The Top 10 Subplots To Watch in the AFC/NFC Championship Games

Soon two teams will punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.  Who those two teams will be is anyone's guess.  One thing is for sure, though: The championship games to be played this weekend won't be lacking in excitement. 

We know about the potential Super Bowl berth that is on the line, but do we know about the several interesting sub plots that go along with this potential Super Bowl bid?  Let's take a closer look starting with the NFC championship game.

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints: Sunday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. ET  

5.) The Saints will have a loud and rowdy crowd backing them in this one.  These fans have waited 43 years to see a championship game get played out in New Orleans, and this is their first opportunity.  That's right, never in the 43-year history of the Saints has a championship game been played in New Orleans.  Come Sunday, the Superdome will be rocking.

4.) It will be a homecoming of sorts for both Darren Sharper and Brett Favre this Sunday.  This will be Sharper's first time playing against his former team.  For Favre, the Mississippi native gets to go back to the South for a weekend.

3.) It's simply the best of the best.  At this point, what more could you ask for?  Sunday will be a contest between the two top seeds in the NFC.  It's a battle of the titans, but only one will move on.

2.) It's the old gunslinger vs. the young gunslinger in this contest.  There should be an abundance of points, and it's anyone's guess as to what QB will come out the victor in this one.  Some say Drew Brees will prevail; some say the younger, talented QB in his prime wants it more then anyone.  Some say Favre's experience and toughness will be enough to get the job done.  Come Sunday, all the questions will be answered.

1.) This is a rematch from a very exciting and emotional game played on Monday night back in 2008.  If that game was a precursor of what's to come, get your popcorn ready because it's going to be a good one.  In the Monday night game back in '08, the Vikings won on a 30-yard field goal from Ryan Longwell with 13 seconds remaining.  The game also saw Reggie Bush return two punts for touchdowns.  As of late, Bush has looked exceptional, and should be chomping at the bit for another piece of Minnesota come game time.

New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Jan. 24, 3 p.m. ET

5.) Remember Week 15?  If you don't, I'm willing to bet Peyton Manning does.  This was the week the Jets ruined the Colts' perfect season and caused fans to question whether or not coach Jim Caldwell had made the right moves during that game.  Needless to say, Peyton will be out to prove a point.  He is going to want to prove that the Jets would have never beat the Colts if he had played the entire game that week.  The Jets will be out to prove him wrong. 

4.) Will the Jets' rookie QB crack under the pressure?  Mark Sanchez is a huge question mark going into Sunday's game for the simple fact that it's uncharted territory for the rookie out of USC.  He hasn't been spectacular in the postseason, but he has been able to limit his mistakes and do just enough to give the Jets a shot week in and week out.  Chances are if Sanchez is off, it may be a long day for Jets fans.

3.) The reigning MVP is looking to get back to the Super Bowl just two years removed from capturing his first ring over the Chicago Bears.  Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the game, and he is trying to get to the biggest stage the game has to offer once again.  This is his time to shine!

2.) Darrelle Revis has proven to be a huge weapon on defense for the Jets, but can he continue to shut down the other team's best receiver week in and week out?  He thinks so.  Rex Ryan thinks so.  Just ask him, he'll tell you.  Trust me, Rex will tell you.  It's going to be interesting to see how Peyton and that Colts offense attack Revis, if they attack him at all.

1.) A very good offense vs. a very good defense; who wins?  That is the million-dollar question at the moment.  Rex Ryan would argue that defenses win championships.  Peyton Manning has come across very few defenses in his day that were able to stop him.  Come Sunday, something will have to give.  Either way, this is going to be some entertaining football.  You can count on that.