So a week ago in this space, I said that last week's round of playoff action would be ruled by offense, and I was partially right. There was a lot of offense, just not always from the teams I expected it from. I ended up two for four on my picks. Let's see if this week pans out better for my prognosticating. I think we may see the opposite of last week this weekend; these matchups scream defense.
AFC Championship: 1. New England Patriots vs. 2. Baltimore Ravens, 3 PM ET Sunday Jan. 22
Classic offense-defense matchup that could go either way. Both team's are veteran-led and frequent playoff visitors, so I expect a close, well-played game with mostly sharp play. This will be a contest where the winner wins as opposed to the loser losing. Talk has centered on how Joe Flacco's quarterback play could ultimately hinder the Ravens' chances and could potentially become the worst quarterback to win a Super Bowl, but I think it is important to note that Flacco is quite clearly more talented than past quarterbacks we have had this discussion about (Rex Grossman, for example). He has some talent to throw to and Ray Rice to hand off to and could rise to the occaision. That said, if Tom Brady is on his game, this contest is New England's to lose. The Ravens defense will contain him more than Denver did, but the Patriots will still prevail 24-17.
NFC Championship: 2. San Francisco 49ers vs. 4. New York Giants, 6:30 PM ET Sunday Jan. 22
No one saw this matchup coming, myself included. I pegged both these teams to lose last week and frankly was not even sure if the Giants would make it out of the wildcard round. I will not be making that mistake again. I still think Alex Smith is the worst quarterback left in the playoffs, even moreso than Joe Flacco. Smith and his team are not used to this stage of the season, nor is his coach, Jim Harbaugh. That will catch up with them. Defenses will rule the day in a low-scoring matchup, but thanks to Eli Manning and a stellar offensive line, the Giants will squeak into the Super Bowl 16-13.
