When I picked the league championship games, I scored a split decision. I got the Bronco/Patriots game wrong but nearly nailed the Rams/Seahawks with the correct score and did get the winner right.
I had a feeling Denver could defeat New England without Bo Nix given their defensive strengths but as some expected Jarrett Stidham was not up to task to lead the Broncos’ offense to a scoring opportunities.
Instead, Stidham threw a crucial late interception that sealed his team’s fate. M.V.P. candidate Drake Maye had a terrible game but his team’s defense tripped up Stidham and held on for a win and a trip to the Super Bowl. I strongly believe had Nix been healthy Denver would be heading to the title game and not New England.
On the NFC side, the Rams and Seahawks put on a fireworks show and Sam Darnold put a stamp on his revival with an amazing game out-dueling Matthew Stafford.
For the record, my score for the Denver game was 16-13 Broncos. The final score was 10-7 New England. I had the Seahawks winning 35-27 and I came close to nailing that score which was a final 31-27.
Now comes the big dance between Seattle and New England a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. In that NFL title game Seattle probably should have won but Pete Carroll opted to have quarterback Russell Wilson throw for a winning touchdown instead of running the ball with the proven powerhouse Marshawn Lynch for the game winner.
Now we have a two new teams playing for the title. This game won’t be as close as games past. Drake Maye has had an awful postseason while Sam Darnold has been balling out.
The Seahawks are solid everywhere and I think New England is not as talented and over matched. I say prepare for a boring game and a blowout.
