by Joseph Quirk on January 26, 2023
Professional Sports
Aidan Bennett ’24
First of all, it’s a travesty that a team as grotesque as the Philadelphia Eagles is allowed to play football games in January. They should have been taken care of by the New York Giants last week, but the NFL seemed to have had their own side agenda to spite the great Giants fans. The latest reports suggest that the city of Glendale is praying for a 49ers victory. If the Eagles are to win this Sunday, then Glendale will soon be inundated by Eagles fans. Thankfully, everyone will soon see the truth that I already know. The Eagles might have the most wins in the NFC, but their skill is nowhere near that of the 49ers. They have a worse coach, quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and everything else associated with winning football games. Brock Purdy will dice up the Philly defense when he needs to, and the combination of Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey will run through Lincoln Financial Field to the Super Bowl. I see this as a low scoring game as both teams like to pound the rock, so I’ll take the under here. The 49ers win a boring game 27–12 with a potential riot in downtown Philly after the loss. 49ers will cover as 1.5 point underdogs, but I’ll have them MoneyLine as well as the under when it comes to over/under 45.5 points scored.
The afternoon slate pits a rematch from last year, with the Bengals returning to Kansas City where they won their last playoffs. The Chiefs enter as 2.5 point favorites with an over/under of 46.5. Either team will be the favorite in the Super Bowl over a weaker NFC. Mahomes’ ankle is a problem, which makes the game far closer than it should be. The Chiefs are on a run that is truly historical. Only two teams have ever hosted three straight championship games. The 2002-2004 Eagles did under Andy Reid, never won a Super Bowl, and the current Chiefs. They haven’t just hosted three straight; this is their fifth straight home AFC Championship game. This doesn’t mean the Bengals can’t win the game; it just points to the value that is out there for the Chiefs. After a boring NFC Championship game, I see this as an all timer. Offense will be aplenty for both sides coming down to the final kick. I predict Evan McPherson will choke this game as time expires and the Chiefs win the game 34–31. I’ll take the Chiefs –1.5 and the over of 47.5.
As always, gambling can be addictive, and if you feel you have an issue call 1-800-GAMBLER for help. Gambling should only be done within your means with money you can afford to lose.
Till next time. Happy betting.
Sincerely, The Shepherd.