It didn’t take many games this season to realize that the NFC title would go through one of two teams – the New Orleans Saints or Los Angeles Rams.
Both teams showed off dynamic offenses throughout the season, with New Orleans even pitching in a solid defensive effort here and there during the season. Much like the AFC Championship game, this game features a veteran quarterback against a young signal caller. I feel more confident in this pick than the AFC one, so here’s my picks for the NFC Championship game.
Overall: 53-50-2 ATS
Playoffs: 5-2-1 ATS
Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints (-3)
This game is all about the home-field advantage.
Did you watch that game Saturday with the Saints hosting Philadelphia? The crowd noise was deafening and it showed, forcing the Eagles to commit several pre-snap penalties. That will once again be a factor against the Rams, which need to communicate at the line of scrimmage to fully utilize their offensive potential.
Even without the home-field edge, the defense should give New Orleans an advantage. The Saints have been improving on a regular basis on that side of the ball, with a strong showing from the second through fourth quarters against Philadelphia in the Divisional round.
The Saints have the better overall team and it showed in the first meeting between these teams. The Saints owned a huge lead before the Rams mounted a comeback. I expect the Saints to once again overwhelm a Rams squad without much of a defense, so I’m backing plenty of offense and a win for New Orleans. — Go Chalk with New Orleans
Over/under 56.5
The numbers for the championship games are high for over/under, but it doesn’t surprise me. Both matchups feature dynamic offenses to go along with some questionable defenses. To beat the Saints, you have to move the ball consistently.
That showed in the Divisional round against Philadelphia, when the Eagles jumped to a big lead, before the offense died. That won’t happen that particular level for the Rams.
The Rams will be able to put up some points against the Saints, so I see no reason to go for the under. These are two of the top offenses in the NFL, so it’s highly likely we’ll see plenty of points. — Go for the over
