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Just four NFL teams remain in the postseason. Two games left until the Super Bowl.
And there are so many questions about the Bengals, Chiefs, Rams and 49ers that will be answered in just a couple of days.
We’ve got you covered from all angles — our Charles McDonald wrote some in-depth breakdowns of the NFC and AFC championship matchups, we’ve got picks from Christian D’Andrea and our picks against the spread.
But let’s dive into some big questions we have for the two matchups on Sunday:
1
Can the Bengals keep Joe Burrow upright?
He was sacked NINE TIMES last week and still walked away with a victory against the Titans. If the Bengals’ line can’t keep him protected from the Chiefs’ pass rush, it’s going to be a looooong day for a terrifying Cincy offense.
2
Will Matthew Stafford shrink on this big of a postseason stage?
He looked good against the Bucs, and what was telling to me is he didn’t looked fazed after Tom Brady engineered yet another amazing comeback. But he’s facing a team that intercepted him four times in the two matchups this season.
3
Is there any stopping Patrick Mahomes?
The Bengals’ defense has been a pleasant surprise this year, but they’re not the Bills’ D. And the Bills just allowed Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense to score 42 points last week. Welp.
4
Will Jimmy G. shake off the struggles he's had?
(AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
The Niners have won in spite of Jimmy Garoppolo’s play this postseason. He hasn’t thrown a single touchdown and has two interceptions in the pair of playoff wins. And, yes, the Niners are built to run a ton and allow Garoppolo to be more of a game manager. But if he can’t do much of anything against that incredible Rams pass-rush, the NFC title game will be over fast.
5
How healthy are George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams?
Here’s your answer:
🏈George Kittle: Not on injury report today, good to go Sunday.
🏈Deebo Samuel was not on injury report today and Kyle Shanahan said Samuel told him, “Kyle, I got you!”
🏈Trent Williams did not practice today, but Shanahan said, “He believes he's playing, and so do I.”— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 26, 2022
6
Will Ja'Marr Chase have a game to remember?
Let’s see if Tyrann Mathieu plays before we answer that … but the Chiefs’ secondary is still full of talent to keep him and Tee Higgins in check.
7
Will history matter?
The Niners beat the Rams twice this year. The Bengals beat the Chiefs in Week 17. Does it mean anything? We’ll see.
Quick hits: NBA Draft big board … Blond Brooks Koepka … Lacrosse goal in the NHL! … and more.
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
— Here’s our latest 2022 NBA Draft big board.
— Brooks Koepka is a blond now.
— Trevor Zegras pulled off The Michigan against the Canadiens on Thursday. WOW!
— Our Bryan Kalbrosky spoke to Evan Mobley, who’s having an incredible rookie year for the Cavs.
