NFL Preview: This Weekend's Conference Championship Games

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Defending Super Bowl LI Winner the New England Patriots

The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking on the New England Patriots for the AFC Championship Game. After surging back to beat the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI, the Patriots once again proved their superstar status. Quarterback and arguable G.O.A.T. Tom Brady leads a developed team well-rehearsed in the art of winning and winning often. The Patriots' success is almost mocked in the NFL due to its consistency and enormity throughout the past decades. Aside from Brady, notable franchise players such as Rob Gronkowski  and Danny Amendola help hold up a strong offensive line. The Patriots have won four Super Bowls since the new millennium including Super Bowl XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, and LI. The passionate New England fan base and talented roster make for a deadly Super Bowl contender team year after year. 

The Jaguars, on the other hand, bring a different story to the AFC Championship game. The Jaguars, 10-4 for the season, are headed into this game with a little different of a mentality than the well-established Patriots. The team has won neither a conference championship or Super Bowl throughout its history. In fact, it's almost become a running joke about their lack of titles to match up with any skill on the field. This season showed a voracious, exciting Jaguars squad. After beating the Steelers in thrilling fashion to get to the AFC Championship, this might be a different ending for the Jags. The Jaguars' defense is what is truly carrying this team. Their defense is second in yards allowed, points allowed, sacks, and passing yards allowed. Therefore, the Jags are hungry to show that the Patriots' legacy is not enough to swipe away their chances at a Super Bowl spot. ​

​Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Minnesota Vikings are set to play the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC Championship Game. Both teams are comeback stories in a one way or another. The Eagles have not participated in a conference championship game since winning the NFC Championship in 2004. With many NFC East titles under their belt, the team has still not managed to find themselves back in Super Bowl territory. As far as Super Bowl wins, the Eagles have not wrangled a Super Bowl win since 1960. In addition, the Eagles are fighting against the loss of their starting quarterback Carson Wentz, now replaced with Nick Foles. Foles has carried the team during their time of need, and fans can only hope he can maintain control during these important games. The Eagles are also fortunate to play the NFC Championship game at home, so home advantage is on their side. Lastly, the Eagles have held an excellent defensive season that make them a prime candidate for this battle.

​However, the Vikings have also held a tight, successful defensive line during this season. Quarterback Case Keenum has led the offense to a surprising and thrilling season of success. The Vikings are playing in the NFC Championship for the first time since 2009 and are entering the vital games with an 11-1 record during the last twelve games of the season. The team has not won a championship since before the AFL-NFL merger in 1969, similar to the Eagles. Their last conference championship was also years prior in 1976. Therefore, the team is hungry for a major success mark this season. The Vikings pulled off a tremendous win over the Saints to make it to the NFC Championship game. Winning 29-24 in a last-minute finish, the Vikings proved that they are not a team to sleep on.

Written by Jenna