5 Takeaways from the NFL Conference Championship Games

Well, last Sunday's (Jan. 28) NFL Conference Championship games were a pair for the books. Now, two NFL teams are going to the Super Bowl: the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. And, now, two teams are going home heartbroken and confused: the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens. As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, I'm in the latter bunch. Here are five takeaways from the NFL Conference Championship games.

1. Don't ever count Patrick Mahomes out. This was a rocky season for the Kansas City Chiefs. Many counted them out of Super Bowl contention when they saw how much Mahomes was struggling with this year's offensive line. But, don't ever count Mahomes out. He figures out a way to get that win, and he does it. Now, it's onto the Big Game.

2. Lamar Jackson isn't finished. It really seemed like this year was the year for Lamar Jackson to win the Super Bowl. But, the MVP-worthy player couldn't get it done. That said, if there's one team to fight back to this point next year, it's the Ravens. Jackson is a gem.

3. Taylor Swift is here to stay. Swift ran up to Travis Kelce on the field after the Kansas City Chiefs' win on Sunday, and the images are splashed everywhere today. So, like it or not, Swift is here to stay. Will she be at the Super Bowl? It will be difficult with her upcoming show dates. But, I would guess she'll do what she can to be there.

4. Don't gamble in the playoffs. Sorry, but Dan Campbell cost the Detroit Lions their game when he didn't go for field goals in the third and fourth quarters of the Lions vs. 49ers game. That game was a lock, but his gambling blew it. I love the Lions, but someone needs to contain "Dan the Man."

5. Next year's NFL Championship games could look very different. With so many teams hiring and firing coaches at the end of this season, and with lots of player turnover on the way, all four of the teams that played last weekend will look very different next year. So, don't expect all of these teams to be back. Hence, it could be a very different NFC and AFC championship game picture next season. What do you think? Reach out to me with your thoughts here.

We can talk about the best quarterbacks or coaches or running backs in the NFL until we're blue in the face. But, what makes the game really exciting to watch are the personalities behind those players and staffers. Of course, having a fun personality isn't all there is in the NFL. We love watching these guys go at it on the field and witnessing their athleticism. We also love seeing expert coaches leading their teams to victories. But, having a really cool, larger-than-life personality certainly helps. So, what players have the best personalities in the NFL right now?

Before we get to our current list, let's look at some of the most best personalities in the NFL of all time. Bleacherreport.com has a listicle out of the players with the most colorful personalities of all time. Topping that list is Terrell Owens. "Love him or hate him, T.O. has the most colorful personality," they state in the article. "Over his career, he's shown all the qualities: arrogance/confidence, drama (all of 2005 in Philadelphia), excitement, unpredictably, crying (that Tony Romo press conference) and humor." That's a good call. Coming in at No. 2 is the legendary Joe Namath. "Who else could get away with wearing sunglasses on the sideline?" they exclaim. "With the long hair, the occasional Fu Manchu and the playboy attitude, he was the most compelling figure in sports during the late 1960s and early 1970s."

So, what about right now? I looked at the current season and picked a range of roles, from quarterback to coach to tight end. These guys have stood out this season for either their larger-than-life personalities or situations. Also, we discuss the current NFL in the latest episode of my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," which you can listen to below. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Patrick Mahomes, of course, is the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. He's considered the best quarterback of his era and possibly the next Tom Brady. But, aside from his skills, he also has a big personality. He has more than 6 million Instagram followers, and he posts a bunch of stuff up there, from football material to family photos.

Travis Kelce, the celebrated tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is pretty much the most famous guy in football this season. Yes, it's because of his relationship with Taylor Swift. I hate to make that a reason to have him named one of the best personalities in the NFL, but heck, even without the Taylor factor, Kelce has a huge personality that people love.

All eyes are on Dan Campbell this season, as the Lions all pulling off some incredible things. That's not common for the Detroit Lions, either. But, Campbell has some of the wackiest ideas and quotes, and that makes him loveable. Remember that time he wanted a pet Lion at practices? I love this dude.

Bill Belichick needs no introduction, but we'll introduce him anyway. He's the head coach and general manager of the New England Patriots. He's had some rough years as of late, but nothing can take away his glimmering record. Belichick just tells it like it is. He's incredible with strategies, and that really stands out with his coaching.

Jalen Hurts, the star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, is something of a hero on the field. But, off the field, he's known for his deep, insightful comments that show he has wisdom beyond his years. He's a major contender and personality.