NFL Playoffs Conference Championships: Players, Injuries, and X-Factors
The stage is set for the NFL playoffs conference championships this Sunday, with two massive games that will determine who moves on to the Super Bowl. First up, the Washington Commanders, led by their electrifying rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, will face the Philadelphia Eagles. Later in the evening, it’s a heavyweight AFC battle as MVP contender Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Let’s break it all down in a way that makes sense for fans gearing up for a weekend of high-stakes football.
Game 1: Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
Kickoff: 3 PM ET
Where to Watch: Fox
Betting Line: Eagles favored by 6 points (Over/Under: 47.5)
The Commanders’ Big Test
The Commanders are riding a wave of momentum, thanks in part to their breakout rookie QB Jayden Daniels, but they’ve got their work cut out for them. They’ll be missing a crucial piece of their offensive line, as right guard Sam Cosmi is out for the season with an ACL injury. Whoever steps in will have the unenviable job of blocking Eagles star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, one of the league’s most dominant players.
And if that’s not enough, the Commanders also have to deal with Saquon Barkley. While Washington has been able to contain him at times, he’s shown he can break off huge plays—just ask their defense, which gave up three touchdowns to him earlier this season. The key for Washington will be limiting those explosive moments.
What’s Going on with Jalen Hurts?
On the other side, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is battling a knee injury he picked up last week. Before the injury, he was running all over the Rams with 71 rushing yards. But after taking an awkward hit, his mobility was clearly limited, and the only running play he attempted after that was a kneel-down. The Eagles are confident he’ll play like his usual self, but you have to wonder if he’ll be 100% in a game where his legs could make all the difference.
Did You Know?
This is only the fifth time two NFC East teams have faced off in a championship game. The last time it happened? 1986. Oh, and the winner of those previous matchups? They went on to win the Super Bowl. Just saying.
Bold Prediction: A Rushing Extravaganza
Expect a lot of running in this one. Between Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, we might see them combine for over 40 rushing attempts. Why? The Commanders’ defense practically dares teams to run by sticking with nickel packages (five defensive backs) almost all the time, even against heavier offensive formations. If Washington can’t adjust, it could be a long day.
Player to Watch: Dyami Brown
Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown has been a game-changer this postseason. He’s given Washington’s passing game a much-needed deep threat, racking up 187 yards and a touchdown in two playoff games. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will likely scheme up some big plays for him to test the Eagles’ secondary.
The Numbers Game
- Washington has thrived as underdogs, going 5-3 outright and 6-2 against the spread when not favored this season.
- The Eagles, meanwhile, have won nine straight home games but are just 5-4 against the spread in those contests.
Predictions for the Game
- Kalyn Kahler: Commanders 31, Eagles 30
- Eric Moody: Commanders 34, Eagles 30
- Seth Walder: Eagles 30, Commanders 17
- ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI): Eagles have a 63.7% chance to win by an average of 5 points.
Source: NFL playoffs conference championships: Picks, schedule, odds, injuries
Game 2: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
Kickoff: 6:30 PM ET
Where to Watch: CBS/Paramount+
Betting Line: Chiefs favored by 2 points (Over/Under: 47.5)
The Bills’ Biggest Challenge
The Bills are out to rewrite history. They’ve lost to the Chiefs in three straight playoff matchups and haven’t won a road playoff game in seven attempts. But if there’s ever a time to break the streak, it’s now. Buffalo’s defense is excellent at forcing turnovers, and in their regular-season win over Kansas City, they intercepted Mahomes twice. But here’s the catch: the Chiefs have gone eight straight games without turning the ball over. Something’s got to give.
What the Chiefs Need to Do
Kansas City learned the hard way in their Week 11 loss to Buffalo—they can’t let the Bills dominate on third downs. In that game, Buffalo converted 9 of 15 third-down attempts, keeping Mahomes and the offense on the sideline for much of the game. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will need to get creative, and the Chiefs’ pass rush—fresh off an eight-sack performance last week—needs to bring that same energy against Josh Allen.
A Stat That Stands Out
The Bills have been incredibly disciplined with the football this season. They’ve turned it over just eight times (the fewest in the NFL) while forcing a league-high 35 takeaways. Winning the turnover battle could be their ticket to victory.
Bold Prediction: A Big Day for Perine
Here’s an under-the-radar prediction: Chiefs running back Samaje Perine could have a breakout game as a pass-catcher. The Bills allow a lot of targets to running backs, and if the Chiefs find themselves in passing situations, Perine could become a reliable option for Mahomes.
Player to Watch: George Karlaftis
The Chiefs’ defensive end has been on a tear lately, recording three sacks in their last game. His main job on Sunday? Keep Josh Allen from escaping the pocket. If Karlaftis can contain Allen, it’ll force Buffalo to play more conservatively and give Kansas City’s defense a better chance to make stops.
Head-to-Head History
Allen and Mahomes have faced each other eight times, with each quarterback winning four games. However, Mahomes has a clear edge in the playoffs, where he’s 3-0 against Allen.
Predictions for the Game
- Kalyn Kahler: Bills 34, Chiefs 31
- Eric Moody: Bills 30, Chiefs 29
- Seth Walder: Bills 29, Chiefs 20
- ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI): Bills have a 54.6% chance to win by an average of 1.6 points.

What to Expect This Sunday
Both games have storylines galore, with everything from injuries to individual matchups playing a critical role. The Commanders are the surprise underdog that no one saw coming, while the Eagles have the weight of expectations on their shoulders. In the AFC, it’s a battle of quarterbacks between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, with legacies potentially on the line.
No matter which teams come out on top, these matchups promise to deliver everything football fans could ask for—drama, excitement, and plenty of moments to remember. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.
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