NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Conference Championships Will Highlight Postseason

The conference title games will bring an element of familiarity and drama the Super Bowl isn't likely to have. The Super Bowl will have the hype, but the genuine emotion of the conference championships will trump the Super Bowl.

No matter how the matchups come out, those elements will be present. The San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints matchup is already established. The winner of that game would take on the winner of the Green Bay Packers-NY Giants/Atlanta Falcons divisional playoff game.

Each of the matchups that could occur from the remaining teams has great appeal. Many believe we're destined to see two of the most prolific QBs in the NFL go head-to-head with a Packers-Saints title game.

It would be a rematch of the outstanding opening week contest. The Packers held the Saints off by eight points then, with a last second goal line stand. As of late, the Saints have been blazing hot. The Niners and Packers would also be a nice pairing. It would be the second consecutive high-powered offense for the Niners to face.

In the AFC, the Patriots await the winner of the Steelers and Broncos. The Steelers are expected to throttle the Broncos, even though they'll be on the road. Needless to say, if the Broncos somehow do pull a series of upsets, Tim Tebow's presence will make every Broncos game must-see TV.

Still, that is highly unlikely. The Ravens also figure to handle the injury mangled Houston Texans.

As far as a potential AFC title game, three words says it all in reference to drama and emotion: Steelers vs. Ravens. It has become the premier rivalry in the NFL. If the two meet for the chance to go to the Super Bowl, it will be the biggest game of the year.

Let's not forget about the Patriots, a battle with the Ravens would be epic as well.

So while the Super Bowl will sell all of the expensive commercial spots, the conference championships will be the best for pure football fans.

Here is remaining playoff schedule:

Sunday

Steelers at Broncos 4:30 EST, CBS

Saturday, Jan 14

Saints at 49ers 4:30 EST, FOX

Sunday, Jan 15

Texans at Ravens 1:00 EST, CBS