NFL Conference Championship Picks

Last Weeks Picks:2-2 (Correct: San Fransisco, New England Incorrect: Denver, Seattle)
Overall Playoff Record: 4-4

San Fransisco 49ers over Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta and San Fransisco pulled out crazy wins last weekend and with them being the top 2 seeds in the NFC, It's sure to be a competitive contest on Sunday afternoon. Personally, I like the 49ers in this matchup. Colin Kapernick was absolutely dominating last week through the air and on the ground and I expect more of the same this week. The Falcons did just knock off the similarly effective Russell Wilson, but Wilson was able to move the ball on them quite a bit (especially in the second half) and Kapernick has been playing better of late than Wilson. The Falcons defense did do a great job containg Marshawn Lynch last week, but Frank Gore's power style creates another set of problems for them and their defense isn't anything too scary. The Falcons will certainly put up a fight and Matt Ryan proved me wrong last week by coming through in the clutch, but the 49ers have a bit too much offensive and defensive firepower than I think the Falcons can handle.

Baltimore Ravens over New England Patriots: Who would of thought we'd have a rematch of last year's AFC championship game this year? This pick is definitely controversial and I expect to get some shit for making it, but I like the Ravens in this matchup. The Patriots are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the postseason and with Tom Brady under center you always going to contend for a championship. That being said, The Ravens are playing the most inspired football right now and that momentum I believe will lead them to victory tomorrow. They have rallied around Ray Lewis in his final run at a title and seem poised to win it all. This is a team that went on the road and faced a red-hot Denver team and came out on top. They faced adversity numerous times during the game and didn't crumble under pressure. That is the kind of play that is needed to unseat this resilient and skilled Patriots team at home. The defense is rejuvenated with Lewis on the field, Joe Flacco is playing out of his mind right now (especially after torching the second-ranking Broncos pass defense last week and the Patriots secondary is nowhere near as good as the Broncos), The receivers and tight ends are making big plays, and Ray Rice/Bernard Pierce are running the ball wall. It's going to be a hard-fought battle and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the Patriots pulled out the victory, but I like the way Ravens are playing right now and I think they will pull out the victory and makeup for last year's crushing heartbreaker of a loss.