It only took the season to be reduced to four games for us to have a triumphant week, but here we are! If only the New York Giants put up some sort of fight, perfect records were within reach.
Charles Curtis (109-138-9 regular season) and I (112-135-9 regular season) each went 3-1 in the divisional round, and Caroline Darney went 2-2 (102-117-6 regular season).
Now, things get a lot harder with four teams left and the competitive margins even smaller. Let’s get a word from the crew in our final week of picks before the Super Bowl:
Charles: Man, I was CERTAIN the Giants would cover. Maybe I even thought they’d win. Alas.
Caroline: Ayyy 2-2! Considering one was a pick to give the Giants good luck, I’ll take it I guess.
1
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5)
Prince: 49ers
I like to think there’s no salt involved in this pick, even after the Eagles decimated our Giants. But who the heck knows. Either way, my gut is telling me the Niners might find success in the run game and that’ll make the difference.
Charles: Eagles
I have no idea what to do here. This is the perfect spread. But the Eagles are at home, against a rookie QB — who’s playing like a seasoned vet — and in a low-scoring game, I’ll say Philly ekes out a three-point win.
Caroline: 49ers
I am still the leader of the Brock Purdy fan club, so I’m riding with my guy. This one was SUPER hard to pick. Both teams looked solid last week and have been the best in the NFC all season. I think (hope) this one will be close and exciting after a snoozer of a weekend last week.
2
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5)
Prince: Bengals
It’s been fascinating watching this line flip-flop over the last couple days with each update on Patrick Mahomes’ health. Especially as someone who was going to be taking the Bengals regardless. They just play KC well, healthy Mahomes or not.
Charles: Bengals
[Whispers] I would have taken the Bengals even if Mahomes was healthy. The Bengals’ defense will keep things close and I don’t think the Chiefs can stop Joe Burrow. Bengals 30, Chiefs 26.
Caroline: Bengals
My guy Joe Burrow is far too powerful at this point to lose. I am more nervous for the Bengals now that my two friends here have also chosen the Bengals, but just think the “nobody believed in us” stuff the Chiefs could say if they win!
