First in their respective conferences, the Ravens and 49ers receive these conference finals this week as favorites.
Like last year, the number one seeds in the regular season did the job for their entry into the playoffs. Results, these conference finals will be played in Baltimore and San Francisco. Ravens and 49ers will therefore have the opportunity to validate their ticket to the Super Bowl at home. But for that, they will have to beat teams who have a lot to make.
In the AFC, the Chiefs are still there. Andy Reid's partners are aiming for a 4th appearance in the Super Bowl in 5 years. And despite an away conference final this time, experience is on their side. In the other conference, the Lions, on the other hand, are discovering this level of competition. However, we doubt that they will be impressed. Dan Campbell's men will boldly play their luck with the recklessness and above all the talent that have characterized them since the start of the season.
AFC Final: Ravens vs. Chiefs
We could summarize this match as a duel between the favorites and the regulars. For once, Patrick Mahomes and his teammates are not favored by the predictions. It must be said that Baltimore impresses. First at the end of the regular season, the Ravens did not miss their Divisional Round match. John Harbaugh's men sent a strong message: you will have to be very strong to bring them down. Especially since they will once again be at home. For the first time in franchise history (as Baltimore Ravens), the team receives a conference final. This is also the first time that they have returned to this stage of the competition. since 2012 and their final victory… against the 49ers. On the other hand, it is completely the opposite.
To find traces of a conference final without the Chiefs, we have to go back to 2017 and the AFC title for Tom Brady's Patriots. Since then, they have reached at least this point every season. This Sunday, they will play their 6th consecutive conference final. Only the Patriots do better with 8 consecutive between 2011 and 2018. This meeting should in any case be undecided until the end. Since the start of the season, defense has been one of the Chiefs' main strengths. This Sunday, it will have to contain a quarterback in great shape, who does not hesitate to run. And with 100 yards in just 11 carries, Lamar Jackson was the catalyst of the Ravens' offense against the Texans. Opposite Patrick Mahomes hopes to maintain his good dynamic seen during the last matches. Kansas City will, however, have to find how to compensate for the absence of guard Joe Thuney, who could be detrimental against the Ravens' pass-rush.
NFC Final: 49ers vs. Lions
Will they be able to make it to the Super Bowl again? That's the question everyone is asking about the 49ers this week. Winners of the NFC in 2019, the Californians have since stumbled each time in the conference final. First against the Rams in 2021 then against the Eagles last year. Kyle Shanahan and his men must this time overcome this last obstacle before the big match. Except that unlike previous years, this meeting will be played this time in San Francisco. Brock Purdy and his partners have granted themselves the right to play their place at home and must take advantage of it. The good news of the week for them is the presence of Deebo Samuel in training. Injured against the Packers, the Swiss army knife receiver could make his return on Sunday. And even if he's not 100%, his presence should do this attack some good.
Because this match could quickly turn into fireworks. Facing them on the night from Sunday to Monday, the 49ers will find a Detroit team which is not afraid. The young Lions indeed want to create a surprise and reach the Super Bowl. To do this, they will rely on an extremely explosive attack. Amon Ra St-Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs or even Jameson Williams or Sam LaPorta will be all offensive assets who will represent a very high challenge for the San Francisco defense. It would not be surprising if many points were scored in this meeting. It remains to be seen who will succeed in doing well. If the 49ers win in any case, it will be a remake for them no matter what. (from 2012 or 2019). For the Lions, on the other hand, it will be a historic first for a franchise which has been more used to suffering than rejoicing in recent decades.
The posters
Kick-off Sunday at 9:00 p.m.
Baltimore Ravens (1) – Kansas City Chiefs (3)
Kick-off during the night from Sunday to Monday at 12:30 a.m.
San Francisco 49ers (1) – Detroit Lions (3)
