(50-46-3 against the spread this season)
By Danny Picard
BOSTON — I went 2-2 in the Divisional Round. Now, we’re down to the final four in the NFL Playoffs.
It’s Conference Championship weekend. Don't overthink this. Here are my picks for the AFC and NFC Championship games:
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (+4.5) over Baltimore Ravens
-I hate that I have to say this, but I just don’t think the NFL passes on an opportunity for a Super Bowl broadcast that includes Taylor Swift as a trophy wife to a potential Super Bowl MVP. Corruption? Scripted? Call it whatever you want. Money talks, and Roger Goodell simply isn’t going to let Lamar Jackson and the Ravens win this AFC Championship. It’s in Baltimore, which will make it all that more difficult for an officiating screwjob to be perfected, but I’m convinced they’ll find a way. So, with that being my mindset, how am I not going to take the points here? It should also be noted that, in his career, Patrick Mahomes is 3-1 against the Ravens, with 12 touchdown passes and two interceptions, while averaging 370 pass yards per game. The Ravens have had a great season, while the Chiefs have had their ups and downs. But you just know Mahomes is taking it personal that he’s the underdog in this one. Get ready for the Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift “We’re going to Disney World” engagement commercial in a few weeks. I’ll be shocked if Baltimore breaks the simulation. Give me Kansas City.
DETROIT LIONS (+7.5) over San Francisco 49ers
-With an over-under of 51.5, you’ve got to think Jared Goff will put up some points in this NFC Championship in San Francisco. On the other end, the 49ers have looked extremely vulnerable at times down the stretch. As for the Lions, it just kind of feels like they’re on a mission to get to the Super Bowl with a team that doesn’t have many holes in its roster. Goff has definitely answered his critics this season, especially in these playoffs. He looks confident, and he’s got the most underrated weapon in the league in rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, in my opinion. For Goff, this game will be all about pass protection. If Goff isn’t swarmed by San Francisco’s ferocious pass rush, then the Lions have a very good shot at upsetting the 49ers in San Francisco. I think Detroit wins and goes to the Super Bowl, so taking the 7.5 points is an easy decision for me. Give me the Lions.
Follow Danny on instagram @DannyPicard.