New England Patriots
Don’t think just because the Patriots have discovered a running game, evident by LaGarrette Blunt’s 166 yards and 4 touchdowns, this team is built around their ground game.
Oh no, this is still Tom Brady’s team. What Blount’s performance does is cause more headaches for a shaky Bronco defense. The victory over the Colts proved Bill Belichick’s team can control the clock and keep the great Peyton Manning on the sideline. Combine a new and improved running game with an elite quarterback going against a weak defense and what do you have? Answer: another Super Bowl for the Patriots.
Seattle Seahawks
Whoever says Veair Green isn’t objective, this will prove you wrong. Anybody who has ever interviewed me, done a podcast with me, been in a production meeting with me, knows I am a diehard fan of the 49ers. But since I am a journalist at heart, I will explain why the Seahawks will go to New Jersey for the Big Dance.
The 12th man takes home field advantage to another level and can rattle a young Colin Kaepernick. Plus, they have a lockdown corner (Richard Sherman) for Michael Crabtree or Anquan Boldin a big physical safety to match up with Vernon Davis (Cam Chancellor) and a front seven that can stop Frank Gore. If any running back can produce against the tough San Fran defense it Marshawn Lynch who will be turned up for Beast Mode.
Ok, there I said it!
And now, Matt’s counterpoint…
San Francisco 49ers
Let me start with the NFC Championship game. I think this game will come down to the very last series of downs. These two teams know each other so well and as you know split during their regular season meetings. Even though Seattle clearly dominated the New Orleans Saints, I believe as that game ran it’s course that Seattle players we’re getting more more banged up. Percy Harvin, one of Seattle’s biggest offensive threats, left the game injured and is doubtful to play against the 49ers in the NFC championship game.
Even though Seattle is favored in this game I think that the 49ers are going to go to their second consecutive Super Bowl.
The 49ers executed very effectively on both sides of the ball today and did so with relative ease. In their last meeting Jim Harbaugh really out coached Pete Carroll, and the 49ers defense was clicking on all cylinders. Now don’t get me wrong, this will be a close game like I said, but I really feel that the 49ers are better equipped to win another NFC Championship. They are the veteran playoff team, and dangerous in games like these. And another reason why the 49ers will win? They have the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair in their corner! Come Sunday in Seattle the 49ers will be “limousine ridin’, jet flyin’ ,kiss stealin’, wheelin’ dealin’,” their way to another Super Bowl appearance! Woooooooo!
Denver Broncos
Classic Matchup in the AFC Championship game. Not Denver vs New England of course, but Manning vs Brady. When they met during the regular season the Patriots pulled out a close victory, but this time their is way more on the line, and another chapter to add to a great QB rivalry. The Patriots have almost transformed Tom Brady into more of a game managing quarterback than his super star quarterback persona. That being said, he’s still Tom Brady, and he and the Hoodie (Bill Belichick) seem to always find a way to win. And they have made quite a career of doing that very thing in these type of games.
However, the Broncos seem to be rolling this season under the hot handed Peyton Manning. Single season touchdown record aside, Peyton Manning is a man determined this year. Ever since the Colts sent him on his way after his neck surgery, Manning has had something to prove again. What you might ask? That he’s still got it, that he’s still the quarterback that he was before the surgery, and that he is still the best quarterback in the game today. Expect Manning to try and put this game squarely on his shoulders. Why? Because he’s done it before, so don’t be surprised when he does it again. Peyton has to prove to himself (and Bill Polian) that he can still be great. Sunday he will be again as he leads the Denver Broncos back to the Super Bowl. 
