The Cheat Sheet: Eagles, Chiefs are Mark Potash's picks for conference titles
COMMANDERS at EAGLES
Time: 2 p.m., Fox 32.
Line: Eagles by 6. Total: 47½.
Records (overall/ATS): Eagles 16-3/12-7; Commanders 14-5/12-6-1.
Outlook: On paper, this tilts solidly in favor of the Eagles, with Saquon Barkley and their second-ranked running game vs. the Commanders’ 30th-ranked run defense, plus Vic Fangio’s defense, which ranks first in scoring and second in yards. But Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels is a huge X-factor with the way he has stepped up in the playoffs vs. the Bucs (268 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 110.2) and Lions (299 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 122.9). He could hit the wall here — or not. If he doesn’t, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, who has thrown for 131 and 128 yards in two playoff games after a late-season concussion, might need to find his midseason groove to fend off the upstart Commanders.
Pick: Eagles 23, Commanders 16.
BILLS at CHIEFS
Time: 5:30 p.m., CBS 2.
Line: Chiefs by 1½. Total: 47½.
Records (overall/ATS): Bills 15-4/12-7; Chiefs 16-2/8-10.
Outlook: The Bills are a popular upset pick, with Josh Allen & Co. determined to atone for three previous playoff losses to the Chiefs, including a 27-24 loss at home in the divisional round last year. The Bills won 30-21 at Highmark Stadium on Nov. 17, handing the Chiefs their first loss after a 9-0 start (and their only loss with Patrick Mahomes). But the Mahomes factor always looms large in big games, with his knack for raising his game, making key plays — and getting key calls when he needs them most. The Chiefs’ defense (Steve Spagnuolo) and special teams (Dave Toub) also have a knack for making plays that give Mahomes just enough room to make the difference.
Pick: Chiefs 20, Bills 17.