2008-2009 NFL Conference Championships

Well, here we are. The Conference Championship on the line for both the AFC and NFC. Only three games left before that dreaded abyss of football that we call the offseason. But rest assured that there is still some good football left. The playoffs, though unpredictable, are always exciting. This week we have two games and both are rematches (as were all of the games last weekend).

Interesting facts:
Three of the four teams left have birds for a mascot; pretty impressive considering that only five teams have a bird for a mascot.
Neither of the teams in the NFC won 10 games in the regular season while the Ravens and Steelers won 11 and 12, respectively.

Baltimore Ravens (11-5 regular season) (2-0 playoffs)

@ Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) (1-0) Sunday at 6:30 PM Eastern on CBS
Only one word needs to be said about this match up: DEFENSE. The Steelers bring the league's best defense to their home field to face the Ravens, who boast the second best defense in the league. The Ravens, who have ridden their tough defense and strong running game to two straight playoff wins, have not lost since their December 14^th game at Pittsburgh. The Steelers dominated San Diego and have scored over 30 in each of their last 2. These teams are very evenly matched so don't expect to see much if any passing yardage and rushing yards will probably be few and far between. If the Steelers can stop the three headed rushing attack, an attack which cost them the defensive triple-crown in week 15, they should edge the Ravens. However, if the Steelers fall behind and Big Ben tries to force something, the Ravens' ball-hawking defensive backs will take quick advantage of this. Prediction: The Steelers pull the trifecta and win for the third time this season Steelers 17 - Ravens 10.

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) (2-0)
@ Arizona Cardinals (9-7) (2-0) Sunday at 3:00 PM Easter on FOX
On Thanksgiving, the Cardinals looked more like turkeys being carved up. The Eagles won that game by 4 touchdowns (48-20). The Cardinals went to visit the Eagles only four days after being beaten up by the New York Giants and played in a cold game where they just looked awful. When they meet this time, the weather will not be a factor, playing in Glendale, Arizona in a domed stadium. This will be a great match up featuring one of the leagues top passing offenses against one of the top passing defenses. The deciding factor could be whether the Cardinals can continue to force turnovers after intercepting Jake Delhomme five times last week. The Arizona defense has also shut down two premier rushing attacks against Atlanta and Carolina in back to back weeks. If they can shut down Brian Westbrook, the Eagles could struggle greatly to get any offense going. Look for a great match up which will send one of these teams to the Super Bowl (the Eagles for the second time or the Cardinals for the first). Prediction: Picking the upset Cardinals 38 - Eagles 29

So this weekend, prepare yourself for some good defense with a lot of hard hits. With any luck there will be some scoring in the late game, but at any rate, enjoy two of the last three football games you will see in the the next six months.