NFL Picks: Conference Championships

01/22

Ravens

vs

Patriots

‎-2:00 PM (CT) on CBS

Classic defense vs. offense battle in the AFC Championship, with Tom Brady and the explosive Patriots offense trying to outplay the rugged Baltimore defense. Key in the match-up will be how much pressure the Ravens can get on Tom Brady to prevent him from getting the ball to his sensational tight-ends, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Baltimore's offense also has to make big plays in the passing game against a susceptible New England secondary. In the end, I just think New England's offense is too advanced and prolific and will make just enough plays to advance.

01/22

Giants

vs

49ers

‎-5:30 PM (CT) on FOX

New York is the hottest team in the playoffs right now, with QB Eli Manning playing like an All-Pro and a defense that is playing its best football of the season when it counts the most. The key for the Niners to cool off the Giants is the formula they've used the whole season, get takeaways (as they did 5 times last week against the Saints) and play solid defense. Getting pressure on Manning is important, but even more so, will be making tackles in the open field on the explosive New York wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz and preventing yards after the catch. But in the end, I think Big Blue's defense, which last week, confused and slowed down MVP Aaron Rodgers, will get pressure on Alex Smith and force San Fran's offense to become one-dimensional to reach Super Bowl XLVI.


Last week: 2-2
Season record: 169-95