NFL playoffs: This one is for the champions

The GIST: Four teams, two Super Bowl spots, one epic Sunday doubleheader to decide it all. Get excited, it’s Conference Championship weekend.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs — 3 p.m. ET: A matchup of two elite offenses, this battle for the AFC title features two of the league’s top young quarterbacks (QBs) in Cincinnati fashionista Joe Burrow and Kansas City’s Patrick “ice in his veins” Mahomes.

• The Bengals are on an improbable playoff run,making their first AFC Championship appearance since 1989, while KC will compete for their third straight conference ’ship.

• And while Kansas City enters as the early favorites, the Bengals did win their regular season matchup, thanks to rookie kicker Evan McPherson, who hasn’t missed a field goal attempt this postseason. They don’t call him Money Mac for nothing.

San Francisco 49ers vs. LA Rams — 6:30 p.m. ET: California gurls teams, they’re undeniable. In last week’s Divisional Round, the Rams survived a classic Tom Brady comeback attempt to advance to the NFC Championship, while the Niners capitalized on a number of mistakes by the Green Bay Packers.

• LA will have home-field advantage on Sunday (and if they win, also in February 13th’s Super Bowl), but San Francisco holds all the momentum —they haven’t lost to the Rams since 2018, including two wins this season.

• Will the third time be the charm for LA or can the Niners keep their playoff magic alive? Can’t wait to find out.