By the close of play on Sunday, we will know which two teams will be facing off in New Orleans for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Over in the AFC, it’s up to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills to stop the threepeat-chasing Kansas City Chiefs from reaching a fifth Super Bowl in six years, while over in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders will meet for the third time this season.
The two Championship games will therefore be fought between teams who know plenty about their opponents - but who will be able to capitalise the most on weaknesses as they look to book their place in the big game?
DAZN News takes a look at each of the four sides’ biggest concerns going into Sunday night’s doubleheader.
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Kansas City Chiefs: Questions over their run defense
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Twelve months ago it was the Chiefs defense, rather than Patrick Mahomes and the offense, that led them to their second straight Super Bowl victory. Steve Spagnuolo’s scheming was rightly hailed and the re-signing of Chris Jones gave them a boost going into the 2024 season.
And while the unit has statistically performed well this year, opponents have found ways to get at them - specifically on the ground, where Buffalo excels.
James Cook and Josh Allen are good enough to keep any run defense occupied, with the Buffalo rushing attack overpowering Denver and Baltimore - two of the league’s best against the run - so far in the playoffs, meaning they will head to Arrowhead in a confident mood.
- Read next | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills: Keys to victory for both teams in the AFC Championship Game
Buffalo Bills: Closing out big games
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Make no mistake, the Bills have the talent to beat the Chiefs - just as they did in the Week 11 showdown - but the bigger question surrounds their mentality.
Three playoff exits at Arrowhead in four years have left scars for the Bills, with Allen 0-3 on the road in the playoffs and head coach Sean McDermott criticised for his habit of playing it too safe in the biggest games with conservative offensive playcalling.
Yes, the Chiefs have that feeling of inevitability at home in the playoffs, but the Bills must be bold in their playcalling and shut out the exterior noise.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurt’s left knee
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Jalen Hurts went down awkwardly when he was sacked in the third quarter of Sunday’s win over the LA Rams and although he was able to remain in the game, his mobility was clearly hampered.
Hurts was also concussed in the Week 16 loss to Washington and comes into this weekend’s NFC decider with questions over his health and durability. While the Eagles have the luxury of being able to call on Saquon Barkley, they need Hurts to deliver in the passing game, as that is where the opportunities are likely to come, given the Commanders' defence will be preoccupied with trying to stop Barkley.
Washington Commanders: Covering for Sam Cosmi
A lack of experience will be a concern for Commanders fans following their whirlwind turnaround from 4-13 NFC East basement dwellers a year ago into Super Bowl hopefuls, but more pressing is the absence of guard Sam Cosmi, who will not play again this season after suffering a torn ACL during the win over the Lions last weekend.
Cosmi was an extremely effective interior pass blocker and his absence will be music to Eagles lineman Jalen Carter’s ears as he will see this as a green light to get in Jayden Daniels face and disrupt the rookie quarterback.
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