NFL Playoff Picks: Road Teams' Chances of Winning

What are the chances New York and Baltimore emerge victorious on Sunday? 

They must win on the road this weekend if they're to advance to the Super Bowl. 

The terrorizing defense of the San Francisco 49ers stands in the Giants' way, and the Ravens' must stop the potent New England Patriots' offense led by Tom Brady and his fabulous tight end tandem. 

Let's assess the possibilities.

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers 

Over the years, the Giants have been a fantastic road playoff team with Eli Manning under center.

In 2011, he pieced together the best regular season of his career, and he's continued the brilliance into this postseason.

He threw for 4,933 yards with 29 touchdowns during the regular season. Heading into the NFC Championship Game, he has tossed six touchdowns and averaged more than 300 passing yards per game in the playoffs.

The Giants' defense may be the most integral part of their success. They accumulated 48 sacks during the regular season and have six sacks along with a handful of quarterback pressures in their first two postseason games.

Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has the luxury of being able to apply pressure on opposing signal-callers by only sending four pass-rushers.

While Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora receive all the statistics and headlines, tackle Chris Canty is extremely important to the unit's success as a whole.

All signs are pointing to him playing on Sunday.

Their presence elevates the play of all the secondary members. Remember, Donald Driver led the Packers with three catches for 45 yards last weekend. 

Stunning.

Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have provided the team with good balance, although I don't expect them to have their way against the top defense in the league. 

If the Giants can protect Eli, which will be no easy task with the scintillating Smith duo attacking, the Giants should be able to move the ball. 

By getting pressure on Alex Smith, they could keep Vernon Davis from having another monster game. 

We're in a for a tightly contested, hard-hitting game that's dominated by each team's defensive line. 

Giants' chances of victory: 55%

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots 

Although the Patriots seemingly cannot be stopped, the Ravens' physical and experienced defense matches up well. 

New England's offensive line is as reliable as they come, but Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs pose formidable threats on both the inside and the outside. 

Because they have Ed Reed roaming in the secondary, I expect Baltimore to play frequent press man coverage and use chips on Rob Gronkowski to disrupt timing with Brady. 

Their defensive scheme is similar to a Steelers' group that confused the Patriots' quarterback in their win over New England the day before Halloween in 2011. 

Brady won't be completely stopped, and he will most likely throw a few touchdown passes. But, the Ravens' certainly have the talent and will most likely have the game plan in place to limit the Pats on third down and halt some of their long, sustained drives. 

On offense, Joe Flacco is facing a poor secondary that'll enter this game with loads of confidence after their dismantling of Tim Tebow. 

While they miss the pass-rusher Andre Carter, Mark Anderson has picked up his slack. And, Rob Ninkovich has done a marvelous job getting after the opposing signal-caller as well.

However, Ray Rice will be the determining factor. He went for nearly 160 on the ground in the Ravens 2010 playoff victory in Foxboro and was the team's sure-fire MVP this season.

He was held to "only" 80 total yards in the Ravens' win over the Houston Texans, but he should have a bounce-back game against a team that will be worried about Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith's big play ability down the field.

Lastly, the Ravens are definitely not in awe or afraid of the Patriots' mystique. 

Baltimore's offense will have to put on quite a performance to stay with Brady and Co., and I think they're up to the challenge.

Don't expect the Pats to put 45 on the board, either.

Ravens chances of victory: 45% 

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