NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship Predictions

San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots.

Overview

Coming into this week, New England is undefeated at home, on the road and anywhere else they decide to play. The Chargers come to town after a nice showdown against the Colts last Sunday. New England is favored (obviously) by a lot, but don't put down the Chargers just yet. There might be some surprises in store.

Offense

Patriots. There is no contest here. At all. End of discussion. As much as I like the Chargers, with LaDainian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers hurt, the Chargers won't be able to do much. Granted, the two of them will most likely play, but they will not be able to do much against this talented Patriot 'D'.

With LT and Philip 'I'm Better Than Everyone Else' Rivers hurt, the offense will have to turn to backup running back, Michael Turner, to step up and deliver against a potent Patriot defense. As far as San Diego's receivers go, with Antonio Gates continually hobbling around, the team will turn to wide-out Chris Chambers to step up his game and play like a true championship caliber player.

On the other side of the ball, we look at the Patriots' offense. The Patriots have Randy Moss going deep and Wes Welker in the slot. I would most definitely think of this as one of the best 1-2 punches in the league. In addition to Moss and Welker, the Patriots have Donte Stallworth, who always has the potential to stretch a long play. With tight end Kyle Brady questionable, that spot goes to Benjamin Watson. I like what I see from Watson, but he has dropped quite a few catches.  Overall, by the end of the game, the Chargers will be too tired to keep up with the depth of the Patriot receiving corps, with New England ultimately winning the battle.

Defense

Patriots.  The Patriots are ranked in the top ten in each major defensive category. With a linebacking corps consisting of former Charger Junior Seau, Tedy Bruschi, Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel, the Chargers are going to be lucky to get fifty yards on the ground. The Pats secondary is pretty good, as well. Shut-down corner Asante Samuel goes against Chris Chambers, while Ellis Hobbs gets whoever else the Chargers decide to play at receiver.

The Charger defensive line is going to have their hands full with the terrific left side of the Patriot 'O' line. They will probably focus on the right side of the line to rattle that side of the ball, avoiding wasted effort on Matt Light. 

The Bolt linebacking core is one of the best in the business, with Shawne Merriman leading the way. Laurence Maroney will probably be shut down like he always is, taking this game to an all-out passing raid for both teams. The Charger secondary is pretty good,as well. When Antonio Cromartie matches up with Randy Moss, Cromartie will have his hands full. Too bad the Bolts don't have multiple Cromarties, as that would help shut down the deep receiving corps of the Patriots.

Special Teams

Patriots. Second-year kicker Stephen Gostkowski is a pretty good kicker.  I am still not very confident in Nate Kaeding's kicking ability following his fibula injury. Home field advantage will be a problem for the Chargers, obviously. The Patriots need to watch out for Darren Sproles, the quick returner who is one of the more underrated returnmen in the game.

Coaching

Bill Belichick over Norv Turner. No questions about it. I don't feel like I need to go in depth with this.

Wild Card

If the whole Charger team can step up and make up for injuries, they will have a chance.

My Call

Patriots by 13.

 

New York (Football) Giants vs. Green Bay Packers

Overview

Eli vs. Brett. If Eli wins, the Super Bowl would be the rematch from the last game of the regular season. If Brett wins, the Packers have the chance to possibly send Brett Favre off on a good farewell note. In any case, the winner has another chance at knocking off the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Offense

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