It has been a tough week.  I like both of these matchups.  The history between the Patriots and the Colts goes without saying. The #1 NFC Defense vs. the #1 NFC Offense will be a tough fight.  It should be a good day for football fans.  After lots of back and forth, I have finally made my picks.

NFC Championship:
Saints vs. Bears (Sunday Jan. 21th, 3pm):

Not too long ago I predicted this playoff matchup, but I confidently said that the Saints will not be able to win in Soldier Field.  Hmmm. Watch the back pedal.  I’m not saying that the Saints will win, but I believe that the Saints can win this game.  As I have stated before, this is not the same Chicago Bears that we saw during the first half of the season.  If it was, I would pick the Bears hands down.  BUT, this Bears team has a slightly above average Defense and a mediocre Offense. I don’t think they can lead this team to the Super Bowl without the help of the Offense.  They could have easily lost last weeks game against the Seahawks.  We know there Special Teams are stellar, but the running game and Rex will have to step up.

Now look at the Saints.  They have far exceeded all expectations so everything from here on is gravy for one of the best seasons in franchise history.  No pressure for them.  There running game is clicking and they continue to be a threat in the passing game.  What concerns me about the Saints game is that it is outside with the possiblity of snow. Not to mention they are a dome team and for some reason have yet to practice outside.  I think Sean Payton should get them prepared for the noise and weather.

Bad weather games usually mean a low scoring affair with lots of defense, heavy running and momentum changing plays from the special teams.  I believe that the Bears are too banged up on Defense to completely slowdown the Saints.  And the Saints defense is solid enough to “contain” Rex and company.  If the Bears win the game I think it will be because of Hester.  That’s too much for a rookie to bare.  Take the Saints in a close one.

AFC Championship:
Patriots vs. Colts (Sunday Jan. 21th, 6:30pm):

Last week I picked the Patriots over the high powered offense of the Chargers because I favored their veteran leadership over a young team.  This week we have a matchup of two veteran teams.  I give the Patriots an edge because of Brady and Belichick, but I don’t think the edge is a major edge.  Manning and Dungy have plenty of playoff games under their belts.  I’ll go ahead and say that I pick the Colts.  I really think this is their year.  There defense is playing a lot better.  They’re healthier than any other point in the season.  They have been battled tested for two weeks, taking on solid teams.  Plus Manning has looked more like Eli than Peyton and yet they are still finding a way to win.  Don’t championship teams find a way to win the big games?  Yeah, I know the Patriots have been doing that as well, but they seemed to have stumbled to victory in their two games.  Discount the 4th quarter of the Jets game.  If you look at the scores of the Colts games, you would think the games were close, but actually they were not.  The defense dominated both games.  It is hard for me to believe that even against the Patriots, Peyton will manage to have a third straight subpar game.  I think this win could propel the Colts into their dynasty phase.  They have been the winningst non-championship teams for the past 5 years.  Good Luck Manning. I want to see Dungy win his Super Bowl that Tampa striped away from him.