Tag: NFC Championship Game

Bill Vinovich’s family reflects on NFCCG no-call: ‘Those people in New Orleans are nuts’

Bill Vinovich is infamous for the 2018 NFC Championship Game no-call against the New Orleans Saints, and now he gets to work Super Bowl 54.

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Bill Vinovich is not well-liked by New Orleans Saints fans. He was the referee in charge of the 2018 NFC Championship Game between the Saints and the Los Angeles Rams, and was at fault for the infamous defensive pass interference no-call that helped cost the Saints a trip to Super Bowl LIII; the Rams advanced instead, and were beaten so badly they failed to reach the postseason at all the following season.

Vinovich is a third-generation referee who has worked NFL games for 15 years, while also officiating Division I college basketball games. While he’s barred from speaking to the media as an active official, his father discussed the measures taken to protect Vinovich and his crew after they botched the game of the year.

“It was a scary situation,” Billy Vinovich told USA Today’s Josh Peter, “They had them sneak him out of the hotel and put him in another hotel and change their flights and get them out of town by 6 in the morning. The cops stayed with them all night. Those people in New Orleans are nuts.”

Obviously it’s a shame that Vinovich and the other officials should have ever had to fear for their safety, but at the same time it’s important that actions (or conscious non-actions) deserve consequences. And so far, Vinovich hasn’t faced any. He’ll be officiating his third Super Bowl in five years when the Kansas City Chiefs kick off against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. The most he’s had to do in publicly addressing failure in the workplace was calling it “A tough situation,” during his induction speech at the Midland Sports Hall of Fame in July 2019.

That frustration — of Vinovich getting off scot-free from what could be a fireable offense in other industries, along with his superivisors at the NFL offices in New York — is something Saints fans aren’t able to do anything more to alleviate. They’ve thrown public parade protests and made blindfolded referee costumes a popular sight at gamedays and Jazz Fest, but Vinovich’s presence in Miami wearing a white cap sends one tone-deaf message: Get over it. And that’s going to resonate with Saints fans about as badly as you’d expect.

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NFC Championship Game is the ultimate ‘what if’ for Seahawks

Would the Seattle Seahawks be representing the NFC in the Super Bowl if they had a third matchup against the San Francisco 49ers?

Despite having a solid season and making it further than many expected, the Seattle Seahawks’ season obviously ended too early – in the divisional round to the Green Bay Packers. While the Seahawks and their loyal fans are certainly disappointed they weren’t playing during championship weekend, Sunday’s action rubbed a little more salt in the wounds.

Not only are the Seahawks watching the rest of the playoffs from home, but they also were forced to witness their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, advance to Super Bowl LIV in Miami. It is now the second straight year an NFC West rival has reached the Super Bowl.

What perhaps stings the most is the fact the NFC Championship Game played between the 49ers and Packers is an ultimate example of “what if?” for the Seahawks.

In both games against San Francisco, the Seahawks gave the Niners all they could handle. Seattle delivered San Francisco’s first loss of the season in a wild 27-24 overtime win on “Monday Night Football.” Then the Seahawks came literally centimeters away from sweeping the Niners during an equally entertaining 26-21 season finale loss at CenturyLink Field.

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers didn’t even come close to standing a chance against the buzzsaw known as the 49ers. The Pack was blanked 27-0 at halftime, and never even came closer than being down 14 points in a 37-20 embarrassment.

Although the Niners very well may have still won the NFC in a third matchup versus the Seahawks, it’s rather hard to argue Seattle wouldn’t have put up a better fight to dethrone San Francisco.

Unfortunately, it’s all up to speculation at this point for the Seahawks, who will likely spend the rest of the offseason wondering what might have been if they could have stopped the Packers on any of the third and longs they allowed Green Bay to convert to ice their 28-23 win.

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Rob Lowe’s hat provides internet fodder during a boring NFC championship game

Actor Rob Lowe doesn’t seem to age—and he doesn’t seem to root for any specific NFL team.

Actor Rob Lowe doesn’t seem to age—and he doesn’t seem to root for any specific NFL team.

The longtime Hollywood man has added intrigue to an otherwise boring NFC Championship game when he was snapped wearing a generic “NFL” hat.

Almost simultaneously, the internet noticed Lowe’s wardrobe choice, pointing out that his hat just says, N-F-L.

Known for such roles as “He’s the one who played saxophone” and “Tommy Callahan’s nemesis,” Lowe has taken a very diplomatic road here, keeping his simple joy of American football at the forefront while squashing any reason for either the 49ers or Packers fan base to act out in a rage of betrayal.

Internet Cosmos Update: Even Lowe is surprised by the amount of shine his hat choice has received.

