Postseason Spreads Season 2, Volume 2: Conference Championships

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Of course, the Super Bowl is the Super Bowl, but if you ask me, the Conference Championship round is where the real heroes are made. This season, we've got plenty of potential heroes waiting for their moment, and one who looks to punch his ticket to a third consecutive Super Bowl. Here are Will Tondo and I's top picks for the Conference Championships, including the spread, point totals, and prop bets.

Basel's Playoff Picks 2022: (3-2 ML) (2-3 ATS) (0-2 Props)

Tondo's Playoff Picks 2022: (3-2 ML) (3-2 ATS) (1-1 Props)

Basel's Picks-The AFC Championship

In what could possibly be the most important game of the entire 2022 postseason, sophomore Joe Burrow will look to what has recently been near impossible. Not only will Burrow have a chance to take down Patrick Mahomes twice in one season, but in Kansas City in the playoffs.

When looking at what will be the difference maker in this one, the answer points first to the two top tier QBs, but also to Cincinnati's top tier pass rush defense. In their first meeting earlier this month, Mahomes really had some trouble against the Bengals, throwing for just 259 yards. In just a month, I don't know if Mahomes has had time to prep for a defense like Cincinnati's so taking the under on his passing yards could be a smart play here. In that same game, Burrow willed the Bengals to victory with 4 passing touchdowns. Currently, MGM has Burrow's over/under on passing TDS at 1.5. Hammer it.

In terms of the game overall, the Chiefs will punch the ticket to their third consecutive Super Bowl, but Cincy is going to make it tough. I can really see this game going not to overtime, but as close to overtime as it can get.

Picks: Chiefs ML, Bengals +7.5, Patrick Mahomes UNDER 293.5 Passing yards, Joe Burrow OVER 1.5 Passing TDs

Tondo's Picks-The NFC Championship

It's down to the final two in the NFC and it's two teams that know each other quite well. The last time the Rams beat the 49ers, it was December 30th, 2018. The last six matchups, the 49ers have won by a total of 159-108.

This will be an exciting matchup, one that probably will be more closer match than Bengals/Chiefs (although I am pulling for Joey B and Cincy). The Rams are a wagon at the moment with Stafford tossing 6 TD's and no turnovers, and Cooper Kupp continuing his dominance. Don't forget about the defense, where Aaron Donald and Von Miller are torching opposing lines.

This season, the narrative continues and it looks like San Fran has LA's number. The 49ers are 11-8 ATS while the Rams are right behind at 10-9. I think taking down the Packers in a close one gives them the edge. If the 49ers were fully healthy, I would likely take the moneyline, but I think the Rams future of their franchise is all down to this playoffs, because they have no future draft picks at the moment.

Picks: Rams ML, 49ers +3, Cams Akers total rushing + receiving OVER 82.5 yards, Deebo Samuel OVER 51.5 receiving yards.

See you on Super Bowl Sunday!