The stage is set for an exciting finale to the NFL playoffs, with the NFC and AFC Conference Championship games featuring some of the league’s top teams. In the NFC, the surprise Detroit Lions will take on the powerhouse San Francisco 49ers, while the AFC will see the upstart Baltimore Ravens battle the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs.
Lions lean on defense to reach first NFC Championship since 1991
The Detroit Lions continued their Cinderella run through the NFC playoffs, upsetting Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-10 to advance to their first Conference Championship game since 1991. Powered by a staunch defense that forced four turnovers, the Lions flustered Brady all day and repeatedly made big plays to stymy Tampa drives.
Rookie defensive end Aidan Hutchinson made the biggest play of the game, sacking Brady in the end zone for a safety in the second quarter. The Lions never trailed after taking a 5-0 lead on that play. Cornerback Jeff Okudah added an interception, while the defensive front kept constant pressure on Brady. Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy did just enough on offense, throwing for 211 yards and a touchdown.
The Lions will now face a formidable foe in the NFC’s #1 seed San Francisco 49ers, who throttled the Dallas Cowboys 41-23. Behind an innovative rushing attack featuring Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Elijah Mitchell, the 49ers gashed the Cowboys defense for 305 yards on the ground. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 214 yards and no interceptions.
| NFC Championship Game | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | Detroit Lions vs San Francisco 49ers |
| Location | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara CA |
| Date | January 29, 2023 |
| Time | 3:05 pm EST |
| Channel | FOX |
This sets up an intriguing matchup between the league’s #1 defense in the Lions against the 49ers multi-faceted offense. The Lions hope their pass rush can contain the 49ers, while San Francisco wants to control the game on the ground. The winner punches their ticket to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
Jackson leads Ravens back to AFC Championship
Lamar Jackson showed why he was this season’s MVP frontrunner, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 24-17 win over the Buffalo Bills in a snowy divisional round game. Jackson threw three touchdown passes and rushed for over 100 yards, fully outplaying Josh Allen in a matchup of elite quarterbacks.
With blizzard conditions limiting both passing games, Jackson’s scrambling ability proved the difference. His 8-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave Baltimore a lead they would never relinquish. Rookie tight end Isaiah Likely also scored twice for the Ravens, who leaned on their strong defense to shutdown a potent Bills attack.
Baltimore now advances to a rematch with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, who held off the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20. The Chiefs raced out to a 20-0 halftime lead before holding off a late Jaguars rally. Mahomes had a solid but unspectacular day, throwing for 195 yards and two touchdowns. But Kansas City’s defense came through when needed, forcing two late turnovers from Jaguar quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
| AFC Championship Game | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs |
| Location | GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City MO |
| Date | January 29, 2023 |
| Time | 6:40 pm EST |
| Channel | CBS |
This sets up a titanic quarterback showdown between the last two NFL MVPs in Jackson and Mahomes. The Chiefs crushed the Ravens early this season 33-14, but Baltimore has found their stride after Jackson returned from injury. With a Super Bowl berth on the line, expect an instant classic between two AFC titans.
Conference Championship lookahead lines and predictions
With the final four teams remaining having advanced through their playoff journeys, oddsmakers have installed opening lookahead lines for the Conference Championship games.
In the NFC showdown, the San Francisco 49ers have opened as early 3.5 point home favorites over the Detroit Lions. This line shows respect for the Lions’ outstanding defensive play so far, while expecting the 49ers dynamic offense to still have the upper hand at home.
Over in the AFC, a tight line is expected between the Chiefs and Ravens. Kansas City has been set as a slim 1 point favorite on their home turf. Clearly oddsmakers foresee another epic Mahomes vs Jackson duel, with the defending AFC champs getting just a slight nod.
Based on the betting action so far, here are predictions for next weekend’s Conference Championship games:
| Game | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Lions vs 49ers | 49ers 31, Lions 23 – The 49ers offense proves too much at home |
| Ravens vs Chiefs | Chiefs 34, Ravens 31 – Another classic between Mahomes and Jackson goes to KC |
While both road teams have the talent to pull playoff upsets, home field advantage for the #1 seeds should narrowly win out. Expect two thrilling matchups with berths in Super Bowl LVIII on the line!
What happens next on the Road to the Super Bowl
With the AFC and NFC Conference Championship matchups now locked in, only three games remain in the 2023 NFL season. After next Sunday’s finals, the last teams standing will meet in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 12.
Beyond crowning a league champion, the Super Bowl remains the world’s biggest annual sporting event and entertainment spectacle. Last year’s game drew over 113 million television viewers in the United States.
The Halftime Show promises more mega star power, with Rihanna confirmed to headline this year. With Rihanna’s first live performance in years and her catalog of smash hits, her show should add even more excitement to Super Bowl Sunday.
Following an eventful divisional round, the NFL playoffs proved they still deliver unmatched drama and excitement. Conference Championship weekend looks poised to continue that trend with two stellar matchups ahead.
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.
