Some days it’s really hard to get the motivation to talk about football and ignore what’s going on in the country. This weekend is one of those times, but I’m going to get these picks out before Sunday’s games as I always have. That doesn’t mean I’m not disgusted with ICE and what’s happening in Minnesota, and the way MAGA will support anything their guy does no matter how depraved it is or how hypocritical it makes them look.
I hope justice is served for these people, but I have my doubts.
2025 Conference Championship Predictions
So, we got two games on Sunday to decide who plays in Super Bowl 60. I have in-depth previews and picks already for them.
FINAL SCORES
- Patriots 23, Broncos 20
- Seahawks 27, Rams 24 OT
I think Jarrett Stidham makes it a game because his OL is way better than the Chargers/Texans and Denver is a tough place to play. But his inexperience will show up and be the difference. Denver’s best hope is turnover regression continues in their favor and that pass rush dominates Maye in his first road playoff game. Remember, he’s been playing poorly at home. Now he’s on the road, but that’s why the spread moved ~6 points in going from Bo Nix to Stidham. I’ll always believe the Broncos win this game if Nix was healthy and starting, but we’ll see what happens today.
As for the NFC game, many ways that can play out. Watch which QB protects the ball better and doesn’t give up the short fields, especially the way the Seahawks have been feasting on short fields since November. Make Darnold drive a long field. Watch the 3rd down matchup of Rams’ offense (underwhelming on 3rd down despite facing shortest distance) vs. No. 1 Seattle defense as that could be decisive too.
Sean McVay is a man now (he’s 40), and he’s been the man in close playoff games with a 7-2 record in one-score games and 6-1 record in games decided by 1-5 points. But I think the Seahawks get this one at home by a FG in overtime again. Stafford has taken a Mike Macdonald defense to overtime in 3-of-4 meetings since 2023. I’m predicting another here as these teams have played two very tight games at the end this year.
Super Bowl 49 rematch it is, and it won’t come close to touching that game’s legacy.
Fitting too since 2015 was about the last decent year we had as a country.
Captain Comeback: NFL Analysis by Scott Kacsmar 