Even when his team has been eliminated, Tom Brady still finds a way to be the main event. With the confusion surrounding Brady’s alleged retirement dominating social media, it’s easy to forget that there’s two pretty huge football games happening tomorrow.
The Chiefs, Bengals, Rams, and 49ers represent the 2021-22 season’s final four. Soon we’ll have a Super Bowl matchup finalized. Each of these teams has plenty to prove, and every possible matchup is intriguing in one way or another. Before we start breaking down the matchup-to-be, let’s take a look at what will be important this weekend.
Bengals at Chiefs
1. Will Cincy’s O-Line stay strong enough?
At this point, most people know where the Bengals’ biggest weakness lies. It’s no surprise that the offensive line is once again being highlighted as a key to the game. After allowing Joe Burrow to be sacked a whopping 9 times last week, this unit was the subject of a lot of criticism. Burrow made enough plays, and the defense shut down Tennessee to allow them to move on. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense likely won’t be slowed in the same way. If Chris Jones, Melvin Ingram and Frank Clark dominate like the Titans’ front did, the Chiefs have the ability to overwhelm the Bengals.
2. How healthy is Tyrann Mathieu?
If the Chiefs’ defensive front can’t get home, Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase might be able to replicate what they did to KC just a few weeks ago. Mathieu left the Bills game with a concussion, and while he should play this week, he needs to be 100% for the Chiefs’ secondary to fire on all cylinders. After his exit, Kansas City’s defensive backfield fell apart, getting beat on a lot of breakdowns. Mathieu will be key to limiting the explosiveness that Cincinnati offers, and if he can’t, the Bengals could put up some points.
49ers at Rams
3. Is the 3rd time the charm for the Rams?
We all know the old saying in sports. It’s very hard to beat a team twice in a year, let alone 3 times. That’s the task the Niners face tomorrow night. The last time these two met, the Rams blew a large first half lead, and it sealed the playoff birth for San Francisco. On paper, Los Angeles looks like the more talented team, but the 49ers match up very well with them as evidenced by the previous results. Game-planning and preparation from coaches Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan may be the difference in the 3rd go-around.
4. Can Jimmy G manage on?
There’s been quite a bit of talk about the play of the 49ers QB. Many argue that he’s riding the talent around him to wins, while others point to the record and acknowledge success as success. Whatever side you’re on, Garoppolo is 1 win away from 2 Super Bowls in 3 years. That’s a fact. Playing an efficient, turnover-free game against an aggressive Rams’ D will be key. With Aaron Donald looming, the Niners will likely look to get the ball out of Jimmy’s hands quickly. Finding playmakers in space has been a theme for this group this year, and it should be at the core of what they do tomorrow.