Championship Sunday Preview & Picks

Haz Bey

After my perfect weekend last week, my post season record is now 6-2.  I nailed all 4 games last week, but picking the games this week will be even harder, because all 4 teams left in the tournament are worthy of going to the Super Bowl.  Here we go!

Last Week's Picks (4-0)
Post Season Picks (6-2)




AFC Championship Game

Ravens @ Patriots
The Baltimore Ravens are no stranger to winning in Foxboro in the playoffs.  Handing the Patriots a 33-14 butt-kicking 2 years ago in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.  The ran running back Ray Rice right down there throats and New England never recovered.  Ray Lewis and Ed Reed led the defense that day and forced Tom Brady to get rid of the football early, causing New England's offense never to find it's rhythm.  The Baltimore Ravens will go into New England with the same game plan, only difference is, they didn't have to face the tight end tandom of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.  The duo combined for 23 touchdowns this season and help Tom Brady and the offense accumulate the most yards throughout a season in New England Patriots history.  They have proven to be unstoppable and I do not think that Joe Flacco and his handle-bar mustache will score enough points to keep up with Brady and his "All-World" tight ends.  Brady is so focused at the task at hand and I am pretty sure he hasn't forgot about the 33-14 whipping the Ravens put on him 2 years ago.
Patriots Win 31-16

NFC Championship Game

Giants @ 49ers
The 49ers won in dramatic fashion last week at home against the Saints.  Scoring 2 touchdowns late in the 4th quarter to with the last coming with 9 seconds left on a touchdown pass from Alex Smith to Vernon Davis, proved that the 49ers will fight until there is triple zeros on the clock at the end of the game.  They have an intimidating, physical defense that has knocked out 6 running backs this season alone.  They have a running back in Frank Gore that is a load to deal with.  Most importantly they have a coach that has them believing that no team out there can outplay them.  Jim Harbaugh has taking the same roster that Mike Singletary once said, "I can't win with them, I won't win with them, I want winners!", all the way to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season as head coach.  Their reward for reaching the title game is the New York Football Giants.  The G-Men are on a mission.  Their defensive line hasn't been this healthy in years.  Last time they were this healthy, they bruised and battered Tom Brady and the Patriots on their way to winning the Super Bowl.  Eli Manning is now an elite quarterback.  After taking outshining another elite quarterback in the playoffs, Eli is calm, cool & collective going into Sunday's match up with the 49ers.  With both of his running backs healthy as well as the receiving core, Eli will be primed to make his second appearance in the Super Bowl and he will get his chance.  Alex Smith is the key to the game.  The 49ers quarterback has to be better than he was last week against the Saints.  By better, I mean converting 3rd downs and moving the chains consistently all game.  I do not trust with the Giants' pass rush that Smith will get it done. 
Giants Win 27-17

There you have it.  I am predicting a rematch of Super Bowl 42.  Patriots and Giants.  Both teams have the best quarterbacks left in the tournament and both of them will lead their respective teams the big game on Super Sunday.  Have fun watching, because I know I will.