ahead, here are our best bets and picks for the Championship Round of the playoffs.
Please note that all NFL gameday odds and lines are current as of 10 a.m. ET on Monday, January 24.
Marcus Mosher’s Best Bets NFL Betting Record: 64-49
AFC Championship Best Bets
Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs Prediction
Just two years ago, the Bengals held the No. 1 pick while the Chiefs were hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Now, the Bengals will get a chance to compete against the NFL’s best as they head to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs.
These two teams met just a few weeks ago with the Bengals winning an incredible game in Cincinnati. However, the Chiefs have really cranked up the intensity over the last few weeks. When they play this well, no one can beat them.
- Check out our full Bengals vs Chiefs Predictions
Expect this to be a close game for a while, but for the Chiefs to pull away late in the second half as they are just the far more talented team.
Bengals vs Chiefs Score Pick: Chiefs 33, Bengals 23
Sportsbook Play of the Day
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Bengals vs Chiefs Best Bet: Chiefs -7 (-110) on TwinSpires
Wager: 1 Unit
A full-touchdown and extra point spread feels high in this game, but Patrick Mahomes could not be any hotter right now. With Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce fully healthy, they’ve now scored 42 points in back-to-back playoff games.
Their offense is clicking and the defense can get pressure with their front four, especially against a team like the Bengals. You should fully expect the Bengals to hang around for a while, but for the Chiefs to win by double digits on Sunday afternoon.
Bengals vs Chiefs Best Bet: Over 53.5 (-110) on TwinSpires
Wager: 1 Unit
When the Bengals and Chiefs met just a few weeks ago, they scored a total of 65 points. What’s incredible about that game is that the Chiefs managed to score just three total points in the second half.
Don’t expect the Chiefs to have that type of lull again as both offenses should be able to move the ball up and down the field. Also, don’t be shocked if the scoring starts off a bit slow before finally heating up in the second half.
Check out more of our NFL Championship Round betting tips:
- NFL Championship Round Parlay Picks
- NFL Championship Round Prop Bets
- NFL Championship Round Player Prop Bets
NFC Championship Best Bets
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams Prediction
If it wasn’t for a fourth-quarter comeback and overtime win by the 49ers in Week 18, they would never even be in this spot. But, they pulled off the 17-point comeback against the Rams to sneak into the playoffs and they are now one win away from the Super Bowl.
The 49ers have two impressive road wins in the playoffs, defeating the Cowboys and the Packers. But can they beat the Rams for a third time this season? That remains to be seen.
- Check out our full 49ers vs Rams Predictions
As good as both rosters are heading into the NFC Championship Game, there is one glaring difference: The Rams have Matthew Stafford, while the 49ers have Jimmy Garoppolo. The Rams are in this position because of Stafford, but the 49ers are here in spite of Garoppolo.
That doesn’t mean the 49ers can’t win, but the Rams are the better bet here as they have the better quarterback and an equally talented roster.
49ers vs Rams Score Pick: Rams 30, 49ers 24
Matthew Stafford outdueled Tom Brady in the NFC Divisional Round and should throw all over a familiar San Francisco 49ers defense. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
49ers vs Rams Best Bet: Rams -3.5 (-110) on TwinSpires
Wager: 1 Unit
The 49ers have beaten the Rams in six straight games, and it appears that Kyle Shanahan just has Sean McVay‘s number. But given that this game is in Los Angeles, and how well Stafford has been playing, it seems unlikely that the 49ers will be able to make it seven straight.
For the 49ers to win, Garoppolo would need to play one of the best games of his career. However, he’s been trending in the wrong direction, throwing for a combined 303 passing yards and two interceptions in his last two playoff games.
He’s dealing with multiple injuries, so the lackluster play makes sense. However, this is a difficult spot for him against one of the NFL’s most talented defenses.
Look for this game to be close, but for Los Angeles to eventually win by a touchdown. Take the Rams to cover the 3.5-point spread and for them to advance to the Super Bowl for the second time under McVay.
49ers vs Rams Best Bets: Over 46.5 (-110) on TwinSpires
Wager: 1 Unit
The 49ers and Rams scored 51 points the last time they played each other. However, it took overtime for the 49ers to score 27 points. Will this game follow a similar trajectory or will it be more of a defensive battle?
Considering how well Stafford has played in the first two rounds of the playoffs, it seems very likely they score into the upper 20s or low 30s. For that reason, take the Over. Expect both teams to create chunk plays all game long.
