The NFL Conference Championship games are here, with the ultimate prize of a Super Bowl berth on the line.
After a wild Divisional Round that resulted in three game-winning field goals and a thrilling overtime victory, only four teams remain. Injuries coming into these games are minimal across the remaining clubs, but any limitation to major contributors could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Having a licensed physical therapist interpret the NFL Conference Championship injury reports provides you with the information you won’t find anywhere else. It also helps you make clear-cut decisions on tight lines and take advantage of injury mismatches before the odds change.
Below are the top NFL Conference Championship injuries to consider when placing your best NFL Playoffs bet picks.
Please note that all NFL gameday odds and lines are current as of 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, January 27.
NFL Conference Championship Injuries & Betting Tips
Trent Williams, LT, San Francisco 49ers (Right Ankle Sprain)
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams
Trent Williams is dealing with yet another injury in the postseason, this time to his right ankle. Looking at the film, there were three instances against the Green Bay Packers where Williams appeared to be favoring his right ankle before leaving to get it taped. There is a concern for a high-ankle sprain, although mild.
Considering his talent level at such an important position, I fully expect him to play Sunday. He may be a step slower but can keep his block outside as he moves to his left. He might struggle if he has to block to his right, however, if the defensive end spins inward or during run-blocking situations.
- Read our full 49ers vs Rams Predictions
QB Jimmy Garoppolo is still working through his right shoulder and thumb injuries that have clearly limited his throwing ability. Along with knee injuries to RB Elijah Mitchell and WR Deebo Samuel, the 49ers’ offensive weapons may also be somewhat diminished.
While San Francisco swept the regular-season series, it’s incredibly difficult to beat a team three times in a season. Los Angeles will take advantage of their opponents’ injuries, which makes my betting pick 1 unit on the Rams to cover the -3.5 spread (-105) at Caesars.
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Tyrann Mathieu, S, Kansas City Chiefs (Concussion)
Kansas City Chiefs vs Cincinnati Bengals
Tyrann Mathieu lasted only seven snaps after suffering a concussion on the first drive of last Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. This came as a result of an accidental knee to the head from teammate DT Jarran Reed.
Mathieu must now pass through the five-stage NFL concussion protocol and be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to suit up. He didn’t practice on Wednesday and will need to at least get in a limited practice on Thursday to potentially play on Sunday.
He doesn’t appear to have a concussion history, but each concussion is unique in its recovery which makes watching his status crucial in placing your bets. He will be needed as each of Buffalo’s passing scores came over the top to WR Gabriel Davis, who set an NFL postseason record with four touchdown catches.
- Read our full Chiefs vs Bengals Predictions
With a potential return of Mathieu and CB Rashad Fenton (back), this provides reinforcements to Kansas City’s secondary. While Joe Burrow and the Bengals are a talented team and beat the Chiefs in Week 17, they appear to be outmatched heading into Arrowhead.
The Chiefs gave the Bills everything they had and barely came out with a win last week, exposing their defense in the process. This matchup was a shootout during the regular season and I expect the same again with everything on the line, making my NFL bet of the day 1 unit on the Over 54.5 (-110) at Caesars.
Kyle’s Injury Report Betting Record: 60-43, +5.75 Units
