Cowherd picks AFC, NFC Championship Games in 'Blazin' 2' roundup

There are only three games to go NFL postseason as we reached the NFL Championship Sunday.

This doesn’t stop Colin Cowherd but to make their choices. Friday’s broadcast of “The Flock,” Cowherd shared his conference championship picks in his latest “Blazin’ 2” recap.

Here are the Cowherd picks, with odds via FOX Bet.

Cowherd makes his conference championship picks

Colin Cowherd shares his AFC and NFC championship picks ahead of Sunday’s games on “The Herd.”

No. 2 San Francisco 49ers at number 1 Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5) (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, FOX and the FOX Sports app)

Shepherd’s Pick, Score Prediction: Eagles -2.5, Eagles win 28-23

Pastor’s Thoughts: “Youngest quarterback matchup in conference championship game history: Jalen Hurts at 24 and Brock Purdy at 23. I’m going to take the Eagles at -2.5 and here’s why: They have the best offensive line, the number 1 in the league. Right tackle Lane Johnson and center Jason Kelce didn’t allow a sack all year. That tells me that despite Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead, Hurts will have a slightly more comfortable pocket.

“The Eagles defense is also No. 1 front and back. Jalen Hurts, I know what he gives me. In his last 20 starts, he is 18-2 and will complete 65 percent of his passes and his pass. Rating is around 100. Very consistent numbers in his last 20 starts. I know exactly what I’m getting. Good teams, bad teams, it doesn’t matter.

“The Niners worry me. The O-line could really struggle against the Eagles’ front. The Niners scored just one touchdown in their divisional-round game against the Cowboys. They’re also giving up points — nine trips to the red zone and just four touchdowns, they are settling for field goals too often.

“The Niners defense has also been vulnerable over the top. They have allowed 13 plays of 40+ this season, which is third most in the league if you include the playoffs. I think the most comfortable and experienced quarterback wins at home. a close game. I think they hit a few more deep balls and big plays. I think it’s a blast and a lot of fun to watch.”

San Francisco 49ers

Philadelphia Eagles

PHI

No. 3 Cincinnati Bengals (+1.5) at Kansas City Chiefs #1 (Sunday, 6:30 PM ET)

Shepherd’s Pick, Score Prediction: Bengals +1.5, Bengals win 26-24

Pastor’s Thoughts: “The Bengals are on a 10-game winning streak and Joe Burrow is on fire. They have 13 consecutive wins in December and January. The game’s biggest star on the perimeter? The Bengals have it. Ja’Marr Chase has nine touchdowns in his last nine games. In fact, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have eaten up the Chiefs. They have combined for over 200 yards per game in their last three games against Kansas City.

“The Chiefs defense is vulnerable on the back end. They allowed the most touchdown passes in the league this year. Remember when they had Charvarius Ward? Now he’s a Niner. That’s what happens when you pay your quarterback a fortune field

“Also, after suffering the ankle injury last week, Patrick Mahomes did not complete a pass or attempt a pass outside the pocket. Now, Mahomes from outside the pocket is the best quarterback in the league and perhaps for a stretch. He’s No. 1. in pass attempts, completions and passes for that matter. When you force him to stay in the pocket, he’s still good. He’s still very good. But he’s not spectacular.

“With Ja’Marr Chase’s big-play ability, the best backend … nobody has a better defense in the second half.”