NFL Predictions: Conference Championships

Note: these predictions will be somewhat short since my computer crashed last night.

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots -

For Baltimore, their key to this game will be ball-control. The Patriots offense is too explosive for their offense to try and have to match score-for score. Expect coordinator Cam Cameron to use Ray Rice extensively, both as a runner and receiver to take pressure off of Joe Flacco. By doing this, it will allow the Baltimore defense to stay fresh, giving them enough energy to try and stop Brady, Welker, Gronkowski and the rest of a talented Pats offense.

For New England, look for the Patriots to use a lot of quick-hitting pass plays to Grinkowski, Hernandez and Welker to counter-act a ferocious Ravens pass rush. Expect to see Brady in shotgun formations almost exclusively to give him more time to throw.

Prediction: Patriots 27, Ravens 23. I expect Ray Rice to approach 150 total yards in the game, and the Ravens defense will keep them in the game, but the Patriots are simply playing too well on offense to fall short of a Super Bowl appearance.



New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers
Tom Coughlin will be looking for a second Super Bowl appearance, while the 49ers will be looking to get back for the first time since 1995.

The Giants are as hot as any team in the league, and have looked spectacular in wins over the Falcons and Packers. The key for New York to win this game will be getting pressure on 49ers quarterback Alex Smith. Smith was able to get into a rhythm early last week against the Saints, and was able to make a inch of big plays late to help the 49ers get a thrilling win.

For the 49ers, their key to the game will be establishing their running game early. If the offensive line is able to open up holes for Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter, Smith will be able to utilize play-action find open receivers in one-on-one coverage. Vernon Davis had a huge week against the Saints, so expect the Giants to key on him. Watch for Michael Crabtree to see a lot of single-coverage.

Prediction: 49ers 30, Giants 23. San Francisco should be able to disrupt Manning's rhythm early, and their offense will wear down the pass-rushers up front with a solid running game. Manning will still make some plays through the air, but the Giants won't be able to run the ball effectively against a stingy San Franciscofront seven, forcing Eli into taking one too many risks that will ultimately cost the, the game.

Last Week: 3-1
Playoffs: 5-3