NFL Championship Sunday 2018: Picks, predictions and more
The NFL is down to its final four teams, and by the end of Sunday night, we’ll know which two are advancing to Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis.
Last week, I had the first losing weekend of my entire year. After being hot throughout much of December and into the Wild Card round, I was only able to pin down the New England Patriots beating the Tennessee Titans. Everything else eluded me like more than Stefon Diggs for Marcus Williams.
This week, I look for the two-game sweep. As usual, all lines are courtesy of OddsShark.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots (-7.5)
I’ve been getting crushed for two months by the fans in Duval County over this tweet, and rightfully so:
How people can hype up the #Jaguars is beyond me. Your HC/QB combo is Doug Marrone and Blake Bortles. Good night.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) June 16, 2017
That said, I can’t pick the Jaguars (10-6) in this game. Can’t do it. Can’t take Blake Bortles to go to the Super Bowl over Tom Brady. Jacksonville had a great defense and Jalen Ramsey’s confidence is fantastic, but picking against the Patriots (13-3) and Brady in this spot? Even if that right hand is broken, he’s still the better quarterback with a wealth of experience.
The Jaguars have a chance to win if they can get pressure without blitzing and then winning the turnover battle, but that’s about it. Bortles will eventually have to make a few plays in these playoffs, and it’s tough seeing that happen against Bill Belichick and Co.
Pick: New England 23, Jacksonville 13
Minnesota Vikings (-3) Philadelphia Eagles
This is going to be like watching a game from 1995. Both teams can play great defense. Both teams are going to hit the quarterbacks, and both teams are without a signal-caller that’s headed to Canton.
All that said, this should be an awesome contest. The winner has a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in two weeks for the first time in franchise history. Should the Vikings (12-4) win, they will become the first team to host a Super Bowl and be playing in it.
The difference in this game is who wins in the trenches? Can Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter get to Nick Foles? Can the Eagles (13-3) dial up some pressure and knock Case Keenum all over the pocket? Give me Minnesota in a game that comes down to the final two minutes.
Pick: Minnesota 19, Philadelphia 17
Last Week: 1-3
Season: 170-94