NFL Picks: Conference Championships

01/20

49ers

vs

Falcons

‎-2:00 PM (CT)‎

This is more a pick based on destiny more than anything else. The Falcons (my new bandwagon team) should have lost last week to Seattle, when they blew a 20-0 halftime lead and had to rally in the final seconds and survive a fail-freeze by Pete Carroll to advance. But they didn't. And even though their defense couldn't stop Russell Wilson in the second half, but I think defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will be able to come up with a game-plan that will force Colin Kaepernick, in his first career road playoff game, into a couple of mistakes, which Matt Ryan and the red-hot Falcons offense will be able to capitalize on.

01/20

Ravens

vs

Patriots

‎-5:30 PM (CT)‎

The way the Patriots took my Texans' best punch and simply dominated the second half with backup offensive skill players makes me think this team is Super Bowl bound. Tom Brady just has too many dangerous weapons in arsenal this year, in Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Shane Vereen, and Stevan Ridley. Granted, I think Joe Flacco and the Ravens have the explosive play-makers to make this game a shootout, like last weekend in Denver. But, in the end, I think the Ravens defense will be overwhelmed, ending the amazing career of Ray Lewis.

Last week: 2-2
Season record: 163-100

NFL Picks: Divisional Playoffs

01/12

Ravens

vs

Broncos

‎-3:30 PM (CT)‎

Denver won their last 11 games of their regular season, behind potential MVP Peyton Manning, an outstanding defense, and the emerging running game of Knowshown Moreno. Would love to see Ray Lewis' career continue one more week, but I don't see Joe Flacco outdueling Manning in Denver.

01/12

Packers

vs

49ers

‎-7:00 PM (CT)‎

A true toss-up, with Aaron Rodgers against the San Francisco defense a great matchup. I think it comes down to the other side of the ball, though, as I like QB Colin Kaepernick's dual threat capability and RB Frank Gore to run wild on a shaky Green Bay defense.

01/13

Seahawks

vs

Falcons

‎-12:00 PM (CT)

Seattle is red hot at the moment, and I just don't see a leaky Atlanta defense stopping Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and company. So, it'll come down to whether or not Julio Jones and Roddy White can get open down the field against the physical corners of Seattle in Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner, and whether Matt Ryan can get them the ball. In the end, I don't think they can, and Atlanta gets upset in the postseason again.

01/13

Texans

vs

Patriots

‎-3:30 PM (CT)‎

If this game were in Houston, maybe my hometown Texans would have a chance. But after getting humiliated by a Gronkowski-less Patriot team last month, I just don't see it happening. Even if the defense led by J.J. Watt plays better (which it should), I don't see the Texans' offense keeping up with Tom Brady and New England, especially with a shaky QB Matt Schaub, who has played horrifically for a month now. I just have to hope Arian Foster and the ground game can control the clock, and that the defense forces a couple turnovers on Brady, a scenario I would have to see to believe.

Last week: 4-0
Season record: 161-98

NBA All-Star Voting

NBA All-Star voting ends on Monday. So if you haven't voted yet, be sure to vote at NBA.com. The players I voted for are below.

NFL Picks: Wildcard Weekend

01/05

Bengals

vs

Texans

‎-3:30 PM (CT)‎

Here's to hoping my hometown team shakes off the December rust, establishes the run with Arian Foster early, controls the pace of the game, and eliminates the red-hot Bengals for the second straight year.

01/05

Vikings

vs

Packers

‎-7:00 PM (CT)‎

Adrian Peterson went off in the Vikings win over Green Bay last week. I expect adjustments by the Packers' defense this week, and a more efficient Aaron Rodgers at home to beat their arch-rivals.

01/06

Colts

vs

Ravens

‎-12:00 PM (CT)‎

Andrew Luck's first game in the playoffs against Ray Lewis in his final playoff run. In the end, however, I think Joe Flacco's success against Indy's average secondary will be the difference.

01/06

Seahawks

vs

Redskins

‎-3:30 PM (CT)‎

Marquee matchup of the weekend, in my opinion, with RG3 vs. Russell Willson in a matchup of sensational rookie quarterbacks carrying red-hot football teams. It comes down to defense, and I like Seattle's unit (rode them to a fantasy championship!) much more than the 'Skins'.

Last week: 13-3
Season record: 157-98

Happy New Year 2013!

Happy New Year to all my readers! Here's to much happiness and success in the new year! Here are my Jan. 1 bowl picks.

Gator Mississippi State vs. #20 Northwestern
Heart of Dallas Purdue vs. Oklahoma State
Capital One #7 Georgia vs. #16 Nebraska
Outback #10 South Carolina vs. #18 Michigan
Rose Bowl Wisconsin vs. #6 Stanford
Orange #15 Northern Illinois vs. #12 Florida State

Sadly, no NHL Winter Classic this year, as that league continues its ridiculous lockout.