Blazin' 5: Colin Cowherd Gives His Picks For the Conference Championship Games
(VIDEO SEGMENT ABOVE)
Blazin' 5 Regular Season Record: 44-37-4
49ers at Eagles (SPREAD: PHI 2.5)
“Youngest quarterback matchup in Conference Championship history, Jalen Hurts 24, Brock Purdy 23. I'm gonna take the Eagles -2.5 and here's why…They've got the better offensive line, it's number one in the league. Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce didn't allow a sack all year. That tells me that despite Bosa and Armstead, Hurts will have a little more of a comfortable pocket. The Eagles defense is also number one up front and on the back end. Jalen Hurts, I know what he gives me: last 20 starts he’s 18-2, he's going to complete 65%, passer rating around 100. Very consistent numbers in his last 20 starts. I know exactly what I'm getting, vs. good teams, vs. bad teams, it doesn't matter. The Niners worry me. O-line could really struggle against the Eagles front. The Niners only scored one touchdown in their divisional round win against the Cowboys. They're giving up points as well. Nine red zone trips and only four touchdowns [on offense in the playoffs], settling too often for field goals. Their defense has been vulnerable over the top. Thirteen 40+ yard plays this season, third most if you include the playoffs. I think the more comfortable and experienced quarterback at home wins a close game, 28-23 Philadelphia. I think they hit on a few more deep balls and big plays, but I think it's eye candy and it's a lot of fun to watch."
Colin's prediction: Eagles 28, 49ers 23.
Colin's pick: Philadelphia -2.5
Bengals at Chiefs (SPREAD: KC -1.5)
“I'm gonna take Bengals +1.5. It's a rematch of last year's AFC Championship. Bengals are on a 10-game winning streak and Burrow is on fire, 13 consecutive wins in December and January. The biggest star in the game on the perimeter the Bengals have, Ja’Marr Chase, nine touchdowns in his last nine games. In fact, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have eaten the Chiefs up, over 200 yards a game in their last three games against Kansas City. The Chiefs defense is vulnerable in the back end, they allowed the most touchdown passes in the league this year. Remember, they had [Jimmie] Ward, he's now a Niner. That's what happens when you pay your quarterback a fortune. Also, after suffering the injury Mahomes did not complete a pass or have a pass attempt outside the pocket. Mahomes from outside the pocket is the best quarterback in the league and maybe by a stretch. Number one in pass attempts, completions, and passing yards. But when you force him to stay in the pocket he is still ‘good’, he is still ‘really good’, but he's not quite as spectacular. I'm gonna go the big play capability of Ja’Marr Chase, the better back end, and nobody has a better second half defense. Boy, the Bengals really tighten up the screws. I think it's a great game, I'll take points, Bengals 26, Kansas City 24.”
Colin's prediction: Bengals 26, Chiefs 24.
Colin's pick: Cincinnati +1.5
All spreads are provided by Fox Bet. Spreads are posted when Blazin' 5 airs Friday at 2 pm ET and are subject to change.
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