NFL Conference Championship Round Picks

After all the gridiron last week, 4 teams advanced. 3 of them were expected. 1 of them was just simply uncalled for. Rex Ryan, who unknowingly said that his team was out of the playoffs a few weeks before the big dance started, has somehow gotten his team not only into the playoffs, but into the AFC Championship game, beating the 2nd seeded Chargers, who have failed yet again to go deep into the playoffs. The hard-hitting Jets showed tons of heart, battling out an ugly game to win it and advance to face the team that let them have a chance at even making the playoffs, the Colts. Let's go to the picks for these 2 Sunday games.
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AFC Championship -- New York Jets (11-7, 5th seed) vs. Indianapolis Colts (15-2), 1st seed), 3 pm.

This game has so much meaning. Really, it does. If it weren't for these Colts, the Jets would've probably had 0 chance of making it to the playoffs, let alone the AFC championship. You see, the Colts, who were 14-0 at the time they played the Jets, decided to go through with the safe method, which is benching your starting players to take away the chance of injury. So, the Jets, who were pass-rushing someone not named Peyton Manning, took advantage and won the game that they needed to win to stay alive.

Now, as to the game, I believe that these 2 teams are heavily deserving of this. Peyton Manning has done a terrific job in making full use of receivers that didn't include future-hall-of-famer Marvin Harrison. He did a great job on offense to hide the sub-par defense's jobs. On the other side, their whole team has put forth an amazing show. Darrelle Revis has played just tip-top defense.

When it comes to this game, I look to see a low-scoring game that consists of an amazing passing offense, going toe-to-toe against a number one pass defense. The Colts did have a better overall season, but the Jets have have the better run as of late.

In a surprising move that may have me get killed, I have picked a team, and it ain't who you thought it would be.

X-Factors: Shonn Greene - New York Jets and Dallas Clark - Indianapolis Colts.

Pick: New York Jets, 20-17. _____________________________________________________________
NFC Championship -- Minnesota Vikings (13-4, 2nd seed) vs. New Orleans Saints (14-3, 1st seed)

The 40-year-old quarterback against the confident and young quarterback. Brett Favre against Drew Brees. With these 2 teams possessing the 2 highest point totals in the NFL this season, it goes without saying that this will be a high-scoring game.

There's really not a lot to say about this game, because everything about this game is already out there. Plus, these 2 teams are real quiet, unlike Rex Ryan.

The Saints have really stepped it up this year without a doubt. How did they do it? What makes them different from the Saints a couple seasons back? A) they have a better defense, led by Darren Sharper, their big play-maker, and the most important one, B) a nicely-shaped offense. Yes, they are passing freaks and can beat you with the long ball anyday, but what separates them is their 6th-ranked rushing game, which is better than the Vikings, who have the best running back in the game.

The Vikings haven't really changed much, except their quarterback, of course. Favre, who is, again, 40 years old, has had the best statistical season of his career. Seriously. His best completion percentage ever, and a season where he only threw 7 interceptions. His play has effected everyone's like Sidney Rice.

The game should be a wonderful game and I'm certainly looking forward to it as I love high-scoring games. It would be inspiring if a 40-year-old QB made it to the big Bowl, but it's not going to happen. The Superdome's noise is absolutely bolstering. The Saints fans have the most effect than any other team's fans in the league.

X-Factors: Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings and Reggie Bush - New Orleans Saints.

Pick: New Orleans Saints, 35-31.