NFL Playoff Bracket 2012: Projecting Super Bowl XLVI Participants, Winner

With some great AFC and NFC Championship games expected this weekend, Super Bowl XLVI will have a lot of hype.

To that end, here is a quick prediction for each Conference Championship Game and then another for the Super Bowl.

AFC Championship: Baltimore at New England

The biggest concern for either team in this game is how to stop the opponent's passing game. Tom Brady and the Patriots have a vast array of targets, including arguably the best tight end in pro football, Rob Gronkowski.

The Ravens have the reliability of Anquan Boldin plus the speedy deep threat of Torrey Smith. Baltimore has a better pass rush; however, Brady has better protection than Joe Flacco and the Pats defense is much more opportunistic against the pass.

And although Joe Flacco played well last week, he and Baltimore must win on the road—something they've struggled with in 2011.

Patriots over Ravens

NFC Championship: NY Giants at San Francisco

A tough defensive battle that will have a lot of sacks, turnovers and punts, the Giants and 49ers always seem to have a nail-biter in the postseason at Candlestick Park.

San Francisco has the more complete defense as they're much better at defending the rush and pass while still having a solid pass rush. New York, on the other hand, relies a lot on their front four to get QB pressure while the coverage need not actually cover too long.

The 49ers also have the better rushing attack; however, the Giants are much better at throwing the ball. Alex Smith's production will be key as his mobility will save the 'Niners when blitzed. Thanks to a suffocating defense and balanced offense, New York's one-dimension isn't enough.

49ers over Giants

Super Bowl XVLI: San Francisco vs. New England

A battle of polar opposites when it comes to philosophy, the Patriots and 49ers meet in Super Bowl XLVI and combine for eight Super Bowl wins.

The San Francisco defense may have faced Drew Brees and the Saints as well as Eli Manning and the Giants, but Tom Brady and New England are on another level of playoff effectiveness.

Rob Gronkowski is a step off from New Orleans' Jimmy Graham, and the 49ers, much like everyone else, don't have a defender who can stop him. And with stopping the passing game being their more vulnerable area, San Francisco can't afford to double-team Gronk with Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Deion Branch doing work elsewhere.

The 49ers defense will have to force a lot of field goals because New England is going to stretch the field on them and set up the run toward the goal line.

As for Alex Smith and San Francisco's offense, the balance is improving but expect Bill Belichick's defense to blitz relentlessly. And if there's anything we've seen this season slow San Francisco's running game and get Smith flustered, it's blitzing.

The Patriots may have had a weak pass defense in the regular season, but they know how to make plays and the underneath coverage is better than advertised. Include a solid pass rush and Smith's mobility will once again play a major role.

Make no mistake about it, the 49ers will move the ball, but can they stop New England and Tom Brady?

Not enough.

Patriots over 49ers

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