There are those that argue the NFL’s conference championship weekend is better than the Super Bowl and 5 Bets enthusiastically agrees.
First off, there are two games. The Baltimore Ravens will host the Kansas City Chiefs in the first game. It will be at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on CBS. The San Francisco 49ers face the Detroit Lions. The time for that games is 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
5 Bets to Make this Week
Detroit Lions +7 against San Francisco 49ers
Kansas City Chiefs +4 against Baltimore Ravens
George Kittle +800 first touchdown
Lamar Jackson -120 Over 63.5 rushing yards
Sam LaPorta +150 anytime TD
Secondly, from a betting standpoint, there are more options for better bets. The Super Bowl might have more wagers in terms of options, but the AFC and NFC Championship games have odds that might be better for bettors.
I know I have found some gems this week and lucky you, I’m going to share them with you.
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Lions Keep it Close with 49ers
There has been no bigger surprise in the playoffs than the Detroit Lions. They have looked like a team that could go to the Super Bowl. Now after defeating the LA Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they only have the 49ers standing in their way.
San Francisco is the No. 1 seed in the NFC but they haven’t looked that dominant. Last week against the Packers they won by three after closing as a 10.5-point favorite.
Brock Purdy was underwhelming against Green Bay and you can’t advance with a mediocre quarterback. Conversely, Jared Goff looks like he did when he was with the Rams.
I might take the Lions and the moneyline, but I’m definitely backing them against the spread. Most of the sportsbooks have them at +7 but I found one where I get 7.5.
Prediction: Lions +7.5 (-115 at BetRivers)
Watch: Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, FOX or fuboTV
Chiefs Nearly Pull Off Upset of Ravens
It is almost sacrilege to back two underdogs in the conference championships, but I like the number I’m getting with the Chiefs. Most of the sportsbooks have it at 3.5 and I like getting more than a field goal. I again found a better number at BetRivers. They have Kansas City +4 against the Ravens.
Don’t get me wrong, I think Baltimore wins this game. It’s going to go back and forth and the Ravens will have a chance to win it with a field goal. Since they have arguably the best kicker in football in Justin Tucker, I’ll say they win a thriller as time runs out. KC, however, will cover.
Prediction: Chiefs +4 against Ravens (-112 at BetRivers)
Watch: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, CBS or fuboTV
Kittle gets First TD
There is no doubt that Christian McCaffrey is a stud. The all-purpose running back is a nightmare for most defenses to cover.
The Lions, however, are quite adept at defending the run. They were second in the regular season, allowing just 88.8 yards a game on average.
As good as Detroit is against the run, they struggle in passing situations. They ranked 27th against the pass in the regular season.
They should be keying in on McCaffrey and that is why I think tight end George Kittle will score the first touchdown. Kittle is equally difficult to defend, especially in the red zone. I like him catching a slant pass when the 49ers get close to the goal line.
Prediction: George Kittle First TD (+800 at BetMGM)
Watch: Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, FOX or fuboTV
Jackson Runs Wild on Chiefs
It’s no secret that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is a threat with his arm and his legs. If he’s not beating you through the air, he’s scrambling for yards on the ground.
With the focus on stopping Baltimore’s passing attack, Jackson should have a productive day rushing the football. Jackson had 100 yards rushing against Houston last week.
The Chiefs have struggled to keep QBs in the pocket. They were 26th in the regular season in expected points added per rush with quarterbacks. Last week against Buffalo, Josh Allen managed to rush for 72 yards on 12 carries. Expect Jackson to have similar success.
Prediction: Lamar Jackson Over 63.5 yards rushing (-120 at BetMGM)
Watch: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, CBS or fuboTV
LaPorta Finds End Zone
Detroit TE Sam LaPorta is having a great year and is one of the reasons the Lions have gone deep in the playoffs. He is quietly proving to be one of the best tight ends in football.
Sunday gives him a stage to show just why he’s so good. San Francisco has a decent pass defense but I think LaPorta will get at least one touchdown.
Prediction: Sam LaPorta Anytime TD (+150 at Caesars)
Watch: Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, FOX or fuboTV
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