Detroit Lions’ the NFL season winding down and only three games left, there’s a mix of emotions around the league. The end of the season brings a sense of anticipation for the Super Bowl, but it also leaves fans feeling a bit of sadness as the action begins to slow. However, rather than dwelling on the end, it’s a good time to look forward to the upcoming championship games and the exciting developments unfolding, like the Chicago Bears’ recent hiring of Ben Johnson as their offensive coordinator. Johnson’s hiring is already stirring up discussions and predictions for the Bears’ future. There’s a lot to know about this move and how it could reshape the team in the coming seasons. Plus, as we inch closer to the AFC and NFC Championship games, let’s dive into some early picks for those pivotal matchups.
First, Ben Johnson’s addition to the Bears’ coaching staff signals a clear shift in philosophy for the team. Known for his work as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Johnson’s reputation for developing explosive and balanced offensive schemes made him one of the most sought-after assistants in the league. His ability to mold quarterback Jared Goff into a more dynamic playmaker and turn the Lions’ offense into one of the league’s most high-powered units has already been well documented. The Bears, who have struggled with offensive consistency in recent years, are hoping Johnson can bring the same magic to their organization, helping quarterback Justin Fields reach his full potential. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his rushing ability, but the Bears need a more refined offensive system to fully maximize his talents.
Johnson’s system is known for being quarterback-friendly, with an emphasis on creative play designs and a mix of run-pass options that allow quarterbacks to thrive in both structured and improvisational situations. This could be exactly what the Bears need to develop a more balanced attack. Johnson also brings a knack for leveraging the running game effectively, something that would complement Fields’ running ability and give the Bears the offensive identity they’ve been searching for. With a solid offensive line and some upgrades at the skill positions, Johnson could be the key to making the Bears a more potent offensive team in the coming seasons.
Another thing to keep in mind about Johnson’s hiring is his ability to develop young talent. In Detroit, he worked wonders with the development of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and it’s likely that he’ll bring a similar focus to Chicago’s receiving corps. The Bears’ current group of wideouts, while still developing, has shown promise. Johnson’s creative offense could help elevate their game, particularly if he can foster more chemistry between Fields and his pass-catchers. The development of the young talent around Fields will be essential for the Bears’ offensive transformation.
There’s also a larger coaching trend happening with this hire. The NFL has seen an increased emphasis on hiring young, innovative offensive minds to lead teams in an effort to stay ahead of the evolving game. Johnson is part of this wave of younger, more progressive coaches who are reshaping how offenses operate. The Bears, by hiring him, have positioned themselves within this modern coaching philosophy, and it will be interesting to see how other teams follow suit in the years to come.
As for the NFC and AFC Championship games, it’s time to shift our focus to those crucial matchups, which are sure to provide plenty of drama and excitement. With the playoffs nearing their final stretch, the best of the best are about to square off, and we’re left to make some early predictions on these all-important games.
In the NFC, we’re looking at a showdown between two teams that have been near the top of the conference all season. The Philadelphia Eagles have looked dominant, thanks to their balanced offense and ferocious defense, and the San Francisco 49ers have been one of the hottest teams in the league with a roster stacked with talent. With a high-flying offense led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and a defense that can shut down the best offenses in the league, the Eagles are certainly a tough out. But the 49ers, under head coach Kyle Shanahan, have been a juggernaut themselves. They have an offense that is hard to stop, with playmakers at every level, and their defense is just as suffocating.
Given the firepower on both sides, it’s going to come down to which team can control the game’s tempo and which defense steps up. If the Eagles’ defensive front can pressure rookie quarterback Brock Purdy and force him into mistakes, they’ll have a clear advantage. However, if the 49ers can execute their methodical offensive game plan and limit Hurts’ ability to improvise, they could emerge victorious. This matchup is too close to call at this point, but it’s safe to say that whoever can control the line of scrimmage will have the upper hand.
Over in the AFC, we have another incredible matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are always a dangerous team to bet against, but the Bengals have had their number in recent postseason matchups. Joe Burrow and the Bengals seem to have the Chiefs’ number, and with a talented receiving corps and a strong defense, they could pose another serious challenge to Kansas City. Mahomes, of course, is always a wild card, capable of pulling off game-changing plays at any moment, but the Bengals’ ability to limit his big-play opportunities and execute their own offense efficiently makes them a tough opponent.
The Chiefs have the advantage of playing at home, but the Bengals have proven they can win on the road in big games. As much as Mahomes is capable of leading his team to victory, Burrow’s poise and ability to perform under pressure make him an intriguing factor in this game. This contest will likely be a high-scoring affair, but the team that can capitalize on turnovers and win the battle of the trenches will likely emerge victorious.
As the NFL season nears its conclusion, with just a handful of games left, it’s clear that the stakes are higher than ever. The hiring of Ben Johnson marks an exciting new chapter for the Bears, one that could signal a return to relevance for the team in the near future. Meanwhile, the AFC and NFC Championship games are poised to deliver the kind of drama and excitement that the league is known for, and with these early predictions in mind, we can only wait to see how it all unfolds.