It is hard to believe there are just three more football games remaining in the 2018 NFL season. Whatever happens after the championship games conclude Sunday, it will be hard to be disappointed on the Super Bowl matchup, as the four remaining teams are either the best or second best in their conference. Without further ado, here are my two difficult picks broken-down with rationale, as football fans expect two thrillers this weekend.

Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints

Sunday, Jan. 20, 2:05 PM, FOX

The Saints narrowly avoided an excruciating loss last Sunday at home in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. They looked to have shaken off the post bye week rust early in the second quarter, in part to the spectacular effort from cornerback Marshon Lattimore to intercept what looked like another promising drive for Philadelphia to extend their lead. That was the momentum swing the team needed, as the team cut the deficit to 14-10 at the half. New Orleans did get some help in the fourth quarter with Alshon Jeffery dropping a pass that had the Eagles driving in the final two minutes of the game to regain the lead. However, the Saints did what they had to do and didn’t allow another point to the Eagles after the first quarter, proving why they are the the NFC’s best.

The Saints defeated the Rams 45-35 in Week 9, handing Los Angeles their first loss of the season. Brees will look to dominate the Rams once again, as he torched the Rams’ defense for over 345 yards in the air and four touchdowns the last time they faced. Los Angeles was able to control the tempo of the game with the ability of their defense, led by Aaron Donald, to shut down the Cowboys’ passing attack. This enabled the offense to not put the pressure of the stage on quarterback Jared Goff’s shoulders, and they ran the ball for almost 300 yards. However, with a much better offense, the Rams will need to milk every ounce out of Aaron Donald & Co. if they want a shot at a victory. Even with another big day from Donald, it is hard to believe the Rams’ defense will be able to keep up with the Saints’ offense in the longevity of the game. Drew Brees will be much sharper this week after a long layoff heading into last Sunday, and the Saints over the course of the game will wear down the Rams’ defensive front, thus utilizing their two headed monster of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Also, expect Michael Thomas to have another big day like he did the last time they played; Thomas had 12 receptions, 211 yards, and a touchdown in the Week 9 tilt versus Los Angeles.

Pick:  Rams 28, Saints 35

New England Patriots vs Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday, Jan. 20, 5:40 PM, CBS

New England continues to market their “underdog” narrative, but would anyone really be surprised if they won — again? Future first ballot Hall of Famer Tom Brady will be playing in his eighth straight AFC Championship this weekend, so it is safe to say they are not going to sneak up on anybody. Additionally, this is just Brady’s eighth road playoff appearance in his remarkable 18 year career, which includes five Super Bowl rings in eight appearances. To have 27 playoff wins and only eight on the road, nothing more is an attestation to Brady and the Patriots’ dominance in the AFC over his luxurious career to consistently earn home-field advantage. If there is any knock on Brady in the playoffs, he is just 3-4 all time on the road, which is still satisfactory considering the difficulty to win away from home, especially in the postseason. This will be uncharted ground for Brady heading to Arrowhead Stadium, as this is the first time Kansas City will host the AFC Championship game. Nonetheless, Brady always plays his best in the postseason, however, I still think the Chiefs have too much for the Patriots to handle. Arrowhead has not been too kind to Brady, too. In his three appearances, he is 1-2, but has only thrown three touchdowns and an unsightly six interceptions. Brady’s track record in the cold could prove a deciding factor in the outcome of the game, nonetheless, Pat Mahomes will add to his All-Pro season and make another MVP statement, this time proving he is the next league cornerstone at the quarterback position for years to come.

Pick: Patriots 24, Chiefs 31

Super Bowl Pick: Chiefs 31, Saints 35