Championship Weekend: Ram Tough or Seattle Supreme?

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos

Sunday, Jan. 25 @ 3 p.m.

Line: New England -5½

O/U: 42.5

Speculation abounded in Denver last Saturday when iffy calls came in rapid-fire succession and sent the Buffalo Bills into hibernation. First came the shaky Brandon Cooks catch-ruled-interception that garnered nary a second look from the officiating crew, followed by a pair of pass interference calls that spoon-fed the Broncos a trip to this Sunday’s AFC title tilt.

Questions immediately circulated: Did the league desire such an outcome? In a bizarre twist of karma, Denver quarterback Bo Nix was revealed to have sustained a season-ending broken ankle, making way for a backup who’s produced more cobwebs than completions over the prior two years. Enter Jarrett Stidham, who gets the nod for the Donkeys against a New England team that’s riding a mile high with dominant postseason performances against Houston and the Los Angeles Chargers.

While Pats’ QB Drake Maye has hardly been error-proof this postseason (six turnovers in two games), the New England defense forced Texans’ QB C.J. Stroud to commit five horrific ones of his own.

As such, looks for both teams to rely heavily on ball-control approaches, the Pats with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson and the Broncos with R.J. Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin. Toss in the altitude factor, the bog-game jitters, and the defensive prowess of both teams, and we’re looking for a low-scoring affair for you under wagerers.

Pick: Under

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

Los Angeles at Seattle Seahawks

Sunday, Jan. 25 @ 6:30 p.m.

Line: Seattle -2 ½

O/U: 46.5

There’s an old black-and-white Twilight Zone episode from the early 160’s entitled, “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?” Set in a cozy diner, it’s an engaging whodunit-style mystery in which viewers are left to ponder which of the seven snowbound patrons is indeed a Martian posing as human.

For the past several weeks of NFL play, wise fans have been awaiting the real Sam Darnold to reveal himself, only as human and not the otherworldly force who carved up the Panthers’, Colts’, and Niners’ defenses in successive outings. Thus far, the Darnold who folded like a poker hand last season has yet to rear his heinous head. In fact, quite the contrary.

The Rams, on the other hand, seemed to have peaked a month early. Once the Super Bowl heavy, Sean McVay’s troops have sputtered through underwhelming wins over the Panthers and Bears en route to the NFC finale. Still, Darnold served up a two-pick outing in his last showdown with the Rams, a gifted 38-37 overtime victory for the ‘Hawks. He may need to play gaffe-free football this time to earn a trip to Santa Clara.

Remember, Darnold’s playoff run a year ago with the Vikings ended in a -sack debacle against these very same Rams. Which Darnold will show up come Sunday’s rubber match? We’re betting on the inhuman one.

Pick: Seahawks -2½