NFC Championship Game: The Road To Tampa Goes Through Arizona.

Is there anyone out there who, a few weeks ago, thought the Arizona Cardinals would be hosting the NFC Championship game?

I didn't think so.

Most people thought the Arizona vs. Carolina game would be over by halftime, and it was, but it was the double-digit underdog Cardinals scoring 27 unanswered points to go into the half up by 20 and the game well in hand.

Now the Cardinals are sitting at home, where they were 6-2 on the season, just one win shy of a NFC Championship.

The team that has taken the underdog role to heart are underdogs (+4.5) once again, this time at home.

Make no mistake, the Philadelphia Eagles have played well defensively lately, and most of the year, including holding the high-powered Cardinals offense to 20 points and forcing five turnovers in the game.

This is a different Arizona Cardinal football team though, playing the disrespect card at every turn, with another chance to do so—at home.

I expect Arizona to play much better at home and not turn the ball over as much this weekend as they did in the first meeting, allowing the offense to score in the passing game.

The Cardinal defense has found a way to play at a level needed to win in January, somewhat like the suddenly strong Indianapolis Colts defense did on their way to the Super Bowl a couple years back.

I look for Arizona to pull off another upset, this time at home, and earn a trip to Super Bowl XLIII.

Prediction - Arizona 31 - Philadelphia 24

Predicted MVP - Kurt Warner