Aaron Rodgers versus Tom Brady, Josh Allen versus Patrick Mahomes: it doesn’t get much better than this.
The two veteran quarterbacks will battle it out in the NFC, while the two young guns will battle it out in the AFC. Green Bay and Kansas City both enjoyed the week off in the Wild Card playoffs and were both victorious last week in the Divisional playoffs. Tampa Bay and Buffalo have won two straight playoff games to be able to play in the Conference Championship this Sunday. No matter what, we are guaranteed two fantastic matches to determine which two teams will play in this year’s Super Bowl.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers
There is no real surprise that Tampa Bay are playing in the NFC Championship this year. When you add Tom Brady to a team that has plenty of weapons on offence and a formidable defence, you expect wins. Tampa Bay will go into Green bay with plenty of confidence, having a terrific road record this season. Tampa Bay won last week on the back of Brady and their defence – if Mike Evans, Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones can provide more than what they offered last week, Tampa will be hard to stop.
On the other side, Green Bay have been brilliant all year. There is no doubt Aaron Rodgers will win MVP this season, as he threw for 48 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Green Bay scored the most points this season – it’s easy when you have Rodgers and Davante Adams in your offence.
One thing is certain – if the best defensive team couldn’t stop Green Bay, how are Tampa Bay going to? Green Bay are now running the ball better and can match Tampa Bay defensively in all areas.
Tampa Bay have the ability to play from behind and have done it a number of times this season, while Green Bay showed they tend to struggle to catch a lead and play from behind. The two teams have already faced each other earlier this season, with Tampa Bay winning in convincing fashion, 38-10.
Still, it will come down to the veteran quarterbacks to decide this match. Rodgers will emerge victorious this Sunday and attempt to win his second ring.
Prediction
Green Bay Packers defeat Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 6 points
Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
The biggest question going into this match: will Patrick Mahomes play? Mahomes suffered a nasty concussion against the Browns last week and left the game in the third quarter. Kansas City were still good enough to win without him, showcasing their depth. Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill were massive in their win last week and will provide again as the X-factors going into this match. They will do everything possible to make sure Mahomes is ready to play against Buffalo, but if he doesn’t play, that is huge and a major loss.
Buffalo’s win against the Ravens last week was not pretty. They triumphed because of their defence and were able to shut down the run game of Lamar Jackson and Baltimore. Buffalo will take a massive amount of confidence heading into Kansas City, knowing their defence can match it with any elite team. They will need to fix their offence if they want to match it with Kansas City, but with Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs leading the charge, it shouldn’t take long.
It will come down to whether Mahomes plays or not. Kansas City are an incredible team, but won a lot of games that were too close for comfort this season. Their red zone defence was below-average this year and if Mahomes doesn’t play, it will change their entire offensive structure. Right now we know Allen will play and even if Mahomes plays, he won’t be 100 per cent.
Buffalo will win a close game in Kansas City and head to their fifth Super Bowl.
Prediction
Buffalo Bills defeat Kansas City Chiefs by 3 points
Albo
Roar Rookie
Hey Crispy ! I've had a couple of good seasons within 50 ordinary ones. I guess you just have to ride it whilst it lasts....you don't get too many teams with a Mahomes, Kelce & Hill very often. I think that should be enough to beat Brady & his Buccaneers even in Tampa in the SB ?
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
You've been on fire for a while now Albo! Super Bowl 2020, NRL GF 2020, Super Bowl 2021! :thumbup: (...what Lotto numbers do you play mate?) ;)
Sam
Guest
Tampa Bay are formidable and Brady’s competitiveness in clutch postseason play will be hard to toss. For Green Bay though there seems to be an unspoken pact on behalf of the team to get Rodgers a 2nd ring that would underscore his “one of the all time greats” tag. Add to this one more wrinkle - recent GM Ted Thompson has died overnight; a guy who scouted Favre and recommended GB trade for him; whose first draft pick was Aaron Rodgers ; and subsequent ones included Clay Matthews, Jordy Nelson, Bryan Bulaga, David Bakthiari, Davante Adams, Kenny Clark and Aaron Jones. These guys to a man have all come out on social media thanking this former player (NFL and ultimate draft board poker master) for giving them their one big shot. Figure the chances of those remaining and active guys playing with an added burr in their saddle on Sunday...and a chance to put paid to the GOAT. Team game - yes, but snow, Lambeau and added emotion - who knows how it will pan out?
Christopher Rooney
Roar Rookie
Hi Paul, thanks for the comment and reading my article. Great points that you added as well. I expect Mahomes to play but it is a big talking point right now. For me the flip of the coin is Buffalo at Kansas City, but it will be a great matchup. Green Bay should be confidence enough to beat Tampa Bay without any major issues.
Paul
Roar Guru
hi Christopher, a nice first piece, though I think you might have simplified things a tad. First of all, home field advantage will be huge for both games, especially when Tampa has to go to the frozen tundra that is Green Bay this time of year. According to the internet, the temp will be somewhere between -2 and -7, which Green Bay's relatively used to, but Tampa is not. The second issues is injuries and there are plenty for all teams. Obviously Mahommes is the biggie, but I'd be gobsmacked if he doesn't play. That leaves other injury concerns and again, how many guys will play because of the importance of the game, which might come back to bite teams if the injuries their carrying are aggravated. The final issue IMO is how well will teams play? My Steelers produced their worst game of probably the last two seasons in the finals and if a team doesn't bring it's best in all phases, I don't think they've got a chance of winning. For mine, Green Bay is looking almost arrogant in attack, they are playing that well, so will down Tampa, while Mahommes will play and will do enough to get past Buffalo
Albo
Roar Rookie
Packers v Buccaneers is a coin toss for mine. The QB's will decide on the day. Surely Mahomes plays ? Chiefs to win and go back to back in the Super Bowl.
Christopher Rooney
Roar Rookie
Hi Pete, thank you for your comment and reading my article. I tipped the Saints last week as well and was surprised how bad they ended up playing. It's a real shame as it was more than likely Drew Brees final match in the NFL and throwing 3 interceptions hurt to watch. It's a good point about the final result, the Saints were just bad overall. It's going to be a fantastic showing between Brady and Rodgers no matter the result. Agreed, Chad was solid last week but I don't believe he can handle a red hot Buffalo Bills team if he starts on Sunday. However your right, there is the Andy Reid factor to remember. He knows how to win big games regardless. We may be looking at this AFC Championship matchup for the next few years.
Pete McAloney
Roar Pro
Thanks for the preview Rooney, I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Personally I thought the Bucs making it this far is surprising. I tipped the Saints last week and was shocked at how badly they played. 5 turnovers! That’s insane. Brees had one of his worst games in his entire incredible career. I felt the result was more about the Saints playing really badly than the Bucs playing really well. Packers aren’t likely to be so obliging. But how cool to see a second game in a row with two legendary QBs going head to head? Packers by 6 for me. I totally agree that the AFC comes down to the concussion of Mahomes. If he plays they win. If he doesn’t they don’t. Chad was solid when he came on last week, and courageous, but solid won’t be enough to beat a very good Bills outfit. However, there is always the Andy Reid factor (the Walrus!). Chiefs with PM: win by 3; without PM: lose by 7