NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Why the AFC Championship Game Is Must-Watch Football

When a great offense faces a great defense, it almost always produces fantastic football. Sunday's AFC Championship Game should be no different. The New England Patriots and their incredible offense will host the Baltimore Ravens and their stellar defense, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

New England has been led by its offense all season, and that unit has spearheaded the team's current run of nine straight wins. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has had another incredible season, and that only continued in the team's Divisional round win on Saturday. In that game Brady threw for 363 yards and a ridiculous six touchdowns, as New England cruised to a 45-10 victory over the Denver Broncos.

During the regular season, the league's reigning MVP was fantastic as well. He completed 401 of 611 passes (65.6 percent) for 5,235 yards, with 39 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. His quarterback rating of 105.6 ranked third in the NFL. 

While Brady is the key to New England's offense, his weapons have had outstanding years as well. Receiver Wes Welker and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez have been incredible this season.

Opposing the Patriots on Sunday will be a Ravens team that ranked third in the NFL in total defense this year, allowing just 288.9 yards per game. The Ravens also ranked fourth against the pass (196.3 yards allowed per game) and second against the run (92.6 yards allowed per game). Simply put, Baltimore had what was probably the most balanced, all-around outstanding defense in the NFL this year. That is something we've become accustomed to hearing over the years.

Today Brady said that the Ravens will be the best team the Patriots will face because they have stars on defense. He's absolutely right.

Guys like linebackers Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed and defensive lineman Haloti Ngata are all All-Pro caliber players. If anyone can slow down New England's offense, it is Baltimore's defense. 

The battle between the Patriots and Ravens should turn out to be a fantastic game as their two top units do battle all afternoon.