NFL Playoff Predictions: Ravens Aim to Upset Chiefs, 49ers Look to Edge Lions in Championship Games

Will the favorites secure their spots in the Super Bowl? The stage is set for the conference championship weekend, with Baltimore and San Francisco eyeing a place in Super Bowl 58 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., on Feb. 15.

The AFC Championship game features Baltimore against Kansas City at 3 p.m. on CBS. Lamar Jackson, with an impressive performance against Houston in the divisional round, leads the Ravens in their fifth AFC Championship appearance, this time on home turf. Kansas City, with Patrick Mahomes at the helm, aims for its fourth Super Bowl in five seasons.

In the NFC Championship game at 6:30 p.m. on FOX, San Francisco takes on Detroit. The 49ers, making their third straight NFC Championship appearance under coach Kyle Shanahan, face the Lions, who are in their first NFC Championship since 1992 after defeating Tampa Bay in the divisional round.

Sporting News provides predictions for these crucial championship games:

Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) Sunday, 3 p.m., CBS

In the fifth meeting between the Chiefs and Ravens with Jackson and Mahomes as quarterbacks, Baltimore looks to improve its 1-3 record. Jackson, playing at an MVP level, faces challenges from Kansas City’s defense, led by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The key matchups include Zay Flowers and L’Jarius Sneed against Baltimore’s receivers. Mahomes, historically dominant against the Ravens, seeks to continue his success. The outcome may hinge on whether the Ravens can control Mahomes and if Jackson can exploit the Chiefs’ defense.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Chiefs 24

Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers (-7) Sunday, 6:30 p.m., CBS

Deebo Samuel’s shoulder injury becomes a critical factor for the 49ers against Detroit. Samuel’s absence during a previous injury stretch resulted in three losses for San Francisco. Brock Purdy, supported by Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle, faces a Lions defense led by edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions’ multi-faceted offense, featuring Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs, presents challenges for the 49ers. The potential absence of Samuel and turnovers could influence the outcome.