AFC/NFC Championship Sunday Predictions

Championship Sunday. One of the greatest Sundays in Sports. After this Sunday, we'll know who's going to be in the Super Bowl. We've got the two future Hall of Fame QB's going at it for the 4th time in the playoffs and we've not 2 young QB's backed by elite defenses playing in the most hostile environment. What more could ask for?

AFC Championship Game, 3 p.m., CBS

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos

You've probably heard a lot about things this week about how Tom Brady is 10-4 vs Peyton Manning, including 2-1 in the playoffs. You've probably heard how much better Tom Brady is than Peyton Manning and all this other noise. I've said this countless times, and even in the Brady vs Manning blog post I did earlier. Brady had the better teams around him, Peyton never had a consistent running game, or a defense that caused turnovers and made big stops when it had to be done. Brady has. His defenses were stacked and his running game was consistent. All this talk about how Brady does more with less, and how Peyton has consistently had star receivers. Did you ever think that Peyton made the talent he has around him. If he brings Denver to the Super Bowl, that'd be 2 different teams he brought to the Super Bowl which is a detriment to how good he really is. Don't take this as me bashing on Brady. Again, I've got Brady in my Top 5-10 QB's of all time, but he gets way overhyped and too much of the credit when he doesn't deserve it. That's my two cents, so let me get to the game.

The only concern the Patriots should have on offense is that they have no consistent deep threat. They run those constant out routes, slant patterns and they love to work the middle with Edleman and Amendola, but they have no legit deep threat. Dobson and Thompkins aren't consistent enough. Their running game will play a big part on how this game goes. If their running game does as well as they did  against the Colts, it'll be hard for Denver to compete. But I think Denver will keep the Patriots running game in check. Blount is a physical running game, but you can't expect him to do what he did against the Colts again against a better rushing defense like Denver, and I don't expect him to. I think most of the game will be in Tom Brady's hands and how he works the middle and those out routes and throwing bullets for his receivers and moving the football on Denver's defense. Edleman has been their best receiver in efficient route running and yards after the catch. He'll need to have a big game for the Patriots to pull this one out.

Moving to Denver, part of what won the San Diego was their defense. A major weakness for Denver all season long was their pass rush and getting consistent pressure. Their defense showed up against San Diego, but New England's offensive line is a little better than that. I think it'll be harder for Denver to get consistent pressure on Brady. Both teams have come a long way since that Week 12 game where that Patriots offense got overwhelmed by Denver's defense leading to a quick 24-0 lead for the Broncos. Speaking of that game, Denver rushed for over 200 yards back in that game. I'm not saying Moreno will have 200 yards again, but Denver's running game will be key in moving the football, adding those yards up, and those short yardage plays. What should worry Denver on offense is dropped passes. Denver's receivers are good at getting open and running routes, but they can't hold onto the ball. Decker and Welker dropped TD passes in the San Diego game that could've put the game away long, long ago. Holding onto the ball will be crucial when it comes down to late game situations and coming up clutch.

What is going to be important is how Peyton performs against this defense. His pre snap reads have to be on point. There are times where just takes a glance over the defense and automatically knows what they're doing and how to beat it. His receivers need to hold onto the ball. If Denver will want to consistently move the football, when Peyton delivers the ball, these guys need to hold onto it. I think Denver will have trouble defending these plays over the middle, covering those slant patterns and out routes. Denver wins if that defense shows up, gets consistent pressure and forces turnovers. The Patriots win taking advantage of match ups on Denver's secondary and running the football effectively.

Brady may have a winning record against Manning, but he has a losing record against the Broncos (5-6) and 3-10 on the road against winning opponents since 2009. The last time Brady was in the AFC Championship on the ROAD, he played Peyton Manning and he LOST that game. Interesting enough, the winner of the Brady/Manning playoff games have gone on to win the Super Bowl. It's going to be great game. Can't wait to see it.

