And then there were four. The Bills, Chiefs, Eagles and Commanders live to fight another day on their journey to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Here’s a look at the Fantasy options for the NFL conference championship games.
CHAMPS!
QB Josh Allen (vs. Chiefs) — Buffalo was a thundering herd against Baltimore, running the ball 36 times. Their season average was 29 attempts, but the Bills have gone over 33 rushes in their last four games. I’d be surprised if they continue that trend. Allen has 802 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception in three playoff games against the Chiefs.
QB Jayden Daniels (at Eagles) — Only three rookie QBs have advanced all the way to the conference championship game (Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez). Daniels has thrown for 567 yards, four TDs and rushed for 87 yards so far in the playoffs. The Eagles are a daunting task, but let’s hope for another Daniels Command performance.
RB Brian Robinson Jr. (at Eagles) — Besides Barkley, there are no sure-fire RBs this weekend. Robinson has the best chance of any to score a TD, having done so three times in five games against the Birds.
RB Saquon Barkley (vs. Commanders) — If the surprising Commanders have one major weakness, it’s their inability to stop the run, ranking 30th in the NFL. Barkley smacked them for 296 yards and four TDs in the regular season. Things have not improved in the playoffs for Washington, as Detroit rushed for over 200 yards on them last week.
WR Khalil Shakir (vs. Chiefs) — Since Week 10, the Chiefs have given up at least 70 yards to their opponent’s top WR. Shakir was one of those wideouts (12 targets, 8 receptions, 70 yards). Buffalo’s leading receiver will again be heavily targeted in K.C.
WR Terry McLaurin (at Eagles) — McLaurin would love to play Philly every week. He has 64 catches for 917 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games against the Eagles in his career. Terry needs to be scary on Sunday.
TE Travis Kelce (vs. Bills) — It’s all about the ratings. The NFL wants Kelce to excel in the playoffs so they can show Taylor Swift cheering in the owner’s box.
CHUMPS!
QB Jalen Hurts (vs. Commanders) — A twisted left knee might keep the Eagles from their Super Bowl aspirations. While Hurts (check status) will certainly be able to hand off to Barkley, it remains to be seen what limitations his injury will present.
QB Patrick Mahomes (vs. Bills) — You can never write off the magnificent Mahomes, but of the four field generals in the games this weekend, I have him ranked QB3, ahead of only the hobbled Hurts.
RB Isiah Pacheco (vs. Bills) — The Chiefs were slowly working Pacheco into the lineup since his Week 13 return from a broken leg. But then he bruised his ribs on Christmas day against the Steelers, and he only saw five carries (for 18 yards) against the Texans last week. Splitting carries with Kareem Hunt dings Pacheco’s fantasy value.
WR Dyami Brown (at Eagles) — A third round pick in 2021 out of North Carolina, Brown had only 308 yards all season. Things have finally clicked in two playoff games, catching 11 passes for 187 yards and a TD. But in eight career matches against Philly, he has just nine receptions.
WR DeAndre Hopkins (vs. Bills) — Leave humdrum Hopkins on the bench. Coming off a catchless game against the Texans last week does not inspire any confidence. No way whatsoever to put a shine on that sneaker.
WR Curtis Samuel (at Chiefs) — Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Samuel averages two receptions per game this season. Sorry, Mrs. Roosevelt. That’s too scary for me.
TE Dallas Goedert (vs. Commanders) — In his last three games against Washington, Goedert averaged three receptions and 38 yards. That sounds just about right.
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
Buffalo at Kansas City: The Bills Mafia has been whacked by K.C. in their last three playoff matchups. The Chiefs will have home-field advantage and more frighteningly, the “referee advantage.” But the Bills and Josh Allen are a team of destiny. No one gave them a chance against the Ravens. If the refs keep their yellow hankies in their pockets, the Bills will secure a last second victory. Bills 28, Chiefs 26
Washington at Philadelphia: No rookie QB has ever led his team to the Super Bowl. Daniels did his damage in the playoffs beating up the Buccaneers (29th) and Lions (30th) with their less than stellar pass defenses. The Eagles rank first in the NFL in that department. It will be close, but the Eagles will control the game with Barkley, and Hurts will do just enough on one leg to get Philly back in the big game. Eagles 31, Commanders 28
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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com.