NFL Conference Championships : In-depth preview of the NFL Conference Championship games: Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs. Key matchups, betting insights, and viewing information.
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As the NFL season reaches its climax, fans are eagerly anticipating today’s Conference Championship games, which will determine the contenders for Super Bowl LIX. On Sunday, January 26, 2025, two thrilling matchups are set to captivate football enthusiasts:
- NFC Championship: Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles at 3:00 p.m. ET.
- AFC Championship: Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs at 6:30 p.m. ET.
These games not only promise high-stakes action but also offer intriguing narratives and betting opportunities for fans and bettors alike.
NFC Championship Preview: Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles NFL Conference Championships
The NFC Championship features a compelling matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles, two NFC East rivals meeting for the third time this season. The series is currently tied, with each team securing a home victory during the regular season.
In their Week 11 encounter, the Eagles triumphed 26-18, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and a staunch defense. The Commanders responded in Week 16 with a thrilling 36-33 victory, highlighting their resilience and offensive prowess.
The Eagles enter this game as 6.5-point favorites, reflecting their strong season performance and home-field advantage. However, the Commanders have embraced their underdog status throughout the playoffs, making this a must-watch contest.
AFC Championship Preview: Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The AFC Championship presents a marquee matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. This game marks the fourth postseason meeting between quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, adding another chapter to their growing rivalry.
The Chiefs have been dominant in recent playoff history, aiming for their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. They secured their spot in the AFC Championship with a 23-14 victory over the Houston Texans.
The Bills, on the other hand, are seeking to overcome past playoff disappointments against the Chiefs. They earned their place in this game with a narrow 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.
The Chiefs are favored by 1.5 points, but the Bills’ recent form and determination make this a highly anticipated and unpredictable matchup.
Betting Insights and Trends
For those interested in wagering on today’s games, here are some key betting insights:
- Point Spreads:
- Eagles favored by 6.5 points over the Commanders.
- Chiefs favored by 1.5 points over the Bills.
- Over/Under Totals:
- Commanders vs. Eagles: 47.5 points.
- Bills vs. Chiefs: 48.5 points.
These lines suggest expectations of high-scoring games, reflecting the offensive capabilities of the teams involved.
How to Watch
Fans can catch the action on the following networks:
- NFC Championship: FOX at 3:00 p.m. ET.
- AFC Championship: CBS at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Additionally, streaming options are available through network apps and services like FuboTV and Paramount+.
Today’s NFL Conference Championship games offer a blend of intense rivalries, star-studded performances, and significant implications for Super Bowl LIX. Whether you’re a passionate fan or a keen bettor, these matchups provide ample excitement and opportunities to engage with the sport at its highest level.
For more in-depth analysis and coverage of the NFL playoffs, visit The Newsify.
Welcome to the conference championship round edition of Props that Pop! Last week, Liz Loza carried the team, going 2-1 with her bets. Thank goodness she was here because, well, I had a dreadful weekend.
Not only did my props go 0-3, but my beloved Detroit Lions were eliminated by the Washington Commanders in our first playoff game. After a historic 15-2 regular season — the best in franchise history — losing our opening playoff game was gut-wrenching. To make matters worse, it happened at home.
Adding insult to injury, our offensive coordinator Ben Johnson accepted the head coaching job for the Chicago Bears. While I’m thrilled for him — head coaching opportunities in the NFL are scarce — the thought of facing his offense twice a year is less than appealing. The Bears, armed with young talent, are on the rise, and this move only strengthens them. That said, good luck to Ben … except in 15 of his 17 games next season.
It was a tough weekend, but we move forward. The conference championship weekend offers a blank slate, and we’re here to find winners. Without further ado, here is the championship edition of Props that Pop!
Quarterback Props
Patrick Mahomes OVER 0.5 INTs (-105)
Liz Loza: The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense has been firing on all cylinders since midseason, and Mahomes has minimized his mistakes significantly. Nine of his 11 interceptions came in the first two months of the 2024 campaign, and he hasn’t thrown a pick since Week 11, where he had two against the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo has been stellar at forcing turnovers, with 16 regular-season interceptions (tied for fifth most). While they struggled to pressure Lamar Jackson last week, they still managed to pick him off, which is impressive given Jackson’s season total of only four interceptions.
