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1/23/25

5 min read

2025 NFL Championship Week: Expert Picks, Predictions for Every Game

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) against Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) against Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. Peter Casey-Imagn Images.

We’ve finally made it. The 2024-2025 NFL Conference Championship Week is here, and we’ve got two incredible matchups this week. In the AFC, it’s the battle of two titans as the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds will face off in Arrowhead.

And in the NFC, two bitter rivals from the NFC East will play a grudge match for the right to play in the Super Bowl. So, without further ado, here is our preview for the conference championship games on Sunday:

Expert Picks for NFL Conference Championship

Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Spread: Eagles -6

Total: 47.5

It’s not often that divisional opponents end up facing off against one another in the Conference Championship Game. In fact, it has happened four times since the conference realignment back in 2002. However, this will mark the second time the Washington Commanders will travel to take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

These rivals split the season series, but Jalen Hurts left in the first quarter of their second matchup, and it was Kenny Pickett who replaced him. While the Eagles had no problem scoring points in that game, Jayden Daniels did score five touchdowns and put together the game-winning drive.

The Commanders are big underdogs in this game, and it’s not hard to understand why. They have a rookie quarterback and a new coach, but that hasn’t stopped them recently. They’ve won their last seven games and are 5-1 on the road in their last six games. They’ve stepped up to the challenge every week, and they are among the most battle-tested teams in the league.

One thing that could help Washington is its ability to convert on fourth down. They have converted 87 percent of their fourth down conversions this season, the best in the NFL. If the Commanders go into this matchup treating nearly every drive like they are in four-down territory, that could give them an advantage.

But the Eagles present a tough challenge. They are incredibly balanced on both sides of the ball and have significantly more talent. Washington just lost its best offensive lineman for the season (Sam Cosmi) to a torn ACL, and that will be a problem against Philadelphia’s front.

If the Commanders can't block the Eagles' front four, they have no chance in this matchup. Expect Kliff Kingsbury to get Daniels on the move as much as possible to mitigate the pass rush.

Daniels has been special in the playoffs, but expect the magical season to end this weekend. The Eagles are built for this moment and look for Vic Fangio’s defense to have a much better plan to stop Daniels and the Commanders this time around. The Eagles will likely jump out to an early lead and then lean heavily on the defense and run game to close things out.

Score Prediction: Eagles 31, Commanders 23


Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) greets Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) following the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) greets Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) following the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Spread: Chiefs -1.5

Total: 47.5

This is the game we’ve been waiting for all season. The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the AFC meeting for the right to go to the Super Bowl.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills met in Week 10, and Buffalo got a 30-21 win. However, that game was played in Orchard Park, and the Bills have had a massive home-field advantage all season, going 10-0 at Highmark Stadium. Playing in Arrowhead in late January is a whole different story.

Kansas City’s offense has been better in recent weeks but still isn't overly dynamic. The Chiefs have not scored 30 points in a game this season, but they also haven’t needed to put up that many points. Their defense has been outstanding, especially against top-tier teams in the AFC.

That said, against the Bills, who have scored 30 or more points in 13 of their 19 games, they might have to. Could that mean more deep shots to Xavier Worthy? Or will we see the Chiefs try to play keep away from Josh Allen?

It'll be fascinating to see what offensive strategy Andy Reid deploys this week. Buffalo's defense was gashed on the ground last week against Baltimore, so a run-heavy approach that features short passes could be the optimal strategy for Kansas City.

The key to this game will be turnovers, as is the case for most games. Buffalo has not turned the ball over in either of its playoff wins, but it forced three turnovers against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. These two teams are so close that one tipped interception or fumble could flip the game.

Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen do a great job of taking care of the football, especially in the playoffs. So whoever wins the turnover battle on Sunday will likely be advancing to New Orleans.

The case for the Chiefs is simple. They are used to playing in big games every week, and their home-field advantage is like no other. They’ve won their last 12 games at home, and it’s hard to imagine that they will stop this week.

Expect a lower-scoring game with both teams leaning on the run game, short-passing attack, and their defenses to win. Take the Chiefs to win another nail-bitter and to reach the Super Bowl for the third straight season.

Score Prediction: Chiefs 24, Bills 21


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