Power Picks for NFL Championship Weekend

In the NFL, we don’t always get the best final four teams in the Conference Championships. But this year we do!

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Buffalo Bills v. Kansas City Chiefs

The Bills are arguably the hottest team coming into the cold playoff weather. Buffalo would currently be on a 12-game win streak if not for the “Hail Murray” to DeAndre Hopkins in Week Ten. The Bills’ biggest weakness is their run game, which the offense rarely does. But if Buffalo is winning late, you need a guy who can get you 10 yards on at least three plays. That responsibility falls on Devin Singletary, who had 25 yards rushing yards in the Divisional Round.

. Daboll was instrumental in helping to make Josh Allen what he is today. And getting Stephon Diggs wasn’t a bad move either!

The Bills’ opponents are the reigning champions with perhaps the best player in the league! That player gave the city of Kansas City a ‘hold your breath moment’ as Patrick Mahomes didn’t just injure his foot/ankle but was concussed. The good news is that Mahomes is good to go, and we’ll get two of the best QBs in the NFL going head to head. This one is all about offense, folks!

Tampa Bay Bucs v. Green Bay Packers

In the NFC, the older quarterbacks are the two left standing. Tom Brady at the age of 43, and Aaron Rodgers turned 37 just recently. But right now, both of these living legends are playing at very high levels.

You cannot defend DeVante Adams one on one because he’ll eat you alive! If they decide to double him up, then Rodgers will toss the rock to Lazard, MVS, Robert Tonyan, and players out of the backfield. And Aaron Jones is one of the best running backs in the league, behind an excellent offensive line that can run and pass block. I’ve seen #33 break long runs towards the end of the game to seal the deal.

David Bakhtiari, the Packs All-Pro left tackle, has been out during this post-season run, but coaching and QB intelligence help that cause or even play-action plays. Sometimes you bring in an extra blocker for pass protection or run the play to the opposite side. However, Green Bay hasn’t missed a beat in that area, and they’ll need to be because the Bucs can blitz you!

But the Packers are a much better team now, as are the Bucs. They’re running game had come along a bit when Ronald Jones was out, Fournette stepped in and had himself a good game. If Ronald Jones is 100% healthy, then I believe we see a lot of him with his power running style and surprising elusiveness. As for Brady, well, that’s on HC Bruce Arians. Either he pulls some ego trip and calls long passing plays unnecessarily, or he conforms to Brady’s style, which has been getting the ball out quickly, and if nothing is there, throw the ball away and live to for the next play.

Throw this same situation at Aaron Rodgers, and the defense will have to account for Rodger’s ability to extend plays or take off with the ball and run for a first down. The Chiefs and Bills defenses will also have this issue as Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes are masters of escaping the pocket and avoiding the rush. They both roll out usually to the right side. Being right-handed, it makes sense. Then they’ll either take off for a few yards or make some miraculous throw.

Tough games to pick, and any result wouldn’t surprise me as all four teams have what it takes.

My Picks

Chiefs 28, Bills 25

Packers 31, Bucs 17

Ranking Team by Position or Unit

QB: Aaron Rodgers (GB)
RB: Aaron Jones (GB)
WR: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Gronk, Scottie Miller, Cameron Brate (TB)
TE: Travis Kelce (KC)
O-Line: GB
Front 7 Defense: BUF
Secondary: Tyrann Mathieu (KC)
Head Coach: Andy Reid (KC)

Based on this quick evaluation, my prediction matches well with whom I think will meet in the Super Bowl. Both the Pack and Chiefs have top-notch offenses while the Packers Bucs can score themselves. However, I believe the defense will determine the victor.

Calling it now! Tyrann Mathieu should, and will win, the Defensive MVP!