NFL Playoffs 2012: 5 Bold Predictions for AFC Championship Game

The New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens are one game away from achieving their goal of reaching the Super Bowl. 

It's something they set out for each year, but in recent years both teams have come up short. The AFC Championship game in Foxborough is expected to be a good one, and both teams will deliver on those expectations. 

This matchup has exactly what you want in a championship game. One team has a superb offense and the other a stout defense. 

Sunday will be an intense battle that will keep you glued to the television screen for its entirety. With that said, here are five bold predictions for the AFC Championship game. 

1. New England Won't Cover 

According to vegasinsider.com, the Patriots are favored at -7.5, but the Ravens will prevent them from covering. 

Tom Brady and Company have played extremely well at home, only losing one game this season in Gillette Stadium.

They'll be on point again, but the Ravens have enough talent to keep this game close throughout, which is why New England doesn't cover. 

2. Take the Over

According to vegasinsider.com, the over/under is set at 49.5, and since both offenses will come, the total will go over.

Yes, the Ravens have one of the best defenses in the NFL, which will give Brady a tough time. However, the Patriots excel at putting points on the board, and they're not going to let up this weekend.

New England can manage to score more than 25 points on Baltimore because it will have to. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice won't have much trouble making plays against the Patriots' subpar defense.

Brady will have to match the Ravens score for score, resulting in the over.  

3. Over 700 Yards Passing 

The Patriots had one of the worst pass defenses in the league, giving up an average of 294 yards per game. Flacco will connect with Torrey Smith on a huge play, which will boost his stats big time. 

Brady, on the other hand, will continually work the passing game because Baltimore will shut down New England's run game. Because of this, both quarterbacks will throw for over 350 yards. 

Baltimore is known for its defense, but the offense will be shining bright this Sunday, which is why Brady will also be performing at a high level, outsmarting the Ravens defense on multiple occasions. 

4. Flacco Flops 

Even though Flacco will put up great stats, it's all about how he performs in the high-pressure situations. Converting the 3rd-and-long plays is crucial, as well as being able to lead his team to a come-from-behind victory. 

When the game is on the line and the Ravens need a big play from Flacco, he will fall flat on his face. We've seen it several times before, and it will happen again on Sunday. 

Flacco needs to use this game to show he can be an elite quarterback, but unfortunately, he'll struggle with the pressure, proving he doesn't quite yet have what it takes to be considered one of the best.

5. Final Score 

Since Flacco is going to flop, this clearly means the Patriots will win and move on to the Super Bowl. The Ravens will ensure this game remains close throughout, resulting in a tight matchup that will greatly please the fans.

We've seen all sorts of craziness happen this season in the NFL, and the AFC Championship game will be another fantastic game. 

In the end, Brady comes out on top because he is the better player with more offensive weapons. 

Patriots 31, Ravens 28