Prediction: Broncos defeat Patriots

NFC Championship Game, 6:30 p.m., FOX

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

For the 2nd year in a row, I've discounted the 49ers and picked against them throughout the playoffs and they have proven me wrong. That defense has been extraordinary during these playoffs. Containing Aaron Rodgers at Home, and shutting down Carolina. Carolina scored 10 points in the 1st half, never scored again. Kaepernick has played well, but the strength of this team comes from their defensive capabilities. 

The Niners are a run heavy team, with Kaepernick running the read and Gore back there. The Niners, in these playoffs, have averaged 146.5 yards on the ground, but are 7th in passing yards. And this is why I've discounted the Niners; I just don't trust their passing game. Kaepernick is not a pure pocket passer. He's got a great arm, but he's inaccurate and can make some pretty wild throws. He thrives on running the ball and setting up the pass. Seattle's defense is out of this world and I don't see Kaepernick running wild out of the pocket for big chunks of yardage. He'll hard to stop on 3rd and short, but for the most part, this game will come down to whether or not he can make consistent throws from the pocket and with Boldin out there, he won't have to do much work. Boldin's gonna be the most physical receiver on the field Sunday. He can get physical with the Seahawks secondary and come down with the football and make plays. Crabtree will attract attention, but for the most part, I don't see him exploding for a big game. His presence alone will be troublesome, but I think Crabtree will be kept in check and Kaepernick and Boldin need to be on the same page like they were against Carolina. If they get it going like that, their passing attack will be hard to stop. But it's their defense is what will decide the game. They've done a great job getting pressure, containing the run, and not giving up the big play. They'll have to do all of this to stop Seattle. Follow Arizona's formula; consistent pressure on Wilson, jamming receivers, tight coverage, and denying separation and shut down that offense.

Speaking of defense, we all know how elite Seattle's defense is, especially on their Homefield. Look at how they kept the Saints offense contained throughout that game. They pretty much held them to 8 points, with that 7 coming in garbage time. The key to this game will be Marshawn Lynch running the football well and going off. Seattle has to win the turnover battle against San Francisco. Against New Orleans, they caused turnovers, got great field position and easy scoring opportunities. I think people are discounting Russell Wilson in this game. Difference between him and Kaepernick, is that Wilson is a better pocket passer. He can stand and deliver the football. He'll have to make plays with his feet, because that Niners pass rush will get to him and when they do, he'll have to extend the play with his feet and move the football. The Seattle secondary are physical, and hard-hitting machines and will have to contain the 49ers receivers. Another good thing Seattle did against the Saints was not give up the big play. If they can do that against a passing attack like the Saints, I'm sure they can do that against San Francisco.

Running the ball will be crucial for both teams. Lynch ran the ball well against New Orleans and will have to ball out against San Francisco's tough defensive line and linebacking core. I trust Russell Wilson a little more delivering the football and making accurate throws over Kaepernick. Kaepernick, however, is lucky to have a receiver that can go up and get the ball like Boldin. Both defenses will have to come strong as well. At Home, Seattle's defensive energy will be too much and the Niners are going to struggle to move the ball early on. I think Seattle's defense will get consistent pressure, get into good field position and get easy scoring opportunities. People really underestimate Seattle at Home ever since the Cardinals beat them. Kaepernick is 0-2 in Seattle, both games were blowouts. I could see this being a close game, but it wouldn't shock me if Seattle is up by double digits at the half. I picked Denver and Seattle to meet in the Super Bowl at the beginning of the season, that's what I'm staying with.

Prediction: Seahawks defeat 49ers

Arguably the 4 best teams in the playoffs made it to their respective Conference Championship Games. We're going to find out who the best team is, and which team came prepared with the better game plan. We're going to find out who's going to Super Bowl. I hope you're as excited as I am.

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By: Gerald "Showstopper" Prophete

NFL Championship Sunday

Well, let me start by saying last weekened was a GREAT weekend of Football! Not just the Saturday games, but the Sunday games as well. Well, at least the early Sunday game anyway. Before I dive into Championship Sunday, I'll give my thoughts on the Divisional Round games.