Speaking of the internet and rage and betrayal, Boyz II Men caused a stir during this game, too, singing the national anthem…wearing San Francisco stuff. What? How? Why?! Many Philadelphia-based residents (and beyond) have pointed out that the Men are, in fact, from Philly. So, why would they do this—to the fan base, to the city, to earth?!

Obviously, they’re entertainers, so you can’t fault them for taking the gig—one that they absolutely nailed, by the way. But perhaps they should have been more discreet about what they wore to the game? (See: Rob Lowe.)

In both cases, though, you have to tip your hat to the pop culture juggernauts for providing some entertainment (distractions) while the 49ers continue dismantling Green Bay.

The only thing we can do now is wait for the Richard Sherman-Erin Andrews interview.

USA TODAY Sports Network’s conference championship game previews, predictions

The USA TODAY Sports Network previews Sunday’s matchups — Titans at Chiefs and Packers at 49ers — with a trip to Super Bowl LIV at stake.

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Looking for a one-stop primer for NFL Championship Sunday — complete with point spread, television and satellite radio broadcast information and informed predictions?

Look no further. Touchdown Wire has you covered.

The AFC Championship Game promises to provide new blood in Super Bowl LIV, which is slated for Sunday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox. The Titans made their only Super Bowl appearance 20 years ago, while the Chiefs last appeared in the big game 50 years ago.

The NFC Championship Game offers a matchup of two teams familiar with Super Bowl appearances and postseason success. The Green Bay Packers will have to be at their best to topple a San Francisco 49ers team that beat them 37-8 in Week 12. Conversely, the 49ers probably want to get out to a big lead and apply pressure to Aaron Rodgers.

Let’s explore the matchups. Without further ado, here are your NFL conference championship game previews for Sunday, Jan. 19:

 

AFC Championship Game: Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs Tennessee Titans
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS

Records: Titans 9-7, 2-0; Chiefs 12-4, 1-0

Line: Chiefs by 7½

Satellite radio: Titans feed on Sirius 82 (streaming 830), Chiefs feed on Sirius 83 (streaming 815)

Titans’ keys: Tennessee must try and jump out to a big lead early. Kansas City erased a 24-point deficit in a quarter of play in their divisional round win over the Texans. But the Titans have an ace in the hole when leading: RB Derrick Henry, who is 6-3 and 247 pounds. In Week 10, Henry thrashed the Chiefs on the ground for 188 yards and two TDs on 22 attempts.

Chiefs’ keys: Don’t fall for the play-action passing game. The Titans are going to get their yards on the ground, but what Kansas City can’t afford to do is give up big passing plays that are set up by the run. In Week 10 (a 35-32 Titans win over the Chiefs), QB Ryan Tannehill connected on a play-action pass of 52 yards that set up Tennessee’s first score (also a play-action pass). Chiefs CBs Charvarius Ward and Bashaud Breeland will have to stay disciplined, especially without the help of now-injured S Juan Thornhill on the back end.

Matchup to watch: Titans DE Jeffery Simmons vs. Chiefs LG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Simmons seems to be the defensive difference-maker for Tennessee despite only netting two combined tackles against the Chiefs in Week 10. Duvernay-Tardif has been the clear weak link in Kansas City’s offensive interior. This looks to be the key battle in the trenches to watch in both the running game and the passing game.

Who wins? The Chiefs want to reach their first Super Bowl in 50 years, taking out another team that beat them during the season. Chiefs 37, Titans 24

— Charles Goldman

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NFL playoffs: 7 bold predictions for the NFC Championship Game

The Packers and the Niners meet for the NFC berth in the Super Bowl. Sold bold predictions for the big tussle.

The San Francisco 49ers play host to the Green Bay Packers Sunday at Levi’s Stadium with the NFC Super Bowl berth on the line. The game is a rematch of a regular-season rout that saw San Francisco roll to a 37-8 victory. Expect another lopisded contest or will Aaron Rodgers & Co. have more answers? Some bold predictions

Rodgers will throw for more than 104 yards

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Don’t expect the Niners to shut down Aaron Rodgers the way they did in the first meeting. The Packers were totally out of sorts and off their game for the entire contest. Rodgers won’t let that happen again.

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49ers-Packers odds and lines: San Francisco heavy favorite over Green Bay for NFC Championship

In a battle for the NFC Championship and a trip to the Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers are heavy favorites over Green Bay Packers.

The San Francisco 49ers (14-3, including playoffs) host the Green Bay Packers (14-3) for the NFC Championship crown Sunday at 6:40 p.m. ET. This matchup pits the NFC’s No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively, against each other with the winner representing the NFC in Super Bowl LIV.

Packers-49ers odds and lines

If you’re new to sports betting, San Francisco (-345) is a full chalk pick as the heavy favorite vs. Green Bay. It would require a $345 wager to profit $100 with an outright win. Meanwhile, the Packers (+275) enter as the underdog, as a $100 wager on them profits $275 with an upset.

