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Dub’s Picks For Championship Weekend In The NFL

It’s Championship Weekend in the NFL! After Sunday, we’ll know who will be playing in Super Bowl 58 coming up on February 11th in Las Vegas. Four teams are still…

Championship Weekend in the NFL - Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: The Detroit Lions defense celebrates after Tracy Walker III #21 of the Detroit Lions made an interception against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

It's Championship Weekend in the NFL! After Sunday, we'll know who will be playing in Super Bowl 58 coming up on February 11th in Las Vegas. Four teams are still in it. The Baltimore Ravens, The Kansas City Chiefs, The Detroit Lions and The San Francisco 49ers. I think these games have the potential to be some of the best games of the year.

Last weekend I went 3-1 with my picks. The only game I missed was the Chiefs/Bills game. I was hoping Buffalo would finally be able to beat Kansas City in the post season. My record for the 2023-2024 season sits at 71 correct picks and 35 incorrect picks. Last weekend, I was was hoping to have a perfect record, but no such luck. There hasn't been a week this season where I've been perfect. I've come close, but not quite.

Let's get to my picks for Championship Weekend in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs Vs. The Baltimore Ravens

This game is set for Sunday afternoon at 3pm on CBS and The Ravens are favored by 4. I think this very well could be one of the games of the year. At least it has the potential to be. Patrick Mahomes vs. Lamar Jackson is going to be epic! I think this will be a back and forth game, I don't think it will be a blow out by any means. However, I think The Ravens pull it out at home. Gimme Baltimore by less than 3.

AFC Divisional Playoffs - Houston Texans v Baltimore RavensRob Carr/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 20: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Dub's Official Pick- The Baltimore Ravens

The San Francisco 49ers Vs. The Detroit Lions

This game is set for Sunday night at 6:30 on FOX and San Francisco is favored by 7. I think this will be another back and forth game, like the Ravens/ Chiefs game, I don't think this will be a blowout. San Francisco hasn't looked like the powerhouse they were at the beginning of the season. Also I think Detroit is looking to shock the world. I think it will be close, but I'm taking The Lions by a field goal.

NFC Divisional Playoffs - Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Detroit LionsNic Antaya/Getty Images

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 21: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Dub's Official Pick- The Detroit Lions

If you want to get more info on the games this weekend, just click here.

To go back and see my previous picks, click here.

If you're having people over to watch the games this weekend, you're going to need snacks. Check these out.

Score Big With These 5 Tasty Game Day Appetizers

What an exciting time for football. And with the Super Bowl around the corner, you might as well make sure you have your appetizers and snacks in order. Whether you're excited about the game, the insane commercials, or the halftime show, it's certain that most people will be chowing down on apps.

Last year, a study found that appetizers make up most people’s diets on gameday. Interestingly, 70% of people skip the entrée and stick to appetizers on Super Bowl Sunday. This study also found that 41% say they tend to overeat.

Another study found that more than half of people look forward to game day parties because of the food. Also, highlighted is that 74% of people plan to make food at home. Meanwhile, 26% plan to order from restaurants. Either way, there will be food.

Game Day Crowd-Pleasers

Taste of Home compiled a list of what they consider to be the best of the best when it comes to apps. Their top five include an antipasto platter with meat and cheese cubes, pepper jelly hogs in a blanket, beef Wellington fried wontons, fruit charcuterie board, and ham and Swiss sliders.

There’s something for everyone from last-minute party throwers to ambitious hosts. If you're looking for something quick chips and dip is a go. If you're looking for something with a bit of pizazz, maybe try a quesadilla ring.

This year's Super Bowl will be held on Sunday, Feb. 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST. Whether you're tuning in for the game, watching for the commercials, or just want to see Usher's halftime show, make sure you have your snacks ready to go.

There are many game day apps you can add to the menu, from wings, dips, and sliders, to desserts, and breads. Check out these appetizers that will make watching the game even more fun.

Chicken Wings

Whether you're going store-bought or homemade, chicken wings are a definite crowd pleaser. They're easily customizable from a simple dry rub to a tossed-in sauce moment. And if you are trying to keep things somewhat on the healthier side, you can always bake your wings instead of frying them.

A variety of flavors of jumbo chicken Wings and ranch

KoriKobayashi/ Getty Images

Nachos

Nachos are a game-day favorite for many. You can go all out with toppings or keep it simple if you need to make something quick. The main ingredients include tortilla chips, cheese, and toppings. These toppings can be meat, tomatoes, black olives, black beans, corn, onions, among others.

Homemade Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos with Cilantro Lime Tomato and Onion

bhofack2/ Getty Images

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip features chicken mixed with your favorite buffalo sauce and cream cheese. If don't feel like cooking the chicken, you can always grab a rotisserie chicken. It can be paired with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.

Buffalo chicken dip served with chips and fresh vegetables

VeselovaElena/ Getty Images

Loaded Potato Skins

These are a budget-friendly option that can be made with ingredients that you probably already have on hand. It's a more effortless appetizer made with the crispy skins of a baked potato filled with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives. To make it more of an appetizer, you can opt for smaller potatoes.

Delicious homemade potato skins with melted cheese, bacon, green onions and sour cream."n

Fudio/ Getty Images

Man 'n' Cheese Bites

This appetizer is like a miniature bite of comfort food. They're creamy balls of mac and cheese that are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. And they are made with a few ingredients including pasta, cheese, milk, flour, eggs, panko, and seasonings.

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites with Dipping Sauce

bhofack2/ Getty Images

DubEditor
Bryan “Dub” Axelson is the host of the Kicks Wake Up Krew on KICKS 99 and has been with Beasley Media Group in Augusta for over 20 years. He got his start in radio by being a regular caller on the Kicks 99 morning show. He was soon hired and has worked in various roles in Augusta, including Promotions Director. He was raised in Georgia, and currently lives in Grovetown with his wife Kelsey, their daughter Maddie, and their 3 dogs. Dub enjoys watching sports, playing golf, spending time with his family, and discovering new music.