As NFL Championship weekend is on the horizon, fans couldn’t be more excited. In the earlier game, we have last year’s MVP going up against this year’s favorite. The Baltimore Ravens will have their hands full trying to stop what’s been a red-hot offense. The same could be said for Kansas City. In the later game, we have the Lions trying to upset a rock-solid 49ers team. With how dominant San Francisco has been, Detroit will likely need to play a perfect game to have a chance of winning.
As always, pay close attention to the injury report, especially its final version. The AFC Championship has plenty of questionable players that could turn the tide of the game. Use this great resource to exploit the injury-effected player props. All odds and wagers can be found at OH Gamblers.
Championship Round Injury Report
Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco: Although likely to play, Pacheco is listed as questionable because of toe and ankle injuries. If for some reason he can’t go, expect the offense to be more pass-based with additional carries for Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Joe Thuney: Kansas City’s starting left guard has officially been ruled out due to a pectoral injury he suffered against the Buffalo Bills. He’s been a key piece to their offensive line, with an 84.5 pass-blocking grade while not missing any games this year. Without him, the interior offensive line depth becomes extremely thin with Nick Allegretti taking Thuney’s spot. In limited snaps, Allegretti has played solid, but he’ll be at Justin Madibuke’s mercy this week. Expect him to give up a decent amount of interior pressure.
Willie Gay: A neck injury has one of Kansas City’s starting middle linebackers listed as questionable for this week. Gay has been extremely inconsistent this season. Sometimes you can depend on him as a solid tackler and other times he’s a total liability in coverage. If backup Leo Chenal starts in his place, it would actually be an upgrade. Chenal has graded better in every important category and is coming off one of the best games he’s played this year.
Mike Edwards: The Chiefs’ starting free safety is questionable to play due to a concussion. It seems like he’s 50-50 as of Saturday afternoon. Although he flashes playmaking ability occasionally, Edwards has been the weak spot of what’s become an elite secondary. If he does play, expect Lamar Jackson to throw to his side of the field more often than not. If backup Deon Bush has to play, the Chiefs’ defense will be at even more of a disadvantage.
Baltimore Ravens
Marlon Humphrey: Due to a calf injury, Baltimore’s best cornerback is listed as questionable. He missed last week’s victory against Buffalo with the same injury. It’s been far from Humphrey’s best season, but he’s still the team’s No. 1 cornerback. If he can’t play, expect a big game from Rashee Rice. He’d be facing Brandon Stephens, who’s coming off a terrible game where his coverage grade ended up being 37.2.
Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers
Detroit Lions
Jonah Jackson: A knee injury suffered last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will force Jackson to miss the NFC Championship. It’s been a slight down year for him, but the former Ohio State product was having his best game of the year against Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, Kayode Awosika will take his place. After Jackson got injured, Awosika came in and played terribly. He finished with a 48.4 blocking grade. With how bad he is in pass protection, expect both Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead to get increased interior pressure on Jared Goff.
San Francisco 49ers
No notable injuries.
Main Image: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
