NFL prediction: Chiefs, Packers advance to Super Bowl LIV

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TNS

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates after his team defeated the Houston Texans 51-31 last Sunday.

PATRICK HANSEN

The conference championship week is finally upon us this Sunday as the Titans visit the Chiefs in Kansas City at 2:05 p.m. followed by the Packers traveling to take on the 49ers at 5:40 p.m. The playoffs have already been a crazy jumble of emotions so far, seeing things like the Titans upsetting the Patriots and Ravens, the comebacks in Houston and Kansas City, and the Vikings upsetting the Saints in New Orleans. But now it is time to look forward to this weekend and see who is punching their cards to Super Bowl 54 in beautiful Miami.

First off this Sunday is the game between the Chiefs and the Titans. This game is sure to be the favorite of the weekend, and will likely be the most eventful. The Chiefs have a 75 percent chance of winning the game in Arrowhead according to the ESPN football power index, although it will still be a great game.

Both teams are well deserving of the AFC ticket to the Super Bowl: the Titans have already knocked out one of the most notorious playoff teams of all-time in the Patriots as well as the Super Bowl-favorite Ravens, with both of these games coming on the road. Meanwhile, the Chiefs allowed 24 points to the Texans before taking off and out-scoring the Houston 51-7 through the three remaining quarters, ending the game with a score similar to that of a basketball game.

The main story of the game will likely be the rushing game of the Titans and how the Chiefs defense will respond. The Chiefs seem to lack on defense most days but still hold teams to under 100 rushing yards per game, whereas the Titans have averaged 209 per game in the playoffs. The two biggest question marks will be Kansas City’s ability to stop the run game, and if the Titans defense will be able to stop Mahomes from finding the endzone multiple times.

Prediction: Chiefs 35-Titans 24.

The second game between the 49ers and Packers will be another great game that gives the 49ers a 71% chance to win according to the ESPN football power index.

Both teams have great quarterbacks in Rodgers and Garoppolo, but Aaron Rodgers constantly struggles in the fourth quarter as the Seahawks proved, and Jimmy Garoppolo struggled in their win over the Vikings.

However, it very well could come down to who has the best defense. The Packers have averaged five sacks per game in the postseason and the 49ers came up with six over the Vikings. A key stat to watch for will be the run game, as the 49ers only allowed 21 rushing yards in the win over Minnesota. In order for the Packers to come out on top, they will have to be able to run the ball through the Niner defense.

Prediction: Packers stun the 49ers to punch their ticket