Look for a grizzled old veteran and a perfect team to shine.
Last weekend’s 3-1 forecast was marred by San Diego’s huge upset of Indianapolis, a result few forecasters projected. As ESPN’s Chris Berman likes to say, “That’s why they play the games.” The rest of the contests went pretty much as expected, although Green Bay and the Giants looked in trouble early, and Jacksonville played New England close for most of the game.
Mother Nature should play a big role in how this year’s AFC and NFC Championship games unfold, with wintery conditions expected in both New England and Green Bay. Fans could not ask for much more! Playoff football, outdoors, in the elements, with a chance at the ultimate prize in professional football on the line.
These teams are familiar with each other, having met in the regular season. The Packers and Patriots easily defeated their opponents, but the teams they met then are not the same teams they meet Sunday. A bruised and battered San Diego will have to play its best game of the year to have a chance against New England, while all eyes will remain focused on New York quarterback Eli Manning to see if this run of excellent games is a mirage or a reflection of things to come.
San Diego (13-5) at New England (17-0). The Chargers shocked the football world last weekend with their surprising upset of the Colts, in Indianapolis, with their starting quarterback, all pro running back, and all pro tight end out for large portions of the game due to injury. The Patriots meanwhile, held Jacksonville at bay until quarterback Tom Brady finished his dissection for a solid win. Few people give the Chargers any chance of defeating the undefeated Patriots. Even with a healthy team, San Diego would be hard pressed to once again shock the football world and derail New England’s drive for ultimate perfection. I have no doubt the Chargers will leave everything they have on the field, but they will be unable to keep up with this Brady-led offensive juggernaut. It should be entertaining early, but eventually New England secures a comfortable win. New England 38 – San Diego 20.
New York Giants (12-6) at Green Bay (14-3). The Giants continued their impressive play of late with solid offensive and defensive performance’s in “Big D” to bring another sour end to the season for the Cowboys. I refused to anoint Dallas as the team to beat in the NFC this year until after they beat Green Bay in late November, and they came into the playoffs limping and vulnerable. I called the Giants the best in the NFC after they started the season 6-2. A slow start to the second half forced them down the power rankings, but here they are one step away from a surprising ticket to the Super Bowl. As long as Manning keeps his poise, the G-men have a chance to pull off the upset. The Packers looked like this would be the last place they would find themselves after falling behind Seattle 14-0 less than five minutes into the game. Cagey veteran quarterback Brett Favre worked some of his magic and running back Ryan Grant overcame two early fumbles that set up Seattle’s big early lead to rush for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. It is great for the fans, it is great for the NFL, and it is great for football in general to see Favre have this young team on the precipice of a Championship. It will be icy cold and there could be snow, conditions you love to see in a huge January game at venerable Lambeau Field. It should be close, competitive, and entertaining, and I like the Packers to win. Green Bay 23 – New York Giants 20.
If this forecast holds true, fans will be treated to a Super Bowl that -- whether which team wins -- will end in “perfection.”
I am a 54-year old sports fanatic currently working as a research analyst and writer for the U.S. government in Germany. I am married and have two sons, both of whom also live and work here in Germany. I became a grandfather for the first time in July 2004, with the birth of a grandson. I was born and raised in Minnesota and am a die-hard Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves fan. My favorite sports are professional and college football, basketball, and baseball, and I am also an avid enthusiast of golf, boxing and tennis. I have lived in Germany for more than 20 years, which has given me a greater appreciation and understanding of more traditional European sports such as soccer, cycling and Formula I racing.