It has been 7 years, 11 months, and 28 days since the Chicago Bears have played in a conference championship game. And yes, it has definitely felt like 2,919 days have passed since since January 23, 2011. Thanks for asking.
So while the Bears aren’t in the action on Championship Sunday, they are closer now than at any point since 2011. But until the Bears’ next opportunity comes, we’re left on the outside-looking-in. Here is how today’s games – whose winners will play in Super Bowl LIII – look prior to kickoff.
Sunday’s NFC Championship Game
Los Angeles Rams (13-3, 1st NFC West) at New Orleans Saints (13-3, 1st NFC South) – 2:05 p.m. CT, FOX (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews)
Site: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Referee and crew: Bill Vinovich (referee), Bruce Stritesky (umpire), Rusty Baynes (line judge), Tom Hill (field judge), Gary Cavaletto (side judge), Todd Prukop (back judge), Patrick Turner (down judge)
Odds: Saints (-3), Over/Under 55.5 via the Westgate Superbook.
Coaches
Saints Sean Payton (118-74) vs. Rams Sean McVay (24-8)
Starting Quarterbacks
Saints: Drew Brees: 3,992 yards, 32 TD, 5 Int, 74.4 completion pct., 115.7 rating
versus
Rams: Jared Goff: 4,688 yards, 32 TD, 12 Int, 64.9 completion pct., 101.1 rating
Sunday’s AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots (11-5, 1st AFC East) at Kansas City Chiefs (12-4, 1st AFC West) – 5:40 p.m. CT, CBS (Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson)
Site: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Referee and crew: Clete Blakeman (referee), Bryan Neale (umpire), Kent Payne (line judge), Terry Brown (field judge), Brad Freeman (side judge), Greg Meyer (back judge), Dana McKenzie (down judge)
Odds: Chiefs (-3), Over/Under 56.5 via the Westgate Superbook.
Coaches
Chiefs Andy Reid (195-124-1 overall, 65-31 with Chiefs) vs. Patriots Bill Belichick (261-123)
Starting Quarterbacks
Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes: 5,097 yards, 50 TD, 12 Int, 66.0 completion pct., 113.8 rating
versus
Patriots: Tom Brady: 4,355 yards, 29 TD, 11 Int, 65.5 completion pct., 97.7 rating