Championship weekend

[Hawktawk]

I’m having a hard time deciding.Rams 9ers on paper Rams are the sexy pick but Shanahan has absolutely owned McVeigh . I still gotta say Rams 24 9ers 21 as much as I hate to and hope to be wrong .
I’m taking Cinncinatti . They have zero pressure . Their QB Joe cool
burrows hung 440 yards and 4 TDs on KC in week 17 in a win in Cincinnati despite being sacked 4 times . He was able to come off the mat after 9 sacks to beat the Titans with as beautiful a dime as Mahomes threw to get to overtime .
Cincy has an underrated D as well.there is also the letdown factor after such an intense game
Cincy 37
KC 24

[Aseahawkfan]

If the Cincy pass rush can go crazy like they did last week, Mahomes is in trouble.

[RiverDog]

Last week was very unusual, with every game coming down to the last play. This week, I think things will turn out differently.

If Burrow doesn't do a better job of handling pressure than he did last weekend, the Chiefs will win by 3 TD's. I'll take the Chiefs 35-20.

It's true that the Niners have owned the Rams, winning the last 6 straight matchups. But it's very difficult for any team to win 3 in one season over the same opponent, especially when they just played a few weeks ago. Remember last year, when we beat the Rams by two scores then met them two weeks later in the playoffs? Teams have more to gain in a defeat than they do in a victory.

Plus Garoppolo has been simply horrid, the Niners winning in spite of his play because of it. The only way they win is if they can run the ball effectively. I can't Jimmy G. winning this one with his arm.

Rams win this one by two scores, 24-14.

[NorthHawk]

I can't trust Jimmy G. to not mess up. After all he's not lost but he also hasn't thrown a TD.
I don't know if it can continue, so my money is on the Rams (if I were to bet).
KC doesn't have the DL and pass rush that the Titans have so it might be a better showing for the Bengals from their OL.
But stopping Mahomes going against a suspect secondary? I find it hard to see how the Chiefs lose.

All teams won last week in close games. A lot may be determined by how they recover emotionally from that victory
and if they can get past that euphoria and back to playing another game. Whoever can do that the best has the best
chance to win.
Rams and Chiefs in the SB.

[RiverDog]

They're estimating that as much as 65% of the fans at SoFi Stadium will be wearing red and gold. They knew it was coming as the team prohibited ticket sales to anyone outside of the greater LA area and Mathew Stafford's wife offered to buy any game tickets from an LA fan that was not going to the game, begging them not to sell them on the secondary market.

LA hasn't been a football town since the '60's. They go nuts about the Lakers and Dodgers, but they're simply not into football. Say what you want about the Niners, but you can't deny that they have very deep fan base, especially considering that their home field is so far away from the city.

[Hawktawk]

I have observed the fickle nature of LA fans for decades . But it didn’t matter to Goodell. He was bell bent on a team there and loves Kronkie for building the most obscene opulent examples of wretched excess on the planet to house them . He’s a game from a Ratings bonanza . The Rams at home regardless of the opponent . I think Cincy Rams would be compelling . The 9 ers are the spoilers , the boring old school smash mouth team. But Deebo is as good as anyone . Again much as I see the pressure as 100% on KC I see the same for the Rams . A loss here by Frisco it’s still an excellent year with a pedestrian QB . A loss for the Rams they will be looking for the flight data recorder, a total disaster after the all in go for broke signings .


Can’t get the KC Bengal game out of my mind . Burrows destroys man to man and has chase young who is as explosive as Tireek Hill. Also Tee Higgins . Mixon is a load and can catch . KC plays a lot of man KC has the most clutch QB on the planet , loaded with skill players but if he struggles against anything it’s zones and Cincy has a number of different concepts on zones . I give them more credit last week than some . The first 2 picks of Tannehill were like they were in the huddle . He was in shock on the first one . And the Cincy qb being sacked 9 times and using the final 20 seconds to throw a perfect pass to chase young to win the game with a FG . I’m impressed with the Titans defense and impressed with Burrows . Interesting RD and I see it backwards .

[NorthHawk]

I have observed the fickle nature of LA fans for decades . But it didn’t matter to Goodell. He was bell bent on a team there and loves Kronkie for building the most obscene opulent examples of wretched excess on the planet to house them . He’s a game from a Ratings bonanza . The Rams at home regardless of the opponent . I think Cincy Rams would be compelling . The 9 ers are the spoilers , the boring old school smash mouth team. But Deebo is as good as anyone . Again much as I see the pressure as 100% on KC I see the same for the Rams . A loss here by Frisco it’s still an excellent year with a pedestrian QB . A loss for the Rams they will be looking for the flight data recorder, a total disaster after the all in go for broke signings .


