NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship Predictions

Packers. Over the course of the season, the Packer's running game has exploded into one of the best running games in the league. It probably helps if you have the second best pass offense in the league as well. Brett Favre has multiple options to throw the ball to, ranging from Greg Jennings to San Jose State product James Jones. In between these two player can be sandwiched receivers Koren Robinson and Donald Driver.

On the Giants' side of the ball, we have Eli "The Punk" Manning. He has played in three consecutive decent-to-good games. Amazing. Expect a breakdown sometime soon, unless he has actually grown up (unlike Rivers).  Eli has to get the ball into the hands of Amani Toomer or Plaxico Burress. If he cannot succeed in putting the ball in one of those two spots, the Giants will lose. Brandon Jacobs is a very good back who broke out after Tiki Barber retired last season. Look for a very good game from him, but the whole Giant offense, much like it has all season, depends on 'The Punk'.

Defense

Packers. With Charles Woodson and Al Harris in the secondary, this Packer defense can probably be seen as the best or second best secondary in the league. Other than that, not much to talk about the Packer unit. They are very solid and work together as a well- oiled machine to get the job done. No guts, no glory. They truly take one for the team.

The Giants defense has more household names like Michael Strahan and Antonio Pierce. My question to the Giants defense is this:  can they provide the pressure that Seattle, even with their awesome front seven, could not provide?

I am still not confident in the Giant secondary, though. Corey Webster does not appear to be the guy who can take on a James Jones or Donald Driver-type of player. He got burned on several plays earlier in the playoffs and got burned by Randy Moss twice in the final game of the regular season, even if one did not count (dropped pass).

Special Teams

Packers. I love Mason Crosby as a kicker. Not as much as I love Gostkowski, but Crosby is an amazing kicker. He is probably used to playing in the snow from going to school in Colorado, and he does not seem fazed at all by roaring crowds.

I don't see the Giants getting any leeway in kickoffs and punts because their returners are quite vulnerable. The Packers have experienced returners and good blockers who can give Woodson/Robinson good returns. Home field advantage in the snow? Of course the Packers. No one plays as good in Lambeau in the snow as Brett.

Coaching

Tom Coughlin over Mike McCarthy. First time I have ever put Coughlin first. Coughlin has more experience and is riding a two-game playoff winning streak.

Wild Card

If 'The Punk' continues to mature, this will be a game to remember. This game mostly depends on the Giants' ability to pressure Brett Favre. Remember, however, no one plays as well as Brett in the snow covered Lambeau.

My Call

Packers by 10.

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