The San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens have emerged as the favorites to win the NFC and AFC Conference Championship games respectively this coming weekend. If victorious, the two storied franchises would meet in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on February 12th.
49ers Slim Favorites Over Surging Lions
The 49ers will host the Detroit Lions, who marched into the NFC Championship game on the back of a dominant defensive performance against the Dallas Cowboys. While the Lions’roster is filled with less superstar talent than the 49ers, their unity and resilience has captured the imagination of NFL fans across the country. Still, most sportsbooks have installed the 49ers as 2.5 point favorites in acknowledgment of their consistency and experience on the big stage.
According to ESPN analytics expert Seth Walder, the 49ers have a 64% chance to advance to the Super Bowl, while the Lions have a 36% chance. This relative probability is reflected in the futures odds to win Super Bowl LVIII, with the 49ers currently at +150 ($100 bet wins $150) and the Lions at +210.
| Team | Conference Championship Odds | Super Bowl LVIII Odds |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | -149 favorite | +150 |
| Detroit Lions | +120 underdog | +210 |
The game will be a clash of styles, with the 49ers touting the league’s 2nd highest scoring offense behind the arm of veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo. The Lions counter with the NFL’s stingiest scoring defense, having allowed just 14 points total in their first two playoff games. Whichever unit blinks first may determine the outcome.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is no stranger to the Super Bowl after having coordinated the Atlanta Falcons offense to within a whisker of winning Super Bowl LI. He will face Lions’ rookie head coach Antoine Randle, who is looking to become just the 3rd first-year coach to reach the Super Bowl.
Ravens Narrow Favorites Over Mahomes, Chiefs
Meanwhile in Kansas City, the Chiefs will host the red-hot Baltimore Ravens, who have reeled off 9 straight wins en route to an AFC best 14-3 record. The Ravens are led by presumptive NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who accounted for 3 touchdowns in their defeat of the Bills last week.
The Ravens have been installed as 1-point favorites on the road in Kansas City. The game features a matchup of the NFL’s two highest scoring offenses, with the Ravens averaging over 29 points per game in the regular season and the Chiefs offense clicking to the tune of 28 points per contest.
| Team | Conference Championship Odds | Super Bowl LVIII Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens | -107 favorite | +140 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | -101 underdog | +240 |
The Chiefs are hoping to leverage home field advantage and the brilliance of quarterback Patrick Mahomes to return to the Super Bowl for the third time in four seasons. Per Betfair analytics, the public betting money has come in strong on Kansas City, likely influenced by Mahomes’ scintillating track record in the playoffs. The Chiefs have a 47% chance to win the game compared to 53% for Baltimore.
Possible Super Bowl Matchups
If the favorites hold serve, the dominant narrative entering Super Bowl week would be the showdown between Jackson and Garoppolo vying for their first ring. However, some intriguing long shot possibilities remain in play. Here are the odds on the four potential Super Bowl matchups:
| Matchup | Odds |
|---|---|
| 49ers vs Ravens | +260 |
| 49ers vs Chiefs | +290 |
| Lions vs Ravens | +350 |
| Lions vs Chiefs | +500 |
As you can see, sportsbooks view the 49ers vs Ravens tilt as the most likely outcome. These NFC and AFC elites have been on a collision course all season. Other matches, like a surprise Lions vs Chiefs Super Bowl, offer bettors a chance at a big payout for those willing to take the risk.
No matter the final game, fans are in for a treat with superstars like Lamar Jackson, Deebo Samuel, Patrick Mahomes, and Andre Swift set to grace football’s biggest stage. Enjoy Conference Championship weekend!
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
