Predictions: Conference Championships

After the Divisional round I am 4-4 in my predictions, with tough losses in the Vikings vs. Cowboys and Jets vs. Chargers games.  With three games left, let's see if I can finish this postseason 7-4.

Conference Championship
 
AFC


New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts 
Sunday, January 24th - Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis), 12:00 p.m. PST, CBS

This is an extremely tough game to call.  My heart tells me to shoot for the moon and pick the resurgent Jets, but my mind tells me that Payton Manning will once again lead his team to victory, no matter what form the game takes.  What tips the scales in my mind is looking at the Colts impressive defensive outing last week, limiting Ray Rice and the Ravens running attack.  I believe that the combination of Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene will get their yards when all is said and done on Sunday, but the Colts will limit their totals enough to win the game.  

The Colts have so many weapons that even if Darrell Revis does shut down Reggie Wayne, the Jets still have to cover Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie.  


In the end, I just can't see Peyton Manning losing this game, he is too good and too clutch. 
Colts win at home.


NFC


Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints
Sunday, January 24th - 3:40 p.m. PST, FOX

Brett Favre and the Vikings against Drew Brees and the Saints, you can't ask for a better quarterback match-up than that.  Last week really showed me how good the Vikings really are, but then again, the same was true for the Saints.

The key to this game will be how the Saints can handle the front line of the Viking defense, and if they can buy Brees some time to throw.  Regardless of how well the Vikings defense played last week against the Cowboys, they will be facing the best offense in the NFL on Sunday, especially at home.

For the Vikings, they need to protect Favre, and especially if the game is close, get a good day from Adrian Peterson on the ground.  Peterson has hardly been heard from in the postseason, and playing a balanced game could be key for the Vikings.

To say that I am completely stumped on this pick is an understatement, but in the end I just the Saints having too many weapons on offense (Colston, Meachem, Shockey, Bush and Thomas).  The Saints will get an outstanding performance on the offensive side, and just enough from their underrated defense.
Saints win at home.