Can’t get the KC Bengal game out of my mind . Burrows destroys man to man and has chase young who is as explosive as Tireek Hill. Also Tee Higgins . Mixon is a load and can catch . KC plays a lot of man KC has the most clutch QB on the planet , loaded with skill players but if he struggles against anything it’s zones and Cincy has a number of different concepts on zones . I give them more credit last week than some . The first 2 picks of Tannehill were like they were in the huddle . He was in shock on the first one . And the Cincy qb being sacked 9 times and using the final 20 seconds to throw a perfect pass to chase young to win the game with a FG . I’m impressed with the Titans defense and impressed with Burrows . Interesting RD and I see it backwards .

That's what's so good about these matchups. Things can go many different ways.
I think most people are expecting a shootout between KC and the Bengals. When that expectation happens, it often ends in a defensive struggle.
SF has beaten the Rams 6 consecutive times, so is it time for that streak to end or does SF have the Rams number?
It will be an interesting Sunday.

[Hawktawk]

If the Cincy pass rush can go crazy like they did last week, Mahomes is in trouble.

Exactly. Cincy gets no credit for what they did knocking off a #1. Seed on the road . A solid smash mouth team with an excellent coach and game plan . And I don’t know what other qb took 9 sacks in a playoff game and dropped a dime to win it . They are playing with house money just like Frisco . All that said KC will probably win by 30 its why they play the games . I think it’s going to be exciting , looking forward to it .

[Hawktawk]

Wow didn’t know SF had 6 wins in a row vs Rams . That’s a 1000lb gorilla , psyche job .

[RiverDog]

The injury report for both games is relatively good for all 4 teams with one big exception. Trent Williams of the Niners, the All Pro LT and first ballot HOF'er that protects Jimmy G.'s blind side and this season has earned PFF's highest grade of any player since 2006, hasn't practiced all week as he's been nursing a high ankle sprain. Shannahan has been firm in saying that Williams will play today, but clearly, he's not 100%. Shanny's optimism could be a smoke screen.

[NorthHawk]

The injury report for both games is relatively good for all 4 teams with one big exception. Trent Williams of the Niners, the All Pro LT and first ballot HOF'er that protects Jimmy G.'s blind side and this season has earned PFF's highest grade of any player since 2006, hasn't practiced all week as he's been nursing a high ankle sprain. Shannahan has been firm in saying that Williams will play today, but clearly, he's not 100%. Shanny's optimism could be a smoke screen.

He might start, but can he play the whole game or will he end up on the bench after the 1st Quarter?
As well, he may be going against Von Miller so if Williams mobility is impacted, Miller could get a real advantage. The key for the Rams is to get SF into 3rd and long.

[Hawktawk]

The injury report for both games is relatively good for all 4 teams with one big exception. Trent Williams of the Niners, the All Pro LT and first ballot HOF'er that protects Jimmy G.'s blind side and this season has earned PFF's highest grade of any player since 2006, hasn't practiced all week as he's been nursing a high ankle sprain. Shannahan has been firm in saying that Williams will play today, but clearly, he's not 100%. Shanny's optimism could be a smoke screen.

So honey badger is back from concussion ? All respect to Trent Williams but mathheiu is the most important member of KCs defense and they still got lit up with him at 100% in week 17.

[RiverDog]

The injury report for both games is relatively good for all 4 teams with one big exception. Trent Williams of the Niners, the All Pro LT and first ballot HOF'er that protects Jimmy G.'s blind side and this season has earned PFF's highest grade of any player since 2006, hasn't practiced all week as he's been nursing a high ankle sprain. Shannahan has been firm in saying that Williams will play today, but clearly, he's not 100%. Shanny's optimism could be a smoke screen.

He might start, but can he play the whole game or will he end up on the bench after the 1st Quarter?
As well, he may be going against Von Miller so if Williams mobility is impacted, Miller could get a real advantage. The key for the Rams is to get SF into 3rd and long.

Niners fans will remind us that Williams didn't play in their last game against the Rams, either, yet they were able to compensate. But Miller seems to have come to life in this past couple of games.

This could be Jimmy G.'s last game as a Niner. They didn't trade up in the first round to get Trey Lance just so he could hold a clipboard.

[RiverDog]

So honey badger is back from concussion ? All respect to Trent Williams but mathheiu is the most important member of KCs defense and they still got lit up with him at 100% in week 17.

From everything I've heard, Mathieu is a full go so long as he gets clearance.

[RiverDog]

Wow didn’t know SF had 6 wins in a row vs Rams . That’s a 1000lb gorilla , psyche job .

You have to asterisk and footnote the Niners last win vs. the Rams. The Niners HAD to win in order to make the playoffs while it was of little consequence to the Rams as they had already clinched the division and had no chance of a first round bye. I don't care what anybody says, that makes a huge motivational difference.