Get some action on this NFL matchup or others and place a bet at BetMGM!

Green Bay is spotted a ridiculously large 7.5 points as the underdog, which means they need to lose by no more than 7 points or outright win in order for a bet against the spread (ATS) to hit for them. BetMGM has a -115 cost on the Packers ATS, while San Francisco carries tax of -106. As the favorite, the 49ers would have to win by at least 8 points in order to cash in on an ATS wager. Look for this line to shrink considerably later in the week; it’s simply too large for two of the best teams facing off.

BetMGM oddsmakers have a conservative Over/Under view, with it set at 44.5 points, with -115 tax on the Over and -106 on the Under. Look for this line to increase later in the week, too, as bettors start to move the line.

Want action on Super Bowl LIV? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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49ers will host Packers in NFC championship game

The Packers knocked off the Seahawks, which means the 49ers will host Green Bay on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.

The Green Bay Packers on Sunday night knocked off the Seattle Seahawks 28-23 to punch their ticket to the NFC championship game. The 49ers will host them at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday for a chance to play in Super Bowl LIV in Miami.

The 49ers and Packers will meet for the second time this season. San Francisco won their first meeting 37-8 in Week 12 on Sunday Night Football.

That game was an overwhelming performance by the 49ers’ defense where they allowed 198 total yards, and just 81 net passing yards thanks to five sacks of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

San Francisco is 3-4 all-time against Green Bay in the playoffs, although they’ve won the last two, and two of the last three. Their consecutive wins came in the divisional round in the 2013 playoffs, and the wild card round the following year. The 49ers have a 2-2 home record against the Packers in the postseason.

Their only meeting in the NFC championship came in the 1998 playoffs when Green Bay downed the 49ers 23-10 at Candlestick Park.

The 49ers and Packers kick off at 3:40 pm PST.

With win on Sunday, Seahawks will face 49ers in NFC Championship

The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers will reunite in the NFC Championship game if Seattle can get by the Packers on Sunday.

The script has been written for another epic battle between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

With San Francisco’s 27-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, the Seahawks will face their NFC West rival for the third time this season – if they defeat the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday afternoon.

The Seahawks met the 49ers in the NFC championship back in 2014, a game that became an instant classic after Richard Sherman tipped a pass intended for Michael Crabtree, which was intercepted by Malcolm Smith and sent Seattle to the Super Bowl, which they eventually won over the Broncos.

Sherman famously went from Seattle to San Francisco, helping to reignite the rivalry, and the battles between the two franchises were among the best regular season games across the entire league in 2019.

Seattle earned a win in Week 10, 27-24, after a handful of drives in overtime stalled before Jason Myers knocked home a game-winning 42-yard field goal as time expired.

San Francisco got them back in Week 17, 26-21, when Seattle’s final drive ended within the one-yard line.

The Seahawks still need to get by a very tough Packers team at Lambeau Field on Sunday, which is no easy task, but the stage is set for another classic battle between the top two teams on the west coast, with a Super Bowl appearance on the line.

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NFC playoff picture: Where the Eagles stand after Cowboys loss on Sunday night

NFC Playoff picture and where the Eagles stand after Cowboys loss

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The Philadelphia Eagles have finished up a much-needed bye week as the team sits at 5-4, with the New England Patriots visiting the Linc this week.

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Things seemed cloudy on Sunday with the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers all playing so well. It was assumed that the NFC East might only get one team into the playoffs with Philadelphia or Dallas representing the division in the postseason.

After Sunday’s wild and crazy action, culminating with the Cowboys’ huge loss at home to the Vikings, the NFC is now wide open.

Here are your current NFC standings:

National Football Conference

San Francisco 49ers 8-0
Green Bay Packers 8-2
New Orleans Saints 8-2
Seattle Seahawks 7-2
Minnesota Vikings 7-3
Dallas Cowboys 5-4
LA Rams 5-4
Philadelphia Eagles 5-4
Carolina Panthers 5-4
Chicago Bears 4-5
Detroit Lions 3-5-1

Even with the Eagles Week 10 bye,  six of the eight teams currently ahead of them in the playoff picture all did battle with one another on Sunday, with the Panthers losing to the Packers, the Cowboys losing to the Vikings at home, and the 49ers hosting the Seahawks on Monday Night Football.

The Eagles will host the Patriots this week and Seahawks and the Seahawks next Sunday, before playing four of their remaining five games against teams that are a combined 4-22. After the two home matchups, the Eagles will travel to Miami to face the Dolphins, then they’ll host the Giants, travel to Washington, host Dallas and then finish the regular season on the road at MetLife Stadium against the Giants.

After the crushing loss to the Vikings, Dallas will face the Lions, Patriots, Bills, Eagles, and Rams over the next five weeks in a scenario that will make the Week 16 showdown in Philadelphia for the NFC East title.