No one could say that at the beginning of the year they thought the Giants and the Packers would be playing against each other in the NFC Championship. The same can’t be said about the Chargers/Patriots game, however. Both of these games have heavily favored teams as well. But, favorites or not, they just have to play the game, everyone knows it. And I can’t seem to understand why not one person is willing to separate themselves from the group of experts (ESPN, CBS, etc…) and pick an upset.
AFC first. Very understandable that no one is going against the Patriots. And everyone knows the one team that had the best chance of beating them, was the Colts. However, I think the next best chance would have to be the Chargers. Yes, they still have played not that good of football, but maybe this is the day they overcome that. Their win over Indy was nothing short of spectacular, but they deserve credit for getting the win. With all of these injuries as well, it may be very tough. I think LT is going to play, Rivers, is a bit more questionable. Volek can play just as good as Rivers, as long as he doesn’t throw interceptions. Sproles and Turner both have the ability to produce yards as well. As seen from Sproles last week, get him in the open field and anything can happen, an MJD type of player. Defensively the Chargers have not looked good, yardage wise at least. They have the players to disrupt patterns and make turnovers. Merriman and Cromartie give them hope. But will it happen? Brady knows just about every way to beat a team. The main problem I see in this game is the Chargers offense. If they churn it out like they did last week against the Colts, they have a better chance of winning than what everyone is giving them. However, it won’t be enough. It may be cold and windy, which gives a little advantage to the Chargers.
But, the Patriots are a step ahead of everyone else, and it will show in this game. If the Chargers win the turnover battle, it will be very interesting.
Pats 27 – Bolts 21
NFC.
The Packers are rolling, but so are the Giants. It will be a different game than what happened early in the season when the Giants were playing uninspired football. This time around, they may have injuries, but they are playing great together. Both of these teams will start with the running game until something opens up. With temperatures at zero starting game time, making tackles will be a little more difficult. Especially on the bruiser Jacobs. Again, as in the previous game. The underdog cannot make mistakes if they want to pull of an upset. Eli has to be safe with the ball, I am sure this is exactly what Peyton told him earlier in the week. I think the Giants will be able to run the ball, and do what they have been doing throughout the playoffs. On the other end, the question is if they can contain the Favre/Grant. That will be a tough task, either of these guys could have big games. I see them pressuring Favre for an interception or two, but will it be enough? The Packers are playing great, and no one thinks the Giants can win this. The last time the Packers had a true “big game” was against the Cowboys, this is the second one of the year. They may have beat the Chargers/Giants already, but neither of those teams were playing half as good as they are now. The G Men have what it takes to win. So will they continue playing like it, or will they falter as everyone knows how they do.
Giants 23 – Packers 20