[NorthHawk]

Still 5 games that count is something to think about.
Some teams just have another teams number and it often continues beyond coaching changes.
It will make it interesting.

[Hawk Sista]

Still…5 of 6 is pretty much a trend. Who knows what that really means come playoff time; we shall see by days end.

While on the one hand, it’s nice to see the NFC West so well repped this weekend, it makes me sick to have the Rams and Niners in the NFCCG. Too bad they can’t both lose, though I see the wisdom in rooting for whichever NFCW team wins today, but I just can’t do it. Effin hate em both. I’m rooting for the Rams because (I know, it’s silly) of Stafford. His wife is a fellow cancer survivor and he was stuck in mediocreville as a Lion. They were never a great team and rarely even a good one. That said, he could win the game on a dime, or he could throw 3 INTs. I take the Lambs 31-27.

I love the AFC matchup. I’ll be rooting for the Bengals who haven’t done much in the post season since I was in my 20’s and now I’m retired. If I had to bet, I’d probably pick KC 38-31…. But I don’t. Go Bengals.

[Hawktawk]

Rooting 9ers and Bengals . If in Vegas it would be opposite . As a fan Frisco is more boring but I don’t care .I can’t support the Rams . They make me want to puke . If they went 0-17 I’d laugh .

Oddsmakers like Frisco more than Cincy for sure . But Burrows has been sacked a ridiculous 62 times this year and still led the league in completion % completion % on tight throws as well as passing yards . Their defense gives up 11 less PPG than Kc over the last 5 games . As you say sister it’s not a bet . It’s a wish .

[NorthHawk]

Still…5 of 6 is pretty much a trend. Who knows what that really means come playoff time; we shall see by days end.

While on the one hand, it’s nice to see the NFC West so well repped this weekend, it makes me sick to have the Rams and Niners in the NFCCG. Too bad they can’t both lose, though I see the wisdom in rooting for whichever NFCW team wins today, but I just can’t do it. Effin hate em both. I’m rooting for the Rams because (I know, it’s silly) of Stafford. His wife is a fellow cancer survivor and he was stuck in mediocreville as a Lion. They were never a great team and rarely even a good one. That said, he could win the game on a dime, or he could throw 3 INTs. I take the Lambs 31-27.

I love the AFC matchup. I’ll be rooting for the Bengals who haven’t done much in the post season since I was in my 20’s and now I’m retired. If I had to bet, I’d probably pick KC 38-31…. But I don’t. Go Bengals.

I have the same conflicts about the NFC this year.
I just hope the best AFC team makes it to the SB and wins handily.

[Hawktawk]

You have to asterisk and footnote the Niners last win vs. the Rams. The Niners HAD to win in order to make the playoffs while it was of little consequence to the Rams as they had already clinched the division and had no chance of a first round bye. I don't care what anybody says, that makes a huge motivational difference.

I see the other side of the coin . I doubt there’s another team with a 5 game win streak against the Rams . They had a chance to put a silver bullet into their nemesis and by the way they jumped on the 9ers early in the game it’s clear they were trying to do it and looking quite motivated to win . They just suffered a collapse and they may pay the ultimate price Today.
I don’t buy asterisks between NFL teams . Especially in division.

[RiverDog]

Still…5 of 6 is pretty much a trend. Who knows what that really means come playoff time; we shall see by days end.

While on the one hand, it’s nice to see the NFC West so well repped this weekend, it makes me sick to have the Rams and Niners in the NFCCG. Too bad they can’t both lose, though I see the wisdom in rooting for whichever NFCW team wins today, but I just can’t do it. Effin hate em both. I’m rooting for the Rams because (I know, it’s silly) of Stafford. His wife is a fellow cancer survivor and he was stuck in mediocreville as a Lion. They were never a great team and rarely even a good one. That said, he could win the game on a dime, or he could throw 3 INTs. I take the Lambs 31-27.

I love the AFC matchup. I’ll be rooting for the Bengals who haven’t done much in the post season since I was in my 20’s and now I’m retired. If I had to bet, I’d probably pick KC 38-31…. But I don’t. Go Bengals.

Hey, Sis. As always, nice to see you poking your head in here. BTW, not that it makes a great deal of difference, but the Niners have won the last 6 out of the last 6, which includes two games this season.

I have a win-win situation with the Bengals-Chiefs. I'd love to see the Bengals advance as it's been so long for that fan base, but I'm picking the Chiefs in our Pick-um league. Even though I'm well off the mark this season, I have a bit of a grudge match with my son-in-law, who is also a participant in the same league.

I've also picked the Rams to win, and it would be nice to see our local hero Cooper Kupp do well.

[Hawktawk]

Bengals better figure out how to stop the run or this is over . Perfect drive by KC.

[RiverDog]

Bengals better figure out how to stop the run or this is over . Perfect drive by KC.

