NFL Conference Championships: Predicting the Top 10 Performances

It's that time—we're just days away from the NFL's conference championships weekend. 

In the AFC, we have the Baltimore Ravens taking a trip up to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots while in the NFC we have the New York Giants traveling coast-to-coast to battle the San Francisco 49ers. 

The four remaining teams are without a doubt a talented group and they certainly have their fair share of playmakers—and if these teams are going to advance to Super Bowl XLVI, then these playmakers are going to have to have some incredible performances. 

With that being said, here are 10 players that will have remarkable performances in the NFL's conference championships. 

Victor Cruz, WR New York Giants

Victor Cruz has yet to score a single touchdown this postseason, but I am predicting that he will have a great day against the San Francisco 49ers. 

Coming into this weekend, the 49ers finished 2011 as the 16th-best pass defense—which is simply mediocre. The 49ers may have an elite defense, but they're just average in the secondary.

Taking that into consideration, Cruz should have plenty of opportunities to flourish Sunday. 

Prediction: Five receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown

Rob Gronkowski, TE New England Patriots

I don't care who Rob Gronkowski is playing against—he will produce; he is a machine.

Gronkowski snagged 10 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns last weekend against the Denver Broncos and I believe his success will continue this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Prediction: Eight receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns

Justin Smith, DT San Francisco 49ers

Eli Manning needs to be on the lookout for defensive tackle Justin Smith—he has a real talent for putting pressure on the opposing quarterback.

In last week's game against the New Orleans Saints, Smith sacked Drew Brees once and I believe that he will improve on that mark this Sunday against New York's offensive line. 

Prediction: Three sacks and three tackles

Deion Branch, WR New England Patriots

I am assuming that the Baltimore Ravens will do whatever it takes to get Wes Welker out of the game—but Deion Branch is coming to come back to haunt them.

Branch had three receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown last week against the Denver Broncos, and I am expecting similar numbers this weekend.

Prediction: Four receptions for 75 yards and one touchdown

Ray Lewis, LB Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis very well is aware that this could be his last chance of winning a Super Bowl and I guarantee to you that he will be all over the place this Sunday afternoon against the New England Patriots.

Lewis was a tackling machine last weekend against the Houston Texans, recording eight total.

Prediction: Nine tackles

Eli Manning, QB New York Giants

I do believe that the New York Giants will advance to the Super Bowl and that Eli Manning will have a productive day against the San Francisco 49ers.

Prediction: 25-of-35 for 275 yards and three touchdowns

Vernon Davis, TE San Francisco 49ers

As I previously predicted that the New York Giants will win and that Eli Manning will have an incredible day, that means that the San Francisco 49ers are going to have to score some points.

With that being said, Vernon Davis is their best receiver and he will have a huge day.

Prediction: 12 receptions for 150 yards and two touchdowns

Patrick Chung, S New England Patriots

Patrick Chung will have himself a game this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Chung will be all over the field racking up tackles left and right. As New England's biggest defensive playmaker, he will have to have this kind of day against the Ravens.

Prediction: Seven tackles and one sack

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE New York Giants

The New York Giants will get to Alex Smith; I can promise you that. With that being said, Jason Pierre-Paul will have a huge day for the Giants.

Prediction: Five tackles and three sacks

Tom Brady, QB New England Patriots

I'm not buying that the Baltimore Ravens will slow down the New England Patriots—Tom Brady is going to score points, no matter who he's playing. 

Prediction: 27-of-35 for 330 yards and four touchdowns

Be sure to check out Tony Santorsa's blog: PatriotsPlus