Here we go, one more win and two teams will earn a chance to see Snoop Dogg perform live.  I mean, gain an opportunity to hoist the Lombardi Trophy and take a title back to their city.  This year’s Conference Championship games are certainly intriguing on paper.  Bengals-Chiefs could be a high-octane air assault.  49ers-Rams is that divisional grudge match between teams that would rather spend a weekend with Jackson Mahomes.  All joking aside – ok, who I am I kidding, those were hardly jokes – it’s time to continue what has been a season long adventure with the SportsChump.  It’s time for some more playoff prognostication and my 2022 NFL Conference Championship Picks against the spread.

First, let’s check in on Sunday’s weather forecast.

Weather Forecast: Clouds and Gloom, Champagne Showers, or Confetti?

Sure, these picks may be partly cloudy with a 40% chance of being correct.  Humor aside, the weather forecast in late January occasionally does have a huge impact.  Of course, SoFi gets eliminated from that equation, so it just leaves us with Arrowhead.  The Chiefs will have a 100% chance of annoying QB family members and a 50% chance of champagne showers.  Weather-wise, Sunday is currently expecting a mixture of clouds and sun, with a high of 46 degrees and winds out of the WNW at 5-10mph.  Translation: a green light for Mahomes and Burrow to air it out.

If you think I’m a natural at this, well.. Meteorology was my major for a few years at Penn State.  

What are “Facts I Didn’t Need to Know” for $200, Alex?

Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled football prognostication.

Check out the Chump

If you have been following along during the regular season, you’ll know that the SportsChump and I had a contest making picks against the spread (ATS).  The contest covered both College Football and the NFL, and allowed for you to make five selections (ranked in order by confidence).  We’ll likely do this again next season.  He has a similar contest ongoing for the playoffs, too. 

He likes contests.

Not Seinfeld-like contests.  Just giving away prizes and engaging his readers.

Why don’t you give out more prizes, KP?

Hey, buddy… this isn’t about me right now.

So, check out the SportsChump’s site if you are looking for some quality reads.  

Also, he’s a big-time Buccaneers fan, so if Tom Brady retires, he might actually cry real tears.  Drop by and console him – or don’t. 

Here are our 2022 NFL Conference Championship Picks ATS, with odds via DraftKings Sportsbook:

KP’s 2022 NFL Conference Championship Picks Against the Spread

CINCINNATI BENGALS (+7) at Kansas City Chiefs: OVER 54.5

Joe Burrow is the real deal and yes, he can go toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes.  Let’s not forget the Bengals defeated the Chiefs 34-31 back on January 2nd.  That game was a thriller and Burrow threw for 446 yards.  It more so comes down to the Bengals protecting Burrow.  Despite throwing for 348 yards last week in Tennessee, Burrow was sacked nine times.  Talk about needing an ice bath.  The Chiefs had just 31 sacks during the regular season (fourth fewest in the NFL).  However, that did include four against the Bengals.  The previous meeting between these teams was in Cincinnati.  Enter the Arrowhead crowd and yes, Burrow made interesting comments about that during the week.

Expect the Kansas City crowd to be saving their voices for this game.  While I think crowd noise will be a factor, weather will not be.  The Bengals have had time to focus on its O-Line protection.  Kansas City had 13 sacks over its last five games, but my gut says Burrow will find a way with the weapons he has.  When we are looking at a likely shootout, I lean on a TD-margin.  The line is seven points and I’m not interested in a push.  This Bengals team is a group of fighters.  So, give me the BENGALS and the points in a close game.  Also, I’m calling for two 300-yard passing days for the QB’s.  I’ll take the OVER.

San Francisco 49ers (+3.5) at LOS ANGELES RAMS (-3.5): UNDER 46

Let’s start with one simple fact: it’s nearly impossible for a team to beat an opponent three times in the same season.  There are facts backing this buried in the NFL archives.  Ok, probably not buried.  Back on November 15th, the Niners beat the Rams 31-10 in San Francisco.  In the rematch at SoFi (on January 9th), San Francisco won 27-24 in overtime.  I know, don’t mention overtime right now.  Let’s avoid a late game coin toss, please.  Here are three key differences to consider since those two games: 1) Odell Beckham is certainly more integrated into the Rams offense, 2) With more snaps, a healthy Cam Akers has made a major impact to the L.A. run game, and 3) The Rams are attempting to find ways to keep San Francisco fans from invading SoFi stadium.

For me, this game comes down to two key matchups.  Both defenses can ball out, we know that.  It’s which player has a bigger performance: 1) Can the Rams find ways to consistently shut down Deebo Samuel or 2) Will the Niners force numerous mistakes from Matthew Stafford?  Stafford proved himself time and time again in the spotlight against a very talented Tampa Bay defense.  When it comes down to championship games, it’s almost always quarterback play.  Like my belief in Joe Burrow, I have the same gut feeling for Stafford.  This is his time.  It’ll be a battle, but I believe Stafford makes enough big plays in key moments.  The RAMS cover at home.  Also, give me the UNDER.

 

SportsChump’s Picks

Check out the SportsChump’s NFL Conference Championship picks and if you’re a part of his free contest for the playoffs, he also includes the latest standings there, too.

 

Best of luck and enjoy the games this weekend!

Add your 2022 NFL Conference Championship Picks ATS in the comments section below. As always, thank you for visiting and supporting The Wife Hates Sports!

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