NFL Picks - Conference Championships

NFL Picks – Conference Championships

Pick Standings:

Andrew – 1488 Points (169-94-1)

Greg – 1447 Points (164-99-1) – Winner of Divisional Round

NOTE: Each Playoff Game this weekend will be worth 15 points in the standings.

2 San Francisco at 1 Atlanta

It’s about time the Sports Guys admit something: we may have been wrong about our dislike of Kaepernick starting over Alex Smith. I guess the 49ers knew something we didn’t. Of course, this weekend will be the real test because Smith made it this far a year ago. The Falcons, meanwhile, finally got a playoff win with Matt Ryan and company. It was an amazing ending to a crazy fourth quarter, and now they have one more home game until the Super Bowl. There are great matchups across the board, but I am most interested in the Falcons passing game against this San Francisco defense. Outside of two picks, Atlanta did their thing last week against a great Seattle defense. Can they do the same this Sunday? On the other side of the ball, Atlanta can’t allow Kaepernick to beat them with his legs. Make the guy throw. That’s easier said than done though. Should be a great game either way.

Andrew:         Atlanta Falcons

Greg:               San Francisco 49ers

4 Baltimore at 2 New England

As disappointing as it is not to see Denver here and previewing a Manning vs. Brady matchup, at least this game features a contrast in styles. New England is pass happy and all about offense, while Baltimore is normally a little more smash mouth, particularly on defense. The big news for the Patriots is that Gronk is lost for the rest of the playoffs due to a broken arm. Baltimore will be without Ray Lewis forever whenever the season is ending. Both play critical roles. Losing Gronk kills the Patriots offense, but they do have Hernandez still at TE, among many other weapons actually. The Lewis retirement announcement has catalyzed the Ravens, causing them to play their best football in months. But is that enough to even this game out? Will Joe Flacco prove he is elite and lead them past this spot in the playoffs where he has failed before? Or will Brady return to the Super Bowl for the 6th time?

Andrew:         New England Patriots

Greg:               Baltimore Ravens

By: The Sports Guys