NFL Playoff Predictions: Upset Picks for Championship Round

The New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens are underdogs in their respective conference championship games, but both have the intimidation factor on defense and balance on offense to pull off upset victories. 

Let's take a look at what each team will need to do to advance to the Super Bowl and if either team is up to the daunting task of winning a conference championship on the road.

Baltimore Ravens 

The Ravens' have boasted a nationally-renowned defense for over a decade now and stopping the opponent is still what they do best. 

They actually match up well with the potent Patriots and have to do a variety of things to have to chance in this football game.

First, they'll need to pressure Tom Brady, especially up the middle because of the way he loves to step up into the pocket.

Haloti Ngata, Jarret Johnson and Terrell Suggs should employ many inside rushes because they don't need to worry keeping contain on the outside with Brady, who's not a threat to scramble for big gains.

More importantly, being extremely physical with tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski is an absolute must. 

I'd be stunned if they didn't implement a ton of press coverage on all the Patriots' pass-catchers. 

Offensively, although it may be enticing to let Joe Flacco loose against the league-"worst" secondary, featuring Ray Rice prominently is still in the team's best interest. 

Even if they fall behind, they must stick with the ground game and call a variety of easy screen passes to move the football. 

I expect this Baltimore team to be prepared, disciplined and ultimately give New England a tough test at home, but they won't be able keep up with Brady on the scoreboard and I'll take him over Flacco in the fourth quarter any day.

Patriots squeak by. 

New York Giants

For the Giants to beat the defensively magnificent San Francisco 49ers, they'll need to play one of their most complete games of the year. 

Fortunately for New York, all their specific offensive and defensive units are playing their best football of the season right now. 

The offensive line is the most vital aspect of the Giants' success. Eli Manning does an incredible job diagnosing blitzes pre-snap and if he continues to direct his offensive front and they provide him ample time to throw the football, the former Super Bowl MVP should have another solid performance. 

The G-Men beat you through the air on all varieties of throws. Shallow crosses turn into big gains. Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks have big play potential, but have both become reliable chain-movers on critical third downs. 

Jake Ballard, the team's 6'7'' tight end, also creates match up problems. 

Although they've been prolific through the air, they've shown dedication to the running back duo of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. The Giants must run the football throughout, to open up throwing lanes for Manning late in the game. 

On defense, New York has to play press, man coverage on the 49ers outside receivers. Jim Harbaugh loves calling those quick slants to pick up nice chunks of yardage on first and second downs. He especially loves those sudden passes in the red zone. 

San Francisco will look for tight end standout Vernon Davis down the seam, so safeties Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant must be aware of the 49ers' best downfield target. 

The Giants' defensive front has been the most intimidating pass-rushing group in football and if they get into the head of Alex Smith with continuous pressure, it'll lead to hurried throws and costly turnovers. 

Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter are an underrated backfield tandem, but they only ran the ball a total of 20 times in Divisional Round victory over the Saints. 

With their balance on offense, unrelenting defensive line and a Super Bowl-winning signal caller, the Giants emerge victorious by a touchdown over the 49ers.

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