NFL Straight Up Picks for Each Conference Championship Game
By Peter Dewey
We’re down to just four teams remaining in the NFL playoffs, which means there are only a couple of weeks left to place bets!
The Conference Championship slate this week is about as good as they come, as both games have spreads of less than three points.
Usually, there are big favorites when making our straight up picks in the NFL, but not this week. Here is who I’m taking to win each of these games:
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles Pick
I am very confident that the Philadelphia Eagles are going to advance to the Super Bowl, especially after watching them dominate the New York Giants in the divisional round.
Yes, Philly had an easier matchup than the San Francisco 49ers, but Kyle Shanahan’s team didn't look nearly as dominant against Dallas, even though Dak Prescott was picked twice.
Brock Purdy was also very average against Dallas, and now he’s going up against a tough Eagles secondary. I’m not sold on Purdy avoiding mistakes again, and I think that could sway this game in favor of the Eagles.
Philly has been dominant at home this season, going 8-2 straight up and 7-3 against the spread. As long as Jalen Hurts’ shoulder is good, the Eagles are the team to back.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs Pick
This line has jumped back and forth between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, but regardless I like the Bengals to win this game.
The Bengals shut down Josh Allen and company in Buffalo, and now they have a chance to replicate a scheme that has worked against Patrick Mahomes in the past.
Cincy is the best team in the NFL against the spread the last two seasons, and Joe Burrow has not lost to the Chiefs yet in his career.
I am very worried about the K.C. offense with Mahomes’ ankle injury, as the Bengals may be able to just blanket the field and dare K.C. to run the ball.
It’s hard to keep beating this Chiefs team, but Burrow and Cincy seem to have the formula. I’ll take them to advance to the Super Bowl.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.