(4) Baltimore Ravens defeat (1) Denver Broncos

Game of the weekend and it's not even close. This game surpassed the greatness that was that Niners/Saints game from last year. Nobody gave the Ravens a shot against this Peyton Manning led team and they proved everybody wrong and beat them in Double Overtime 38-35. I would love to give credit where credit is due, but let's be honest, the Broncos beat themselves. Champ Bailey was burned for two TDs and never recovered, Denver played too conservative for their well being, Von Miller and Co. couldn't get to Flacco all game, and the refs practically gave Baltimore 14 points.

Then, two HUGE blunders reared their ugly heads. Up 35-28 on 3rd and 7, Denver runs the ball rather than throwing for the first to put the game away. And then with 44 seconds left on the clock, the Denver defense allowed a 70 yard TD BOMB to send the game to OT. Rahim Moore makes a Horrible play on the ball and Jacoby Jones sails into the endzone to send the game to OT. That kind of play in that kind of situation is unacceptable. After that play, I think everyone knew the Ravens had the chance to put it away. But then with 30 seconds, 2 timeouts, with Peyton Manning, you take a knee? I believe Manning could've led his team down the field.

So, Peyton Manning falls to 9-11 in the playoffs, but once again, this was NOT his fault. I could go into great detail, but that's a blog for another time. Once again, hats off to the Ravens for making the plays and never giving up, but in my opinion, Denver beat Denver. Bad coaching, bad playcalling, and bad defense.


(2) San Francisco 49ers defeat (3) Green Bay Packers

Coming into this game, I realized something: You should never abandon your pick until the pick is dead. I had the Niners in the Super Bowl, but I thought Green Bay would be the only team left to stop them and they got stomped on. So, that's my fault.

Kaepernick ran WILD on the Green Bay defense. Not much to be said there. He shook off an early Pick Six and just dominated the Packers defense. Well, I didn't see this coming. The game was close until after halftime. San Fran was up 24-21, but after the half, Kapernick and Company just imposed their will on the Packers. There's really not much else to say about this game. Kaep showed us that he's a baller throwing for over 250 yards and running for 181 yards. One hell of a performance if you ask me.


(1) Atlanta Falcons defeat (5) Seattle Seahawks

I knew I had a good feeling about this defense. Atlanta jumped all over the Seahawks and took a 20-0 lead into halftime. I can say I wasn't surprised. I knew Atlanta could do this sort of thing. But what surprised me is after halftime. You know Seattle loves to make those adjustments and come out strong and that's what they did. Russell Wilson came out slinging that ball and, again, I gotta say I love the way this kid plays Football. Such great pocket presence, nice release on the ball resulting in a fluid throw. Love it. Seattle roared back on Atlanta and took a 28-27 lead late in the fourth quarter. But we've seen Matt Ryan do this so many times. Under a minute to go, Ryan makes two clutch passes to set up a Matt Bryant game winning FG to send Atlanta to the NFC Championship Game! The Seahawks played great Football. I firmly expect these guys to be back here next year.


(2) New England Patriots defeat (3) Houston Texans

41-28 was the final score. While Houston put up a valiant effort, things got out of hand in the third quarter. Down 17-13 going into Halftime, Houston had to feel pretty good, and then before you knew it, Brady and his crew had a 38-13 lead. Houston scored a few points to pull it close, but in the end, the Patriots shut them down. But they lost Gronkowski and Julian Edleman. Two BIG losses for them. Brady was Brady and he helped his team get back to the AFC Championship and a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens.

NFC Championship Game - Sunday, 2 p.m.

(1) Atlanta Falcons vs (2) San Francisco 49ers

Since this game is gonna be on first, I'll start with this one. This one is hard to choose for me. I should pick the Niners because I have them in the Super Bowl, but Atlanta playing at home could cause some problems.

