NFL Conference Championship preview

 It comes down to tomorrow.

Two teams will punch their tickets to the Super Bowl on February 8. The oddsmakers seem to think they know, but do they, really?

In the AFC, top seeded Denver hosts #2 New England. However, the Broncos are depleted on offense, with running back J. K. Dobbins injured, and 2nd year QB Bo Nix out for the season after breaking his ankle vs. Buffalo. Former Patriot Jarrett Stidham hasn't thrown a pass since 2023, and will be asked to direct the Denver offense against the team that drafted him a few years ago. That would be a recipe for disaster, and coach Sean Payton has been playing hype man for Stidham.

Mike Vrabel, in returning to New England, has the Patriots a game away from returning to the Super Bowl. That, of course, begs to ask why his former teammate, Jerod Mayo, couldn't get it done last season in his lone year as head coach. Vrabel cut his coaching teeth in Tennessee, and, by all rights, could've landed the Patriot gig in 2024, which I'm pretty sure talk radio in Boston was chirping about, when owner Robert Kraft chose Mayo instead. 2nd year QB Drake Maye didn't play his best game last week vs. Houston, as the defense bailed him out.

All that being said, Denver has to get out to a fast start in order to have a chance. They can, however, count themselves thankful they're the home team, but regardless, I wouldn't mind CBS' Jim Nantz dusting off an old Al Michaels line about "Ice Station Zebra" at the start of the broadcast.

Pick: New England.

On the NFC side, Western division rivals Seattle & Los Angeles will meet for the 3rd time this season. The Rams survived the elements, and won in overtime against Chicago, while the Seahawks won their season series over San Francisco in dominating fashion. 

Seattle QB Sam Darnold is making Minnesota wish they never let him go after the 2024 season, and making Seahawks fans forget his predecessor, Geno Smith (Las Vegas). Two years ago, Darnold was Brock Purdy's caddy in San Francisco. Now, though, he's a game away from starting the "Big Game" himself.

However, Seattle has damaged goods as well, with running back Zach Charbonnet out for the season with an injury. The Rams are a more experienced group in the postseason, and that could make all the difference at the end of the night.

Seems the oddsmakers may actually be right for a change, as neither #1 seed will reach the Super Bowl.

Pick: Los Angeles.

Of course, I could be wrong.