This time--NFL conference championship game weekend. I went 3-1 last week; I'm 6-2 so far for the playoffs. Here we go:
San Francisco at SEATTLE. My pick: 49ERS. Yes, Seattle is at home with its loud "12th man" behind them, and they have a great defense. But think of this: this particular Seahawks team has never been here before, to a championship game. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson has not played as well recently as he has; his passing accuracy has been off. Meanwhile the Niners have been peaking it appears; and think of this--who has the better receiving corps, able to make a big game-changing play, which could easily turn a game like this? Clearly it is San Fran, with Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, etc. This should be a tough, tough game, very close...but I think the 49ers will find a way in the end.
New England at DENVER. My pick: BRONCOS. Seems like the Patriots have been getting all the ink and all the love this week in the media. And its true; their new-found running game on display last week was impressive. This isn't a team that has to live on Tom Brady's arm anymore. And yes, the Broncos have some tough injuries on defense. And yes, Brady has had the edge over Peyton Manning over the years in playoff games. But remember--this game is in Denver, and that's a big home field advantage for the Broncos. They've had a week to gear up for the Pats' run game. Peyton Manning has a pretty good offense of his own that he can play with, and New England is banged up on defense, very much so. The biggest thing about this game is: enjoy it. These are two Hall of Fame quarterbacks, approaching the end of their careers probably, but both still playing on a high level. Who knows how many more times they'll face each other in a game of this magnitude? But here they are. I think the Broncos will pull this one out in a close game.
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