Pro Picks: who will advance to conference championship games

Eight teams remain as four games will determine the NFL’s Final Four, each offering intriguing storylines.

Josh Allen and the Bills have an opportunity for their first playoff victory against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, marking their third encounter in the postseason.

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers are on the road, seeking respect from C.J. Gardner-Johnson and the Detroit Lions.

Lamar Jackson and the top-seeded Ravens are looking to reshape their playoff narrative as they host C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.

The No. 1 seed 49ers and the Green Bay Packers revive their playoff rivalry, featuring two new quarterbacks leading the way this time.

In the matchup between Houston and Baltimore, Stroud made a spectacular playoff debut for the Texans in a 45-14 victory over Cleveland. Under the guidance of first-year coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans, now considered huge underdogs, hope to defy expectations. Jackson, with an All-Pro season, led Baltimore to 10 wins against teams with winning records, including a convincing 25-9 triumph over Houston in Week 1.

Facing a record 10th playoff meeting, the 49ers and the Packers clash, with San Francisco holding a four-game winning streak. Brock Purdy takes the helm for the 49ers, and Jordan Love leads the Packers, succeeding Aaron Rodgers. Love showcased a sensational playoff debut in a 48-32 rout over Dallas, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

In the Tampa Bay-Detroit game, the Lions, led by Jared Goff, aim to build on their recent success against the Rams. Tampa Bay’s defense, which stifled Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia, faces a tougher challenge against the Lions, who secured a convincing 20-6 road win over the Buccaneers in Week 6.

As for the clash between Kansas City and Buffalo, the Bills have a home advantage in January against Mahomes and the Chiefs. Mahomes, with his first road playoff game of his career, looks to continue his success against the Bills, having secured two consecutive home victories in the past postseasons.