NFL Conference Championships Preview

NFC Championship: Sunday at 3:05 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers: The Bucs have two big things going for them this weekend: history — the last time they made it to the conference championship in 2003, they won the Super Bowl — and six-time Super Bowl champ QB Tom Brady (who’s competing in his record 14th conference championship, BTW) at the helm.

• But they also have one major thing working against them: this year’s Super Bowl is being held in Tampa, and a home team has never competed in the Super Bowl. The Packers are banking on this — and their own Super Bowl-winning QB, Aaron Rodgers — to get them through.

AFC Championship: Sunday at 6:40 p.m. ET

Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Considering their last AFC Championship appearance was in 1994, the Bills think the Bucs’ 18-year drought is cute. But they’re focusing on bigger things right now: namely, which QB will their top-notch defense face on Sunday?

• KC QB and reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes left last Sunday’s game with a concussion, leaving back-up Chad Henne to take over. Mahomes practiced yesterday, but given the nature of the injury, we’re not betting on him playing just yet.

The GIST’s Conference Championship

GISTer vs. GISTer: Want in on the football action, too? We thought you’d say yes. That’s why we’ve partnered with FanDuel for a super-easy, GISTer-exclusive NFL fantasy contest. Here’s the deal:

• Step 1: Sign up for our fantasy league here before 3 p.m ET on Sunday.

• Step 2: You have $60,000 to set your eight-player, one-defense roster. Each player has a price (the higher the price, the better the player) so budget wisely!

• Step 3: That’s it. Sit back and enjoy the games.

What’s in it for you? Bragging rights and cash prizes. You pay $2 to play and $500 is up for grabs. The weekly winner takes home $100, and the top 20% of GISTers earn cash. Join our fantasy contest here.*