House workforce in CAPS:
49ers (+3.5) over RAMS
Each of those sides escaped comparatively unscathed and look to enter this battle in one of the best kind potential. The Niners would very very like to proceed to generate the caliber of optimum kind which has generated a half-dozen consecutive wins over the top-shelf Rams entry.
The Niners managed to do this in Week 10 with the help and luxury of appreciable established benefits in time of possession. San Fran made it much more tough on itself by falling behind the Rams 17-0 via many of the first half within the regular-season finale, however the Niners placed on a relentless second-half present to tie the sport within the last half-minute. The 49ers scored first with a area aim within the extra time, Matthew Stafford then threw an over-aggressive heave within the common course of Odell Beckham Jr., the Niners picked it off and that was that.
It's fairly an excessive streak for considered one of two divisional sides of roughly equal skill to seize six straight triumphs over a comparable foe. Stafford is extra of a basic passer than the ceaselessly erratic Jimmy Garoppolo, however as long as the Niners signal-caller retains his interceptions to a naked minimal, you'll be able to’t depend out San Fran, particularly in a high-pressure scenario.
When Stafford is in his finest groove, he’s a satan to beat, however spending a decade or so quarterbacking the Lions (a scenario that was something however high-pressure, contemplated on reflection) might have taken a bit bit off Stafford’s optimum kind.
It’s darned exhausting to win on the street in January, particularly in a recreation meaning as a lot as this one does, for each side. Nonetheless, wouldn’t be in any respect stunned if San Fran once more prevails, particularly ought to the Rams come up brief within the poise division.
Anticipate the sudden.
CHIEFS (-7.5) over Bengals
You’re compelled to grant the gritty Bengals an underdog puncher’s probability right here, after what they’ve managed to perform — surviving the aggressive Raiders in a wild-card conflict earlier than wunderkind quarterback Joe Borrow recovered from 9 (depend them, 9) sacks by the hands of the Titans, on the street.
We’ve held Burrow in excessive regard since shortly after the primary time we ever set our eyes on the child performing in motion beneath middle, and we’re not wavering in our admiration of his nerve or his fundamental talents. That mentioned, given the market numbers we’re confronted with, we should keep away from the temptation of taking the factors, given the proposition at hand.
It has taken the likes of Tom Brady to ship a Kansas Metropolis outfit led by Patrick Mahomes out to pasture within the postseason. The Bengals have proven they will hold powerful versus comparable competitors, however even the likes of Buffalo’s Josh Allen — no slouch, certainly — hasn’t managed to take down the likes of Mahomes, of late.
Nonetheless, Burrow has demonstrated top-shelf talents regardless of his excessive youth, as long as he can proceed to stand up off the canvas regardless of the form of repeated knock-down blows he absorbed from the likes of the top-seeded Titans final weekend.
Don’t doubt the Bengals will present up, another time, although a straight-up win may show a substantial attain, and may Burrow be sidelined, wouldn't be optimistic about any endgame.
Given the prevailing type of the 2 sides, have concluded that whereas a play on the Bengals plus the quantity would appear a borderline hope, a lay on Ok.C. (even given the added half-point) would appear a conviction, as long as each side stay comparatively wholesome.
Final week: 0-2
Season: 128-124-2
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