NFL Conference Championship Weekend is here! That means it’s time to get in on the action and budget a few bucks for the best bets.
Now, if you don’t feel confident about betting the money line or even the spread on this list of games, there is a whole market of player accessories to explore. And our FOX Sports betting experts have you covered with the top five player props for this weekend’s exciting matchups.
Hopefully, those prop bets will earn you some cash during the championship round. Let’s dive into the expert picks Geoff Schwartz, Sam Panaiotovich i Jason McIntyre (odds via FOX Bet).
NFC Championship: Will Jalen Hurts and the Eagles cover against Brock Purdy and the 49ers?
FOX betting analyst Sammy P discusses the NFC Championship between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. He talks about bets like the spread, Jalen Hurts touchdowns and more.
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles (3 p.m. ET Sunday, FOX and FOX Sports app)
Sammy P: Jalen hurts throw an INT (+105)
I expect San Francisco’s defense to keep Hurts in the pocket.
Everyone knows the NFL MVP favorite is at his best when he’s moving around the booth. Designed runs and broken plays have been a staple in Hurts’ breakout season, and you have to believe the Niners’ D will aim to make him one-dimensional.
They have an excellent pass rusher in All-Pro Nick Bosa and also possess what I believe is the best linebacking core in the entire NFL. It is extremely difficult to run in DeMeco Ryans group [88 yards allowed per game] because their linemen are strong in the trenches and their defenders cover a lot of space.
There’s a very solid possibility that Hurts will throw the ball around 35 times, maybe more if Philadelphia comes up late, and I think San Francisco’s pressure will force Hurts to make a bad decision at some point in the NFC Championship game.
Only one is needed.
McIntyre: Deebo Samuel Over 74.5 yards rushing + rec
Historically, the Eagles defense has played back and given up the short stuff, with the goal of limiting big plays. Samuel can line up anywhere: outside, slot, backfield. And there’s no one better than Kyle Shanahan to engineer mismatches.
Given that Elijah Mitchell and Christian MccAffrey both missed two days of practice this week, it’s a fair guess that if they’re not 100%, Samuel could get double-digit carries on top of his usual dose of targets. Samuel led the 49ers in YAC, despite playing in just 13 games.
Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes Top Colin’s Top 10 Players in AFC Championship Game
Colin Cowherd ranks his top 10 players from the AFC Championship Game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs (6:30 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS)
Cincinnati Bengals
CIN
+1.5
+100
or47.5
Kansas City Chiefs
KC
-1.5
-139
u47.5
McIntyre: Samaje Perineum 15.5+ receiving yards (-125)
The Chiefs struggle to defend the running back, ranking 28th according to Football Outsiders. When they faced the Jaguars in the divisional round last week, Jacksonville had four targets for 25 yards on running backs. In Kansas City’s last meeting with Cincinnati, Bengals running back Samaje Perine had six receptions for 49 yards through the air (Joe Mixon was injured). When the Chiefs faced the Colts this season, Indy had eight receptions for 43 yards.
KC’s linebackers are a weakness, except for Nick Bolton. The Chiefs safeties are more likely to help out at cornerback against Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. That means Perine could easily have three or four catches for 20+ yards.
Schwartz: Joe Burrow Over 17.5 yards rushing
The Chiefs always seem to allow rushing yards to mobile quarterbacks in big games.
They rush the passer with those wide defensive tackle techniques, and they’re not great against quarterbacks when they get close. This opens up a running lane directly in front of the QB that allows them to gain yards on third downs. No matter how much this happens, heads never seem to change.
When the Chiefs faced the Jaguars in last weekend’s divisional round, Trevor Lawrence rushed three times for 26 yards. When they played the Bengals in last year’s AFC Championship Game, Burrow rushed five times for 25 yards. In the previous meeting this season, Burrow rushed a season-high 11 times for 46 yards.
Burrow’s rushing total is just 17.5 yards rushing, and with an overpowered offensive line, I think Burrow will take off running more than he would normally like.
Give me your yards for Sunday.
FOX Sports Top Stories:
Download the FOX Super 6 app for a chance to win thousands of dollars on the biggest sporting events every week! Just choose your picks and you could win the grand prize. Download and play today!
Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites for information on games, news and more