Yeah, you might have to eat some crow about Joe Burrow. He looks pretty rattled and is just 6-13 for a measly 28 yards with 10 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, although he's had a couple of drops. That's a tough stadium to play in.

In the meantime, Mahomes looks unstoppable, 9-10 with 2 TD's already. Edit: Make that 13-14 for 3 TD's. Chiefs have had the ball 3 times and have scored TD's on each drive.

[Hawktawk]

Yeah, you might have to eat some crow about Joe Burrow. He looks pretty rattled and is just 6-13 for a measly 28 yards with 10 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, although he's had a couple of drops. That's a tough stadium to play in.

In the meantime, Mahomes looks unstoppable, 9-10 with 2 TD's already. Edit: Make that 13-14 for 3 TD's. Chiefs have had the ball 3 times and have scored TD's on each drive.

I’m ready to eat crow on Cincy but let’s see about Burrows . Christ he can’t take a snap without getting hit . Kc got away with a brutal PI in the end zone and their line is holding at will . They have not been penalized for one thing in the half . Let’s see. Not looking too good .

[Hawktawk]

Lol what a massive screw up by KC. Probably won’t matter but wow 25 years coaching to do that ?

[Aseahawkfan]

I'm surprised Cinci's pass rush is so quiet. We'll see if Cinci did the classic play very vanilla in the first half and keep it close, then open it up in the second half and use all your tricks.

[RiverDog]

Lol what a massive screw up by KC. Probably won’t matter but wow 25 years coaching to do that ?

That was 100% on Mahomes. His first look wasn't there so he should have grounded it immediately. With the defense spread out like it was, that dump off had zero chance of success.

[Hawktawk]

Well it was Hill but I agree. Burrows had his chance that first drive of the second half and threw a bad ball , took a delay of game . Bad series .

[RiverDog]

Wow, another cliffhanger!

Mahomes played the worst football I've ever seen him play. Kudos to the Bengals!

[trents]

Hats off to the Bengals defense and coaches for the adjustments they made at halftime and for stepping up with crucial big plays in OT. In the first half the Chiefs looked unstoppable. Unbelievable!

[Hawktawk]

Wasn’t Burrows best day throwing the ball but a couple of those escapes on the FG drive were nice . He’s more athletic than he looks . The Cincy defense was amazing . Talk about a halftime adjustment. Mahomes charmed postseason luck went away . I’ve never seen a qb with more time and nobody open with all those weapons . He looked lost in the end . I’m taking Cincy in the big game right now .

[Aseahawkfan]

I will watch this SB just to see if a team once referred to as the Bungles and a penitentiary team can win it all. Amazing.

[Uppercut]

And the funny part is Tre Flowers is going to the Superbowl

[Aseahawkfan]

Wow, another cliffhanger!

Mahomes played the worst football I've ever seen him play. Kudos to the Bengals!

Mahomes can't even get back. They were ready to crown him a few years ago. It just goes to show how hard it is to get back to the Super Bowl unless you are Tom Brady and you live there.

[Hawktawk]

I will watch this SB just to see if a team once referred to as the Bungles and a penitentiary team can win it all. Amazing.

Awesome . It’s been an amazing postseason so far .

[obiken]

I want HT to place my bets, I thought it would be the Chiefs by a bunch.

[Hawktawk]

I want HT to place my bets, I thought it would be the Chiefs by a bunch.

Lol no you don’t . Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Last week I had Pack, Tampa , Tennessee and Buffalo I just realized if the 9ers win Cincy will have the same opponent in all 3 of their appearances over 40 years.

[RiverDog]

I just realized if the 9ers win Cincy will have the same opponent in all 3 of their appearances over 40 years.

Yeah, lots of memories of the Bengals two SB's. I remember Tim Krumrie's injury that ended his career, with his foot flopping around like it was a fly at the end of a fishing pole. Sam Wyche was one of my favorite NFL HC's personality-wise, once scolded his home crowd, ironically in a playoff game vs. the Hawks, for throwing objects onto the field by getting on the loudspeakers and yelling "this isn't Cleveland!"

[RiverDog]

I knew Jimmy G. would F it up. Just give him enough time.

[Hawktawk]

I watched the first one between Montana’s 9ers and Ken Anderson’s Bengals from a hospital bed in Vancouver . I was recovering from a head on collision on hiway 14 . I saw some of the greatest games in playoff history in that bed. The second was the look there’s John Candy drive by a concussed Montana. Everyone remembers the game winner by Montana but few remember the pass before that hit the Cincinnati safety right between the numbers . Brady’s not the only lucky one . They had a good shot in 2005 until Steelers NT Kimo Van Oelhoffen rolled up on Carson Palmers knee about 2 seconds after he released the ball. Looks like Rams Bengals . Go Bengals