The Biggest X-Factors for the Chiefs, Bills, Eagles, and Commanders

What overlooked aspects in Conference Championship games could determine which teams square off in Super Bowl LIX?

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in Landover, Md., on Dec. 22, 2024. Nick Wass/AP Photo

The National Football League’s version of the Final Four has arrived with the Conference Championship games on Sunday. The AFC’s top two seeds will square off, with the No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs playing host to the No. 2 Buffalo Bills, while the NFC’s No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles host the 7th-seed Washington Commanders. Every team that reaches this stage of the postseason is a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and this year, all four have something else in common: For the first time in NFL history, the four Conference Championship teams each have zero turnovers during their playoff runs ahead of their respective title games.

Thus, giveaways aren’t something that could be deemed a separator between any of the teams. However, each squad does have a key element that could determine whether its season ends on Sunday or extends to Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 9 in New Orleans. Here are the biggest X-factors that could determine the outcomes of the AFC and NFC Title Games.

Kansas City Chiefs

Much has been made about Kansas City, and specifically Patrick Mahomes, benefitting from penalties in regard to the protection of the star quarterback. Whether or not those flags have been justified, what can’t be ignored is Kansas City’s discipline when it comes to drawing the ire of referees. The Chiefs enter the AFC Championship Game with 11 straight playoff outings with fewer penalties than their opponents, which is the longest streak by any team in the last 30 years.