With Mahomes expected to air it out frequently (his passing attempts Over/Under is set at 36.5), the odds of at least one interception in a tight matchup are worth taking. Buffalo’s opportunistic defense will be ready to pounce.
Josh Allen Longest Rush OVER 12.5 Yards (-130)
Loza: Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz-heavy schemes often force quarterbacks to scramble. Kansas City allowed the fifth-most rushing attempts (88) to QBs this season and the seventh-most rushing yards (434). Though the Chiefs rank 15th in limiting rushes over 13 yards (seven), one of those long rushes came courtesy of Allen — a 26-yard touchdown earlier this season.
Allen has consistently ripped off big runs, notching eight rushes of 15+ yards this season and 77 in his career. Over 10% of those big plays have come against the Chiefs. Bettors only need 13 yards to hit this line, and given Allen’s 31+ rushing yards per game average, it’s a strong bet. Expect a vintage Allen performance.
Jayden Daniels OVER 286.5 Passing + Rushing Yards (-115)
Daniel Dopp: Jayden Daniels’ rookie campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. The Commanders’ QB rushed for 891 yards — the most by a rookie QB and the ninth most by any QB in NFL history. Combine that with a 69% completion rate, 3,500+ passing yards, and 25 touchdowns, and you have an incredible dual-threat player.
Daniels has cleared this combined yardage mark in each of his last five full games. Against the Eagles in Week 16, he racked up 258 passing yards and 81 rushing yards for a total of 339 yards. Expect him to utilize every tool in his arsenal to push Washington’s offense down the field, even if victory is uncertain.
Running Back Props
Austin Ekeler OVER 46.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards (-115)
Dopp: For Washington to have a shot at upsetting Philadelphia, Ekeler must play a significant role. He’s been a reliable safety valve for Daniels, recording two or more receptions in 13 of 14 games this season and surpassing 20 receiving yards in eight of those games.
Ekeler is averaging 62.4 scrimmage yards per game, including the playoffs, which comfortably clears this prop. While the Eagles’ defense excels at containing running backs, the Commanders will likely find themselves in comeback mode, forcing Ekeler into an active role as both a runner and a receiver. I’d bet this up to 49.5 yards but avoid anything over 50.
Wide Receiver Props
Expect Jalen Hurts to look Brown’s way in the red zone, where his size and physicality are invaluable. With favorable odds, this is a bet worth taking.
A.J. Brown Anytime Touchdown (+130)
Loza: A.J. Brown’s ability to dominate one-on-one matchups makes him a prime candidate for a touchdown this weekend. Brown has found the end zone 13 times this season, including the playoffs. The Commanders’ secondary has struggled against elite receivers, allowing big performances to CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson earlier this year.
Stefon Diggs OVER 88.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
Dopp: When it comes to big games, Stefon Diggs delivers. In Buffalo’s last matchup against Kansas City, Diggs torched the Chiefs for 102 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City’s defense has been inconsistent against elite wideouts, and Diggs’ connection with Allen is one of the league’s most productive.
Diggs has surpassed this line in three of his last five games. In a high-stakes AFC Championship battle, Allen will undoubtedly rely on his top target. Expect Diggs to be heavily involved, making the over on his receiving yards a solid play.
Tight End Props
Travis Kelce OVER 7.5 Receptions (-110)
Loza: When the stakes are highest, Mahomes leans on Travis Kelce. The All-Pro tight end has been a target magnet in the postseason, averaging 9.3 receptions per game in his last six playoff appearances. Against a Buffalo defense that ranks middle of the pack against tight ends, Kelce should have ample opportunities to make plays.
With a projected shootout on the horizon, Kelce’s involvement in Kansas City’s passing attack will be critical. Betting on him to surpass 7.5 receptions feels like a smart move.
Defensive Props
Haason Reddick Anytime Sack (+125)
Dopp: Reddick has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all season, finishing the regular season with 16 sacks. Facing a Washington offensive line that has struggled at times, Reddick’s speed and tenacity off the edge should create opportunities to add to his sack total. At +125, this is a value bet worth taking.
Championship weekend is packed with storylines and opportunities for savvy bettors. From the dual-threat brilliance of Jayden Daniels to the clutch performances of stars like Patrick Mahomes and A.J. Brown, these props provide a mix of value and excitement. As always, gamble responsibly and enjoy the games!
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