Shortly after 3 (ET) on Sunday, the NFL's final four will commence with the NFC title game. By the time the AFC title game ends, roughly about seven hours later, we'll know who'll be going to Atlanta for the Super Bowl two weeks later.
NFC: Los Angeles @ New Orleans: The Saints won the first meeting between these two teams, and some think there's no reason to believe the script will be flipped.
The league has two storylines to choose from here. In one, Saints QB Drew Brees is looking to get back to the Big Game, 10 years after New Orleans won its only championship, and it would be a fitting coda to a storied career if he got there, won again, then retired, a la John Elway and Peyton Manning. On the other side is one of the NFL's young guns in Rams QB Jared Goff. Even though the Rams play on the grass at the LA Coliseum, their offense has seemed to be a reimagining of the "Greatest Show on Turf" that won it all nearly 20 years ago when the team was in St. Louis. Sean McVay, in his 2nd season, has already begun to build his own legacy as one of the brightest coaching minds in the game.
Revenge is also on the menu, as the Rams are looking to even the score. From a marketing standpoint, the NFL would benefit more if they put more emphasis on the youth movement, which would make the league that much more relatable to the youth demographic. This also applies to the AFC nightcap, which may be delayed just a wee bit since the league doesn't want the games overlapping each other, unlike in the regular season. Brees & Goff will light up the scoreboard, and it will come down to the final play. New Orleans has won any number of ways this season, be it blowouts or late escapes. It may be the latter this time, but it won't be enough.
Pick: Los Angeles.
AFC: New England @ Kansas City. The Patriots beat KC in Foxborough earlier this season, and for some odd reason weren't flagged for any accepted penalties. To New England's legion of detractors, that of course suggests something shady.
However, the Patriots rediscovered their running game last week vs. the Chargers, as rookie Sony Michel ran for three scores, and Rex Burkhead, whom the Pats heisted from Cincinnati two years ago, added another. Offensive diversity is essential to most teams, and the Patriots have been the last team you'd expect, what with Tom Brady's penchant for padding his stats and ego at the expense of the running game. The recent suspension of receiver Josh Gordon only means more catches for Philip Dorsett, who was let go by Indianapolis out of stupidity. However, the temperatures may be colder than the Pats are accustomed to back at home, as they're talking about an arctic vortex hitting KC in the wake of the snowstorm that is making its way to the home district as I write.
The Chiefs, of course, are happy to be the #1 seed, and are looking for payback. The cold temperatures may mean more of the running game for both teams. I don't think you're going to see Brady or Patrick Mahomes air it out all that much, and if Mahomes is allowed to roam free, the Patriots are in trouble. New England was 3-5 on the road this season, as opposed to 9-0 at home. Brady wants another trip to the Super Bowl. Not this time.
Pick: Kansas City.
Why am I going against the grain? Did you see the Rams & Chiefs on Monday Night Football? Sequel, anyone?
Of course, I could be wrong.
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