2024 AFC, NFC championship recreation picks: Ravens maintain off Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs; 49ers get again to Tremendous Bowl – CBS Sports activities

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NFL Playoff Time!
We’re coming into the final NFL Sunday earlier than the Super Bowl. It is thrilling, but additionally unhappy in a method. Each of the No. 1 seeds  — Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers — have made it to Championship Sunday, and can face off in opposition to the challengers — Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, each No. 3 seeds of their respective conferences. 
Patrick Mahomes was victorious in his first-ever highway playoff begin in Buffalo, whereas the Lions have now gained three in a row, together with a victory over their former quarterback Matthew Stafford in Tremendous Wild Card Weekend.
The NFL script writers foretold in their color scheme that the 49ers and Ravens can be dealing with off in Super Bowl LVIII. Are they right? Let’s talk about who I am taking in opposition to the unfold. As at all times, due to the CBS Sports activities Analysis Staff for making me sound good. 
All NFL odds through SportsLine consensus odds.
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
Right here we go. Lamar Jackson has gained every of his previous 4 begins by 14+ factors, whereas Mahomes has misplaced 4 begins by 14+ factors in his complete profession. Everybody views this matchup as Lamar vs. Mahomes, however I actually have a look at it from the opposite aspect. That is the Ravens protection vs. the Chiefs protection.
The Ravens had been the primary staff ever to guide/co-lead the league in scoring protection, sacks and takeaways. The Ravens and Chiefs rank No. 1 and No. 2 in scoring protection, making this the primary convention championship recreation between the top-two scoring defenses since 2004.
I used to be dumb sufficient to doubt Mahomes in opposition to the Buffalo Bills, however he, Isiah Pacheco and Travis Kelce ended up victorious. Mahomes is definitely the primary quarterback ever with zero sacks and nil turnovers in three straight playoff begins. Baltimore’s protection gives a a lot totally different check than the Buffalo protection, nevertheless, and the Ravens are statistically a greater offense. So sure, I’ll be dumb sufficient to choose in opposition to Mahomes once more.
The Chiefs protection is spectacular, however containing this Ravens offense is such a tricky process. Jackson is taking part in successfully as each a passer and runner, Justice Hill and Gus Edwards plus Dalvin Cook are fairly the operating again room, Zay Flowers is a enjoyable playmaker who could make defensive backs miss on the third stage after which Mark Andrews is returning to the lineup. I hate 3.5-point traces, however I am taking Baltimore. 
The Ravens are 6-0 SU and ATS this season in opposition to groups that entered the matchup three or extra video games above .500. Their common win margin in these video games? A whopping 26.2 factors. Baltimore can be 10-3 ATS in its final 13 playoff video games. There are many developments that say to not guess in opposition to Mahomes as an underdog, however I am ignoring these — possibly at my very own peril. 
Projected rating: Ravens 26-20 in OT
The choose: Ravens -3.5
Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo)
I have been painted as a Lions hater as a result of I had a operating column this 12 months making an attempt to kind out contenders and pretenders all through the course of the common season. I noticed the Lions as a top-10 staff within the NFL in the course of the season, however does that make them a contender? I believe the offense is loaded, however the protection at all times apprehensive me. I watched their 38-6 loss to the Ravens, the 41-38 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and their losses to the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears intently, and it had me questioning in the event that they had been in that very same tier with Baltimore or San Francisco. Now, they get an opportunity to show it.
The Lions had home-field benefit within the first two rounds of the playoffs, and so they made essentially the most of it. The win over the Los Angeles Rams was spectacular, after which the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was most likely anticipated. Now, they hit the highway to play exterior for the primary time since Dec. 10! We aren’t anticipating rain in California like final week, however that is nonetheless a highway recreation in just a bit bit cooler climate than Detroit’s dome gives. The Lions have not gained a playoff recreation on the highway since 1957. 
As for the 49ers, Deebo Samuel has no recreation designation along with his shoulder harm, and can play. That is massive, as a result of the 49ers are 14-1 when Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and Samuel all play the whole recreation. The 49ers did not look very polished on both aspect of the ball final week in opposition to the Packers. I am assuming they’ll this week. The explanation I’ve the 49ers profitable this recreation is as a result of Purdy’s passing assault works off timing routes/anticipation. The Lions secondary will be taken benefit of, particularly when you think about the quantity of playmakers San Francisco has. Will the 49ers key on George Kittle dominating on the second stage and depend on his YAC? Possibly the 49ers will characteristic Brandon Aiyuk in opposition to Cam Sutton. Then there’s that McCaffrey man, who can do every part. 
I might think about shopping for a full level simply to be secure. It is most likely definitely worth the value, however both method I’ve the 49ers profitable this matchup. Kyle Shanahan is 5-0 at dwelling within the playoffs. 
Projected rating: 49ers 35-24
The choose: 49ers -7.5
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