2022 NFL Conference Playoffs Betting Predictions
The Conference Playoffs will be played this Monday morning in Philadelphia (NFC) and Kansas City (AFC). The Eagles are looking for their first Super Bowl appearance since winning in 2018. But San Francisco will be hungry after losing the SB in 2020 against the Chiefs. Meanwhile in the AFC, the injured Patrick Mahomes will look to get his Chiefs back into the big game for the 3rd time in his career. However, Joe Burrow's Bengals will be eager to defend their AFC title and return to the Super Bowl for the 2nd straight season.
San Francisco 49ers (15-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (15-3)
The 49ers outlasted the Cowboys in last week's low scoring 19-12 result in San Francisco. With the game locked at 9-9, a McCaffrey TD run to start the 4th quarter was crucial and proved to be the game-winner for the 49ers. McCaffrey was mostly held in check by the Cowboys defence and is currently listed as questionable for this matchup. However, he should be right to play. Brock Purdy made some key throws in his 2nd playoff game and enjoyed a good combination with George Kittle (5 catches, 95 yards). Though, it was all about the 49ers defence in the end as they forced 2 interceptions and stifled the Cowboys running game. They get a tough matchup against Jalen Hurts but the 49ers will be confident in their run defence that has allowed the 2nd fewest rushing yards in the NFL.
The Eagles made a statement in the divisional playoffs after thrashing their divisional rival Giants 38-7. It was basically all over at half-time with a 28-0 scoreline as Jalen Hurts dominated. He finished with 3 total touchdowns (2 passes & 1 run). As a team, they totalled 268 rushing yards compared to the Giants 118. The Eagles running game against the 49ers run defence will be a key matchup to watch as the team that wins the battle will likely make the Super Bowl. On defence, the Eagles were excellent as they recorded 5 sacks and an interception. They now face off against a rookie QB on the road and forcing mistakes will be a key gameplan for Philly.
With home-field advantage, the #1 seeded Eagles will start as favourites in this matchup but this should be a close finish. Both sides finished in the top 10 for points scored and points against. In a huge playoff game with a Super Bowl at stake, the trends say this should be a low-scoring affair. The 49ers are 7-0 against the Under on the road in the playoffs and the Under has saluted in the last 4 meetings against the Eagles. Philly have a nice 12-3-1 record against the Under in the playoffs at this venue and they're 4-1 against the Under vs the NFC.
Stadium Record
Philadelphia are 8-2 at home this season. San Francisco holds a 7-3 record in Philly.
Head to Head Record
Since 2005, the Eagles have won 7 of the last 10 meetings. They last met in 2021 and the 49ers won at this venue 17-11.
Best Bet
Cincinnati Bengals (14-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (15-3)
The Bengals are through to their second straight Conference championship game and will again face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. They come off a massive road win over the Bills in the 27-10 result last week. Joe Burrow tossed 2 touchdowns and he continued his fine combination with Chase (5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD). They also ran the ball with success as Joe Mixon finished with 100+ rushing yards for the first time in 7 games. However, their defence was arguably the most impressive part of the victory. They kept the Bills to just a field goal in the second half and have now conceded just 13.5 pts per game in the playoffs. That will be the key against the Chiefs on the road as they're the top-scoring team in the NFL. Cinci has won the last 3 meetings by a field goal so a trip to KC shouldn't worry them.
The Chiefs overcame an injury to Patrick Mahomes as they outlasted the Jags 27-20 last week. Mahomes sprained his ankle early on in the contest but was able to finish out the game. He likely won't be 100% for this clash and moving outside the pocket will be difficult. However, his combination with Kelce will be the key on offence. Kelce dominated the Jags with 14 catches, 98 yards and 2 TDs. He's a matchup nightmare and the Chiefs will be looking to use that to their advantage against an in-form Bengals D. On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs defence has struggled against Burrow in the last few meetings so they'll be looking to get early pressure to force mistakes. They come off forcing 2 turnovers against the Jags.
The head-to-head odds have the Bengals as favourites but considering the last 3 meetings have been decided by a field goal, this is a tough pick. The Mahomes injury does help the Bengals defence and also may limit the Chiefs scoring potential. The trends are also saying another fairly low-scoring game is on the agenda. In the previous 6 meetings at Arrowhead, the Under has saluted in 5 of 6. The Bengals are now 5-0 against the Under on the road and 9-1 in their last 10 playoff games. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are 6-1 against the Under at home and 8-3 following a win.
Stadium Record
Kansas City are 8-1 at home in their last 9. Cincinnati are 3-2 at this venue since 2006 and beat the Chiefs in the playoffs at Arrowhead last season.
Head to Head Record
The Bengals are 3-0 against the Chiefs since 2022 and 8-3 since 2006.
Best Bet
