NFC/AFC Championship Game Predictions

Packers at Bears

This will be a great game.  These two teams know each other most likely better than any other two teams in the NFL.  However, I expect to see a bunch of surprises out of Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz and Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers.  We got to see a nice preview of these two teams in week 17 as the Packers defeated the Bears 10-3 to clinch a spot in the playoffs.  However, the Bears had nothing to play for, and the Packers had everything to play for.  Although the Bears did play most of their starters for the entire game, I do not think that I can base my whole decision based on that game.

At the QB position, I believe the Packers have an advantage with Aaron Rodgers over Jay Cutler who been known to be quite errant times; however, the Bears' Tampa 2 defense did very well against Rodgers' passing game, holding the Packers to 3 points in the first 3 quarters of the week 17 game which the Packers needed so desperately.

At RB, I believe the Bears have a slight advantage with Matt Forte over James Sparks.  Although the Packers did a great job stopping Michael Turner last week in the Georgia Dome, I think the horrible condition of the grass at Soldier Field will play a big role in helping Matt Forte be successful both running and catching the ball against the stiff Packers D.

At WR, just as Charles Tillman has said recently, the Packers have the best receivers in the NFL.  On the other hand, the Bears also have good receivers in Hester, Knox, Aromashadu, and Greg Olsen at TE.  Both teams' superb corners and safeties will do a good job neutralizing the fire power at the wide receiver position.

On defense, both teams are very well equipped and have many stars.  The Packers like to come out with 5 corners and often blitz multiple corners.  The Packers have done a great job getting sacks with their corners.  The Bears Cover 2 scheme has also done well against Rodgers.  Overall, a big play here or there by either team's D could change the game.

Lastly, I believe the Bears have an advantage on special teams.  Not only do they have Devin Hester who could return a kick at any time, but they also have one of the best kickers in the league, Robbie Gould.

Prediction

Bears 13  Packers 10

This is a very hard game to choose, but I've always heard that the third time is the charm.  I've picked against the Packers the last two weeks, so I'm going to go against them one more time.  I think both teams will play very well on defense, and one big play on either special teams or defense will decide the game.



Jets at Steelers

At QB, the Steelers definitely have the advantage with Big Ben.  Although the Jets D has done a great job shutting down Manning and Brady, I think Roethlisberger's mobility will be an issue for the Jets.  Matt Sanchez's swagger has outperformed my expectations, but I think his overthrows will be his downfall against the solid Steelers defense.

At RB, both teams have pretty solid runners between the tackles, Rashard Mendenhall (my UI boy!), Shonn Greene (Big Ten, represent!), and LT.  There will be a lot of run plays from both teams, but I believe LT will have a great game, and I hope to see Rex Ryan celebrating with him in the end zone again.

At WR, both team have great weapons; the Steelers have Mike Wallace, Hines Ward, Heath Miller and more, and the Jets have Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery, and Dustin Keller (Boiler Up!).

Both teams also have star-powered defenses. The Steelers have a very strong front line and linebacking core while the Jets have one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

On special teams, I believe that Brad Smith can be a game changer, but his playing status is a game-time decision.  I believe that Jets K Nick Folk's inaccuracy will bite them in the tail near the end of the game.

Prediction

Steelers 20 Jets 17

Once again, the third time is the charm.  I've picked against Rex Ryan twice, and this time I believe the Steelers will send him home.  I think the X-factor of this game will be Ben Roethlisberger.  If he is able to be mobile in the pocket and escape the Jets blitzes, then he will find success and lead his team to victory.