American Association
1. Chiefs de Kansas City (15-2) vs 2. Bills de Buffalo (13-4)
For the fourth time since the 2020 season, the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs meet in the playoffs. So far, it’s the Missouri representatives who have had the best on every occasion.
While the 2020 AFC Final was a pretty convincing 38-24 victory, the two Divisional Round battles in 2021 and 2023 were nothing short of fantastic. Kansas City won the 2021 duel 42-36 in overtime by ending the game with a touchdown, which led the NFL to change its regulation from the overtime format to the playoffs. In 2023, the Chiefs used a little magic to win 27-24 at the home of the Bills.
With Josh Allen (17) at the center of their success, the Bills have every right to believe in their chances of reaching the Super Bowl this year. (Adrian Kraus/Archives Associated Press)
This time, the clash between the two star quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen promises to be exciting once again. A little earlier this year, the two teams met at High Mark Stadium in Buffalo and it was the Bills who managed to win by a score of 30 to 21. This notably ended the hopes of a perfect season for the Chiefs.
In this duel, Mahomes had some problems as he threw two interceptions which proved costly in such a close confrontation. On the other side, Allen had it all again with 317 total yards and two touchdowns.
The Bills therefore arrive at Arrowhead Stadium with a slight advantage since they are the only team to have beaten the Chiefs with their starting lineup this season. To get there, they limited the Chiefs to 278 yards of offense in addition to winning the turnover battle (two against one).
To hope to put an end to the Kansas City dynasty, the Bills, who have not reached the Super Bowl since the 1993 campaign, have no choice in repeating the same recipe. They must prevent their opponents from spreading their wings. Last week, against the formidable offense of the Baltimore Ravens, that’s exactly what they managed to do to win 27 to 25. If they can do it again this Sunday, they have the conditions to go to the Super Bowl.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones will have to have a strong game in order to bother Josh Allen behind the line of scrimmage. (Colin E. Braley/Archives Associated Press)
As for the Chiefs, they have the opportunity to demonstrate that they have learned from their only defeat this year. The mission to complete to win, however, is not an easy task: they must find a way to neutralize Allen both by passing and running and, why not, force him to make turnovers. In the first duel, the Chiefs defense was not able to do it and it cost them the victory. Defensive tackle Chris Jones and linebacker Nick Bolton will absolutely have to disturb the Buffalo pillar.
Allen has been at MVP level since day one of this season and now is clearly not the time to slow down. If he is not at this exceptional level against the Chiefs, the Bills will not be able to advance to the Super Bowl game. It’s that simple.
Prediction: 24-23 win for the Bills
Key player for Kansas City: The defensive unit as a whole
Key player for Buffalo: Josh Allen
Match Start: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, January 26
Long moribund, the Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, surprised the football world by defeating the powerful Lions last weekend. Can they now push the envelope by now ousting the Eagles to get to the Super Bowl? (Rey Del Rio/Archives Associated press)
-Association Nationale
2. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) vs. 6. Washington Commanders (12-5)
To see the Eagles in the National final, it’s not surprising. On the other hand, to see the Commanders access it for the first time since 1991, no one saw that coming.
At the end of a match that was as electrifying as possible against the dominant Detroit Lions, Washington won unequivocally with a score of 45 to 31. Taking advantage of the turnovers of their opponents and their well-honed attack, the Commanders caused a huge surprise.
They are not there by chance, however. No! Led by their little wonder at the quarterback position, Jayden Daniels, we must take the threat that Washington represents very seriously (we’re not talking politics here!). Through the air, Daniels once again demonstrated all his talent with astonishing passes. With 299 yards and two passes caught in the pay zone, all without the slightest turnover, the 2nd pick of the most recent draft was at the heart of his team’s success.
For the Eagles, it was the spectacle of running back Saquon Barkley with his exceptional performance of 205 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. When Philadelphia needed big plays, he responded and that’s what allowed his team to win 28-22 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite the snowstorm that hit Philadelphia, Saquon Barkley led the Eagles to a victory against the Rams by outrageously dominating this game. He will have to be at his best again if his club wants to beat Washington. (Matt Slocum/Archives Associated Press)
Behind Barkley, it must be said that the overall performance of the attack was more or less encouraging. Yes, quarterback Jalen Hurts stood out with a very long run into the pay zone, but through the air, with 128 yards on 15 completions, it was far from convincing.
What is interesting in view of the weekend is that the Commanders and the Eagles have crossed swords twice already this year since they are rivals in the East of the Nationale. In the first game, Philadelphia had the upper hand by a score of 26 to 18 then in the second, it was Washington who had the best in an offensive festival of 36 to 33, a clash that Hurts had to leave with a concussion.
The Commanders, although neglected, demonstrated that they were able to hold their own against the Eagles. The main challenge of this National final will be to see if Washington can once again cut the defense into pieces as was the case in the second duel. Daniels then produced 339 yards of offense, five touchdown passes and two interceptions. If he can do this well, Washington has a chance to win.
An all-out battle is brewing between Daniels and Barkley. Who will take their offensive the furthest? Given the quality of the Eagles’ defense, the balance seems to be tipping in their favor…
Prediction: Eagles win 30-26
Key player for Philadelphia: Saquon Barkley
Key player for Washington: Jayden Daniels
Start of the match: 3 p.m. Sunday January 26
