Chiefs vs Ravens
Two former MVPs faced off in this one as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs made their way to Baltimore to take on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Plenty of pregame antics took place, which only added to the heated playoff atmosphere as the Ravens' kicker, Justin Tucker, was disrupted in his pregame warmup by none other than Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. This game looked like it was going to be a back-and-forth matchup that many expected, but after a first-quarter touchdown from either side, it turned into a battle of the defences. L'Jarius Sneed might very well have had the play of the game when he forced rookie Zay Flowers to fumble the ball at the one-yard line when it looked like the Ravens were about to get themselves back into the game. The duo of Mahomes and Kelce carried this offence once again, and when that Defense is playing like they were in the second half, they are definitely a force to be reckoned with. This will be the Chiefs' 4th Super Bowl appearance in the last five years as their dominance in the AFC continues. The last time they squared off against the 49ers in the Super Bowl, the final score was 31-20, but these are different teams, so don't go in expecting the same result.
Lions vs 49ers
The magical season from the Detroit Lions has finally come to an end, and it happened in dramatic fashion. The Lions looked like they were going to run away with this one early going into the second half, 24-7. It was a completely different game in the second half as the Niners rallied on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball to put up 27 unanswered points. This was highlighted by a ridiculous catch by Brandon Aiyuk and a clutch fumble recovery by the Captain himself, Arik Armstead. Coach Dan Campbell was heavily scrutinized for multiple 4th-downs where he took a gamble by betting on his offence against one of the stoutest defences the league has ever seen. Brock Purdy once again proved why he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL by the way he bounced back in the NFL, and this 49ers team showed why they may be the most well-rounded team in football. The Super Bowl will very much be a revenge game for what happened in Super Bowl LIV. If there is a team that has what it takes to overcome Playoffs' Patrick Mahomes, it is this squad.
What can we expect in the Super Bowl? There will definitely be some serious fireworks in this one. Both Mahomes and Purdy will duel it out, but I truly believe the Defense that comes into play will win it for their team. The 49ers will have to find ways to shut down Kelce and force Mahomes to get rid of the ball quickly if they have a chance in this one. On the flip side, the Chiefs will have to make things uncomfortable for Brock Purdy and do all they can to contain the best running back in the NFL, Christian McCaffrey. At this point, it is too close to call, and in my eyes, both these teams not only deserve to be here, but it is too difficult to choose a favourite.