2023 NFL Betting Preview: Kyle Odegard’s Championship Game Picks Against the Spread

And then there were four. 

It promises to be a sizzling Sunday as the NFL Championship Round takes place. We couldn’t have asked for better matchups, as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals, while the San Francisco 49ers travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles.

These are the four best teams in football, so we are going to get a great Super Bowl matchup however it turns out.

However, we are still looking to nail the spread picks this week, and with both of my Super Bowl participants still alive, there is little question which way I’m leaning.

My Super Bowl prediction: Bengals over 49ers

— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) January 14, 2023

San Francisco 49ers (+2.5) at Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday, January 29that 3 p.m. ET

The spread has moved from 49ers +1 to +2.5 since this line opened, and if it gets to 3, I’m all over it. As it stands, San Francisco as a +125 moneyline underdog is very intriguing.

There is no doubt the Eagles looked dominant last week against the Giants, but we have to remember that New York was the fraudulent member of the final eight teams in the playoffs.

Philly has a great team, but so does San Francisco. Each side has a dominant rushing attack, and while Jalen Hurts is the more accomplished quarterback, Brock Purdy has done wonders as a rookie thrust into a starting role.

Kyle Shanahan – Coach of the Year Finalist

Brock Purdy – Rookie of the Year Finalist

Nick Bosa – Defensive Player of the Year Finalist

Christian McCaffrey – Comeback Player of the Year Finalist

— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) January 25, 2023

Both defenses are elite, so it’s really hard to handicap this matchup. San Francisco has great team speed and a stout defensive front, which gives it a shot to keep Philly from gashing it on the ground. The Eagles have sometimes struggled against the run this year, and to me this tips the scales in favor of the 49ers.

This game could be great, with the teams trading haymakers, and a big defensive play could end up being the difference. Either team could easily advance, which is why I’m happy to grab the underdog at plus money.

Score prediction: 49ers 24, Eagles 23
Pick: 49ers +2.5

Cincinnati Bengals (+1) at Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday, January 29th at 6:30 p.m. ET

The Bengals are finally getting their flowers after another fine season. Cincinnati was a sizable underdog in the AFC Divisional Round against the Bills but showed out in Buffalo to set up a rematch with Kansas City for another trip to the Super Bowl. Cincinnati opened as a slight underdog against Kansas City, moved to a slight favorite, and is now a small underdog again. Moneyline odds of +100 at Caesars is the way to go with this one.

Cincinnati came out on top last year and I think history will repeat itself. These teams are pretty even when healthy, and the ankle injury to Patrick Mahomes makes this one an easy call.

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes said his ankle is doing better than expected

— Jeff Fedotin (@JFedotin) January 26, 2023

Even though his arm talent will still be on display, the lack of mobility is going to be an issue for the Kansas City gunslinger. Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has been in his bag all season long, dialing up great calls, and should have a good plan of attack against the Chiefs.

Kansas City will still score in this game because Mahomes is that good, but they aren’t going to be the same dominant group as in past weeks.

The highest-flying offense will instead be Joe Burrow and Co. The Bengals’ star quarterback was nearly flawless in the snow against the Bills and should put on another impressive display in Burrowhead Stadium.

Score prediction: Bengals 27, Chiefs 23
Pick: Bengals +1

Last Week: 2-2
Overall: 128-115-7