NFL Playoff Picks 2012: Early Score Predictions

It's only Wednesday of Championship Week, but let's run down some early score predictions for both the NFC and AFC Championship Games.

BALTIMORE RAVENS vs. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

If there's a defense that can make the Patriots' red-hot offense put on the brakes, it might be the Baltimore Ravens.

There are playmakers at every level, and the veterans on that unit should have some confidence after holding Tom Brady to 154 yards passing and picking him off three times two Januarys ago. 

But here's the catch—the Ravens didn't have the face the tight end combination of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez on that fateful day in 2010. On Sunday in the AFC Championship Game, the two matchup nightmares will be the difference for the Patriots. 

New England uses Hernandez in several ways—even at running back—to get him into space, and we all know what kind of monster Gronkowski can be in the red zone.

How do the Ravens keep the lid on both those players? 

They don't.

Brady uses the two early and often to build a lead, and Joe Flacco is unable to comeback on the road.

Patriots 31, Ravens 20

NEW YORK GIANTS vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Remember when everyone wanted to see Saints-Packers in the NFC Championship Game?

Well, Giants-49ers may end up being a better matchup.

On one sideline, we have a team that's again riding the momentum train to an unlikely playoff run. On the other sideline, there is a team that's led by a fiery coach and a quarterback that everyone wrote off 12 months ago.

It's a walking, talking storyline machine.

But let's get to the actual game, which should be a good one.

The Giants are going to put a lot of pressure on the 49ers secondary with their receiver trio of Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham.

However, the 49ers can get after the quarterback better than any team left in the field. Aldon Smith and Justin Smith can get to Eli Manning, and we all know how inconsistent Manning can be in the face of pressure.

Defense will rule the day in the NFC Championship Game, and I think that favors the 49ers. They'll make their first trip to the Super Bowl since 1995.

49ers 21, Giants 20