Aaron  It’s pretty easy to pick the undefeated team to win, and most of the country is in fact doing just that. While I am picking New England as well, I expect this to be a good game. The Chargers aren’t a joke, a cinderella, or anything of that sort. When you’re in a conference championship game there are damn good reasons that you belong. People will want to bring up when these teams met in week 2 for starting the conversation, I say throw that out. Sure, New England won but what does that tell you? These teams are a far cry from the teams they were back in September. The topic of injuries should be important however, espcially for San Diego who has a banged up starting quarterback, MVP running back, and pro bowl tight end. These guys are professionals and know chances like this don’t come around every year, they might all play for all 60 minutes, but how good can they be? Expect New England to try and exploit each and every one of those injuries. As for those perfect Patriots, people (since the Eagles almost beat them) have been talking about how vulnerable this team is and how ‘this is the week they lose.’ Jacksonville was a hot choice to make it all the way. Then they hit the Patriots storm; gone. New England finds ways to win. You blitz Brady? He gets rid of it to an open receiver who knows how to come back for a ball or break off a route. You play 8 in coverage? Moroney runs down your D’s throat. You run a 10 minute drive to keep them off the field? Their offense scores in 1 minute. When a game is tight in the 4th, they always pull it out. This weekend’s game should be no exception. I expect a fast start from both teams, an exciting 1st quarter. But after that things will settle down and the Patriots will assert that run game and a few home run balls. San Diego can hang with them a little, but this will turn out to be yet another win for the Pats. Not a blowout though.

  24-10

Dave On the surface this game seems like a formality in the Patriots run to the Superbowl. Despite three big injuries to San Diego’s offense (Philip Rivers [knee], LaDanian Tomlinson [knee], and Antonio Gates [dislocated toe]) the Chargers defense is one of the few that might be able to take down Tom Brady and his offense. That being said a big part of the game will be keeping the Patriots offense off the field by retaining time of possession. Whether it be Billy Volock or Philip “The Mouth” Rivers who takes the snaps on Sunday the quarterback will have to mix some passes with the LT runs. Either way the Pats will be able to handle the San Diego Superchargers.

27-13

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Aaron I heard it’s supposed to be cold in Green Bay on Sunday, maybe even reaching single digit temperatures! Amazing, I’m sure that’s only the 4000th time that’s happened. The weather, which seems to be a top story, is a non factor in this game. The Giants play in Jersey, which can get plenty cold. Plus, when the Packers got thrashed by the Bears in week 16, Brett Favre said it was one of the coldest games he’d ever played in. Forget the weather, however, it is important they’re playing at home. Never underestimate a home field crowd. The Packers playing at Lambeau is very important, that crowd should be going absolutely nuts. As for the game, you would think it would be a smash mouth, run the ball, grind it out kind of game. While I expect to see a fair share of the running backs, I think the story is the grizzled veteran and the 12 year old quarterbacks. Manning has been playing extremely well since week 16 of the regular season. Yes, Eli, not Peyton. Scary, I know. He hasn’t been dominant and he hasn’t tried to do too much. He’s controlled games. He’s been the field general, and led this team with safe throws, check downs, and good decisions. He’s had lines in the past few weeks of about, 150 yards 1 TD and 0 INT. That 0 INT is the main reason the Giants are playing for a chance to advance to the big one. His consistent play opens up the ground attack and gives the defense a rest. However, in this game, Manning can’t control the game; he can’t be a reason they win, he has to be the reason they win. But that’s easier said then done against this fiesty Packers defense. The front 4 is going to be after Eli all day, putting him on the ground and making him throw the ball away. Eli has been real good lately, but this defense will be more than ready to play, as they have been all year, and he can either win the game or lose the game for New York. I’ll go with lose the game. Plus, when the Pack have the ball, as long as Favre is in 2007 Favre form, they should be fine. His little flips and trick plays and weird things, fine, that’s ok. But don’t chuck up some crappy pass 50 yards in the air and 20 yards down the field for an easy interception. That was Favre for the past 4 or 5 years, not this year. Green Bay should handle this game, but not easily.

17-14

Dave The brutal cold will hurt both of the teams in the NFC Championship Game. A frigid 6Ëš and flurries is the projected forecast for the game. Both teams will be forced to run the ball more than they would like. With one team’s defense having to give, I say the Giants won’t be up to the task to catching an elusive Ryan Grant. He finds the holes that his big offensive line provides for him and makes the Packers a two dimensional team. If Brett Favre can effectively throw some short, screen passes the Packers offense should dominate. Green Bay’s defense has been strong all year and will continue their success against a mediocre Giants offense despite Eli Manning’s little streak.