Too Close for Comfort?

Kicker Connor Barth (right) attempts a field goal during an NFL game in 2015, while Jake Schum (left) serves as the holder (Source:U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ned T. Johnston - https://www.macdill.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2001488582/)

For the first time since 1998, the NFL is seeing both spreads for the Conference Championships within a field goal. At the time of publishing, the Philadelphia Eagles are currently -2.5 over the San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are favored by just 1 point against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The last time this occurred was during the 1997 NFL season when the Green Bay Packers were -2.5 to the 49ers. On the AFC side of things, the Denver Broncos were -2.5 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both favorites won and covered the spread this year.

In true gambling fashion, since 1997 teams given -3 or smaller spreads in the Conference Championship have gone 7-7, with the home favorites having a slight 4-3 edge.

Surprisingly, this year will only be the third time in NFL history that we will see both of the Conference Championship games within 2.5 on both spreads. The only other time dates back to 1982. In that year, Miami (-1) took on NYJ, and Dallas -2 traveled to Washington. In this instance, the favorites went 1-1, but both home teams came out victorious.

While trends are fun, it truly is any given Sunday in this league. There is only one thing that is certain this week and that is we spectators should be in store for some great games this weekend!