2010 NFL Conference Championship Predictions: Miselis Edition

Ah, Sunday morning. Just hours away from kickoff of the NFL Conference Championships with a trip to Miami on the line.

At this point in time, three of the teams left standing (Saints, Colts, Vikings) have been expected to be here for months now.

However, the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets?

Making a similar run as the Baltimore Ravens did a year ago: pounding the rock, playing dominant defense, and not putting the entire game in Mark Sanchez' hands. The victory in San Diego last week came down to the wire, and once again, sent another favorite home packing.

Now they face Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, who defeated the Baltimore Ravens 20-3 a week ago. The storyline for over a month now has been in part because of this game.

While the Jets still get the hate mail for having two teams "lay down" for them, the Colts are still questioned for the benching of players while they were still undefeated.

In the conference, this matchup has been destiny for many of us NFL fans. Brett Favre earning another shot at a Super Bowl ring since his last game was a Green Bay Packer vs. the Giants.

The Saints, however, return to the NFC Championship since their loss to the Chicago Bears a few seasons ago. This time, they are at home in arguably the toughest place to play in the NFL.

So with what is at stake today in these semifinal games, who will be heading to Miami in two weeks? Here is the Miselis Edition: NFL Conference Championship Predictions.

Game One: New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts

The first game of conference championship week begins with a rematch between the Colts and the Jets. The league's best defense going up against the league's most intelligent quarterback. How shall it pan out?

X-Factors: Pierre Garcon, Shonn Greene

In the rematch of the Colts vs. Jets, both of my X-factors come on the offensive side of the ball.

First, Pierre Garcon. Garcon has put together a solid season since receiving more playing time in 2009. He has shown the ability of success in the slot for Manning, and can be favored in is matchup with any corner he faces, most likely Lito Sheppard.

Certainly he is going to be a difference for the Colts' offense, as he did not even suit up vs. the Jets the first time around.

Shonn Greene must continue to be a factor in the game, as well running the ball. Greene has played his best football in the past two months, which will need to continue against a Colts defense that is fresh and had great success at stopping the run of the Ravens' run attack.

Greene shows the most explosiveness between the two starting tailbacks, and has shown his ability to break tackles and turn them into touchdowns—a weakness the Colts' defense has faced.

What Everyone Is Watching For

I read an article earlier today regarding Manning's recent success against the Rex Ryan defense. He will have a game similar to last week, but with Revis covering Reggie Wayne, most of his passes will be heading to Garcon or Collie.

Keep in mind the Jets' struggles versus the tight end last week with the Chargers' Antonio Gates. Can New York shut down both Wayne and Dallas Clark? Not one team has done that this season, and if they do, it will be double trouble for Manning and company.

Now we shift over to the Jets' offense. In the last meeting, Brad Smith, who could have also been an X-factor of mine, had success running the Wildcat and on kick returns. He will need to perform to the highest level to give a spark to the offense.

And I am curious to see if Mark Sanchez can carry this team in the fourth quarter like last week. You know how unstoppable Manning is in the fourth quarter, no matter good the defense. The Colts' defense looked fierce last week, which leaves me to believe nothing will change this week.

Prediction: Colts over Jets

Because of the Jets' defense, this game is going to be close going into the fourth quarter. But as mentioned above, with Manning's success in fourth-quarter games, along with the defense being on the field the entire game, I'll take Indy in a close game, 23-16.

Game Two: Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints

The second game of conference championship week should be a high-scoring affair between the Saints and the Vikings. Both have very balanced offenses, while both defenses can be exploited. Who will face the Colts in Miami for the Lombardi Trophy?

X-Factors: Percy Harvin, Reggie Bush

Once again, the X-factors are on the offensive side of the ball, which is not much of a surprise. Harvin, who has been dealing with migraines for the past week, needs to be a factor to give Minnesota any chance.

He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year for a reason, for being able to make game-changing plays in that aspect, along with being a special teams threat.

Sidney Rice has been Favre's first target over the past few weeks. Bernard Berrian has hit a wall, as he is not playing up to his capability like he was earlier in the season. Visanthe Shiancoe has been hot and cold over the past month.

Harvin brings the vertical route that Favre is looking for and needs to help create the balance for the Vikings.

Reggie Bush, on the other hand, might have put together the best game of his young career over the Cardinals. With two touchdowns—one rushing and one on a kickoff return—I couldn't tell you if I ever saw Bush play at that level in the NFL.

Bush helped create balance for the Saints, which they lacked in the month of December. Bush will most likely get the most carries at running back and play as a slot receiver, which we should look out for.

What Everyone Will Be Watching For

With the offenses set to be in sync for most of the game, both defenses will have to step up. The Saints seem much more content defending the pass, as we have seen them play at a high level before. Also, having Darren Sharper as a security blanket helps too.

Minnesota has made it clear you will have to throw the ball to beat them. Their run defense is one of the best in football. Jared Allen, the Williams tandem, and Ray Edwards will try to bring the pressure to Drew Brees.

However, both of these defenses have weaknesses. The Saints have played some good running games but have had a very hard time stopping it. Now Adrian Peterson, who has struggled in the past month, comes to town. Will Peterson reach 100 yards rushing? It is a possibility.

Also, the Saints' passing defense can be attacked today with the weapons Favre brings to town.

Regarding the Vikings, the running defense is usually stout, but at times has given up the long yardage play due to the absence of EJ Henderson.

However, the biggest weakness is in the secondary. The Vikings' defensive front will have to bring the pressure, because I don't see the Vikings stopping the Saints through the air.

Overall, if Brees is rattled, less points will be scored for the Saints. But if time is given to him, he is going to find an open man every time.

Prediction: Saints over Vikings

I am going to take the New Orleans Saints over the Minnesota Vikings in a shootout. The home crowd will be a factor, as Minnesota has faced trouble away from home. Yes, they have played on turf, but many of these guys have never seen how this stadium erupts every Sunday.

Minnesota may contain Brees today by bringing the pressure, but I don't think it will be as dominant as their victory last week. Brees has to many weapons to throw to, and I would be very surprised to see if Minnesota can contain all of them.

I see the Saints winning a close game, 35-30.

So, yes, I have the Colts vs Saints in this year's Super Bowl. Should be two exciting games today, and should be interesting to see how they play out.

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com. He is also an NFL Featured Columnist, and covers the NFL Draft on NFLTouchdown.com.