NFL Conference Championship Predictions

Correctly Picked: San Diego, New England, Green Bay

Incorrectly Picked: Dallas over Giants.

San Diego at New England

On San Diego

Offense:

San Diego's offense has been a more complete offense with the emergence of quarterback Philip Rivers. He is making less mistakes, and has been more accurate over the last half of the season. Assuming he plays and is healthy, he could be the difference maker in this game. The big problem is how banged up the Bolts offense is. Rivers has a knee injury, Tomlinson, although he should be fine, hyper extended his knee in the win over the Colts, and Antonio Gates is still feeling the effects of a toe injury. If all three are fairly healthy, they could give the New England defense some serious trouble.

Defense:

The Chargers defense might be the only defense left to be able to stop the blitzkrieg known as the Patriots offense. With all Pro cornerback Antonia Cramartie covering Randy Moss, that can help to eliminate one of the patriots biggest offensive threats. Linebackers Shawn Merriman and Shawn Phillips can take away a good section of the middle of the field with their athletic ability, and also rush the passer with high aggression. Other cornerback Quinten Jammer is an above average corner back also, so the Patriots might be facing their stiffest defensive test yet.

On New England

Offense:

We all know of the machine known as the Patriots offense. Last week vs the Jags, the long ball was taken away from them (for the most part), and Tom Brady 26 of 28'd his way into the record books with the highest post season completion percentage ever. It seems there there is almost no way to stop this offense from scoring 30 points.

Defense:

The defense was exposed a little bit more in the Jacksonville game. The linebackers play exceptionally smart, but are not very fast, this could play into San Diego's strength (Antonio Gates, if healthy). The cornerbacks play very good position, and have very good schemes, but the improvement of Chris Chambers (from Miami) and Vincent Jackson will make it difficult for New England to defend all of San Diego's weapons.

Overall outlook: While everyone else in the world is assuming the Patriots are unstoppable, I am going with my upset special of the year, so walk the plank with me now.

31-28, San Diego superchargers.

New York Giants at The Green Bay Packers

On New York:

Offense:

New York offense has really come to life down the stretch, and that all starts with quarterback Eli Manning. He has played his way out of his brothers (long) Shadow, and into the spotlight himself. With accurate passes, occasion field stretching throws, and reliable receivers, the passing game for New york has never been better. The thing that has to be remembered though, is that this passing game is set up by powerful back Brandon Jacobs, who will just as soon run over you as around you. With defenses having to respect the running game, new york has a talented, and balanced, offensive attack.

Defense:

The strength of this team lies in the front 7 of the defense. Leading the league in sacks this regular season, the defensive line really knows how to apply pressure. Without have to blitz and obscene amount, it allows the defense to keep plenty of defenders coverage. Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora should have big days this weekend.

On Green Bay:

Offense:

The resurgence of Bret Favre has been one of the biggest stories of the year. With reliable receiver Donald Driver, and big play wideout Greg Jenning, green bay has all the weapons to keep up with anyone. Running back Ryan Grant had a monster day rushing for over 200 yards against the Seahawks, and shaking off a bad start (2 fumbles). Green Bay is just as well balanced, if not moreso, than the New York Giants offense.

Defense:

As I wrote last week in preparation for the Green Bay vs Seahawks game, Green Bay has the best corner back tandem left in the playoffs, and possibly the league in general. They should be able to keep everything in front of them, and have a great possibility of a few turnovers. The front seven is pretty solid, but can be run on with the type of running style that the Giants have. That will be the key match up in this game.

Overall outlook: New york comes in riding high, with a ton of confidence and all the necessary attributes to win this game, it's just too bad they happen to be playing the Green Bay Packers during Bret Favre's magical season.

35-24 Green Bay Packers