Something spectacular is about to happen. After four grueling months, only four of the NFL’s best teams remain. And with the Lombardi Trophy in their grasp, it is going to take an incredible feat, by a still unknown hero, to earn a trip to Glendale, Arizona and an appearance in Super Bowl XLIX. We could see the ‘passing of the torch’ from a hall of fame quarterback to a future hall of famer. Or we could see an opportunity for the first back-to-back championships in 10 years. No matter what happens, history is about to be made. I think we are going to witness two unbelievable football games, and I wouldn’t be surprised by any outcome, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
NFC Championship
Green Bay Packers vs. *Seattle Seahawks – Sunday @ 3:05 P.M. (FOX)
* – Indicates Home Team
The Packers and Seahawks will meet for the second time this season in the NFC Championship. The first meeting didn’t go so well for the Packers, as they were blown out 36-16 in Week 1. Revenge should play a slight factor, but the outcome of this game rests primarily on the calf of Aaron Rodgers. If he is healthy enough to keep the Seahawks’ tenacious defense in check, they have a shot, however, if he is only 70% of himself, the Packers are in for a long afternoon. Another key to this game is Marshawn Lynch versus the Packers run defense. The Packers were 23rd in the league in rushing yards allowed this season (119.9 ypg), while the Seahawks were the number one rushing team (172.6 ypg). Despite all the evidence to support a Seahawks victory, I think Aaron Rodgers is going to give us one of the grittiest performances we’ve ever seen. Also, expect Jordy Nelson to wake up after a lackluster performance in the Divisional Round, and show Richard Sherman a thing or two. Home/Road splits be damned. Give me the Packers, in the upset, squeezing out a 1 point victory.
Prediction: Packers 28 – Seahawks 27
AFC Championship
Indianapolis Colts vs. *New England Patriots – Sunday @ 6:40 P.M. (CBS)
* – Indicates Home Team
Oh Bill Belichick, as much as I dislike your sweatshirt and your general attitude towards everyone, I have to give you credit. You are the best coach in the NFL. You and Tom Brady are Greg Popovich and Tim Duncan. Thirteen years have gone by, you haven’t aged, your productivity is still top notch, and just when everyone counts you out, you remind them why you’re still the best. I guess cranky, surly head coach plus humble superstar is a decent combination. I digress. Just like the NFC, the AFC Championship is a repeat matchup of a lopsided affair (NE 42 – Indy 20) from earlier in the year. You will remember, however, that was the game where Jonas Gray ran for 201 yards and 4 touchdowns, so expect this Sunday’s game to be a lot closer. Andrew Luck’s game also took another step forward this season, as he led the league in touchdowns, but Luck will need to come up with a performance for the ages if the Colts are going to take down Goliath. The other key to this game will be limiting “The Gronk”. He can’t be stopped completely, but if the Colts can keep him out of the end zone, that’ll give them a fighting chance. Unfortunately for all of us bitter Jets fans out there, I expect Tom Brady and the Patriots to make their 6th Super Bowl appearance in 14 years.
Prediction: Patriots 31 – Colts 28
Who do you have in this year’s Super Bowl?? Let me know in the comment section below.
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Dave Talks Sports 