We have expert betting predictions for the NFL Conference Championships, which starts with the Bengals vs Chiefs.
It was an incredible weekend of NFL action last week, so we’re hoping Sunnday lives up to the hype as the Bengals, Chiefs, 49ers and Rams look to book their spot in the Super Bowl.
NFL Conference Championships Preview
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Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs @ GEHA Field
The Kansas City Chiefs come off one of the most incredible NFL games of all time. They defeated the Buffalo Bills in overtime, which was an offensive masterclass.
However, the Bengals are better defensively, so Patrick Mahomes won’t be able to dissect the defence as easily as he did last week.
Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL and he showed why. He’s able to find open receivers with ease and there is no lead safe, even with 13 seconds left.
Joe Burrow is another talented quarterback, but he’s never been in this position and that could work against him. There is also a big concern with how many times he gets sacked, so the Chiefs pass rush will be coming for him.
We think the Bengals have got a little lucky to get to this stage, and although we give credit to them, we’re in the camp of the Chiefs.
They are the $1.27 favourite, so there is plenty of support in head-to-head betting markets. Bookmakers have them at –7, which is a favorable line. We would have loved –6.5, but we’re happy to take –7, and it could move to –7.5 on game day.
Most of the early money is coming for the Chiefs, as the line is paying $1.85. Take the line before it moves and expect to see the Chiefs in another Super Bowl.
We also like Travis Kelce to score the first touchdown. The tight end is playing in career-best form and he’s $7.50 to open his account, which is a price worth taking.
Betting tip: Kansas City Chiefs –7
Chiefs by 10
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San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams @ SoFi Stadium
We love seeing Matthew Stafford finally playing for a good team and doing well. The former Lions quarterback is taking every chance he gets and he could make the Super Bowl.
The Los Angeles Rams showed their class when beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-27. The game got tight in the end despite holding a commanding early lead, but we all knew Tom Brady could keep the Buccaneers in the game.
It bodes well for a big performance against the San Francisco 49ers, who continue to defy belief. They scored upset wins over the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers to make the Conference Championship, so credit to them.
Those wins came on the road, but they have now played five of their last six games on the road and it could take its toll.
Defence has been strong, having allowed only 27 points in the playoffs. The Rams will need to play well in what should be a low-scoring affair, but we give the edge to the home side.
Boomakers have the Rams at $1.55 and –3.5, so there is some trepidation in betting. However, we’re confident to take the Rams straight up. The price is worth including in NFL multis and they’re a well-rounded team.
Cooper Kupp is our top pick to score the first touchdown. The Rams receiver is the favourite at $6.50 and he’s the primary target of Stafford, so he should see plenty of the ball early.
Another solid pick is Odell Beckham, who has rejuvenated his career in Los Angeles. He could be thrown a jump ball in the endzone and he often comes out ahead. Beckham is paying $10 to score first.
Betting tip: Los Angeles Rams
Rams by 3
After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA – English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.
Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. Coupled with his love of US sport, Daryl’s picks have been featured on various websites around the world and viewed by millions of readers. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 – with a focus on horse racing, NBA, NFL, and college sports. When he’s not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.
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