Overall, I think The Niners are the better team and if this game was in San Francisco, I would give Atlanta no shot, but I think the Falcons can thrive off their fans and play a spirited game. People are gonna look at how Seattle almost beat the Falcons and how their defense was lit up by Russell Wilson. With Kapernick coming in being faster and having a stronger arm than Russell Wilson and a more elite defense, this could cause some problems for the Falcons. How will Atlanta contain Colin Kaepernick and prevent him from doing what he did to Green Bay to them too. Even if they do attempt to contain Kaepernick's running, they have to worry about his arm and the man has a CANNON for an arm. He can beat you from the pocket and with his arm. Atlanta's defense has to be prepared.

The only way the Falcons can have a chance in this game is to do what they did to Seattle and jump out to an early lead and make Kaepernick play from behind. If they can do that, they could win this one. The Falcons offense have to really put up some points on this defense. The Niners defense isn't perfect and they can get scored on. Ryan has to be mindful of the Niners pass rush and the fact that they are relentless. White and Jones have to be physical with the Niners' corners and work them off line and get open. Tony Gonzalez needs to gave another BIG game. They cannot miss opportunities against this team. They've got to cash in on touchdowns and not score too many FGs. They've got to get physical with the physical 49ers and out physical them.

Here's the deal, Kaepernick can beat the Falcons with his running and his passing ability, and everybody already has them as a 4 point favorite and rising. But at HOME, I think the Falcons can grind out a win against this team. Playing at home has its strengths, and these fans will be LOUD. And we saw how Kapernick struggled with a LOUD atmosphere when he went up to Seattle and got blasted 42-13. I think the Falcons' home crowd will be on their side and Atlanta will rise up against the hate and the critics and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.

Prediction: Falcons defeat the 49ers

AFC Championship Game - Sunday, 6:30 p.m.

(2) New England Patriots vs (4) Baltimore Ravens

Well, here we go again. Last year, the season ended for Baltimore Ravens in Foxboro, and they have returned to face Tom Brady and the Patriots one more time for the AFC Championship. In that game, Brady had maybe his worst game with 239 yards and 2 interceptions. His defense came to play and lucked out when Lee Evans dropped the game winning TD in the endzone and Billy Cundiff missed the FG that could've sent the game into OT.

The Ravens came off a memorable, 2OT game against Peyton Manning and the Broncos and now they have to face a much faster, up tempo offense in New England. I believe Flacco and the Ravens will score points on this defense, but I will tell you this, Aqib Talib will be a difference maker for the Patriots' Secondary. And the defense will have to play better than they did against Denver which means Suggs, Lewis, and Kruger will have to bring the house on Brady and disrupt his rhythm. All over ESPN, people say Destiny is on the side of the Ravens. Kinda hard not to believe that after the way that game in Denver ended.

BUT, it's Tom Brady, at home, and in the AFC Championship. He's 3-0 at Home in this situation. I would like to say the losses of Woodhead and Gronk would hurt them, but even without them, they put 41 on the Texans. Brady's offense still flowed. Hernandez has really emerged since Gronk's been out, Welker is still the best slot receiver in the game, and they got some serious power in the backfield with Vereen and Ridley. This offense just clicks and moves the ball at will no matter who they have out there.

I would love to give this game to the Ravens and believe they will right the wrong made last season, but beating Tom Brady and the Pats at Home in the AFC Championship is going to be a tall task. A task that I don't think Baltimore can do. At Home, it's gonna be too much of Brady and that offense. I got the Pats taking it in a close game.

Prediction: Patriots defeat Ravens

As much as I would love to see the Harbaugh Bowl in New Orleans, I think their luck has run out. Tom Brady at home and a hostile environment in Atlanta could put a damper on any hopes of the Harbaugh Bowl. I guess I got the Patriots and Falcons in the Super Bowl. Let's see what happens on Championship Sunday!



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By: Gerald "Showstopper" Prophete