The NFL playoffs are heating up as familiar foes prepare to face off in the conference championship games. In the AFC, the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are set to take on the Buffalo Bills, led by Josh Allen, for the fourth time in the past five postseasons.
While the Chiefs have emerged victorious in all three previous playoff matchups, including an AFC championship game four years ago, the Bills managed to end Kansas City's bid for a perfect season with a 30-21 victory in Week 11.
Over in the NFC, the Washington Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, will be visiting the Philadelphia Eagles, led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, in their conference championship game. These NFC East rivals split their season series, with each team securing a win on their home turf.
Both the Chiefs and Commanders had an extra day of rest after playing their divisional games on Saturday. Historically, teams with an extra day off have performed well in conference championship games, boasting a record of 26-16 since 2004, with a particularly strong record of 20-7 at home.
Pro Picks is maintaining its preseason prediction of an Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl rematch. The Eagles are favored by 6 points in their matchup against the Commanders, while the Chiefs are favored by 2 points against the Bills.
In the Eagles-Commanders showdown, the Eagles hold a 4-4 record in conference championship games, while the Commanders are making their first appearance in 33 years. The Eagles previously defeated the Commanders 26-18 in a regular-season matchup.
As for the Bills-Chiefs matchup, both teams have a history of intense games, including memorable moments like the 2021 divisional round showdown and Allen's recent victory over Mahomes in the regular season.
With high stakes and fierce competition, football fans are eagerly anticipating these conference championship games to see which teams will emerge victorious and secure a spot in the Super Bowl.
