NFL Playoff Predictions 2011: 5 Bold Predictions for AFC-NFC Championship Games

This weekend the AFC and NFC Championships will be determined to see what teams will meet up in Super Bowl XLV.

The 2011 NFL postseason has been filled with upsets and surprises that have stunned even the most knowledgeable fans.

Before we can discuss the Super Bowl spread, we will have to see what two teams advance.

This is just the start of the wackiness as the two games for this weekend will provide more drama, intrigue and stunning developments. At this stage in the season, anything can happen.

Here are five bold predictions for the conference championship games.

5. There Will Be a Special Teams or Defensive Touchdown in Both Games

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Tramon Williams (R) #38 and Nick Collins #36 of the Green Bay Packers react after Williams intercepted a pass in the endzone against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15

All four teams left in the playoffs have exceptional special teams and defensive players that can change the game on one play.

In the NFC Championship Game, Devin Hester can return a kick for a touchdown with ease. He has done it once this season against the Packers already. The Packers let up a kick return last week against Atlanta, and it could happen again this week.

The Packers have an impressive return man in Tramon Williams on the other side of the ball. He seems to be getting better and better and looked good in the last game of the season against the Bears.

Both defenses have ball-hawking, quick-footed players that can cause turnovers and bring it to the house for six.

In the AFC Championship Game, Brad Smith returned a kick against the Steelers in the teams' first meeting. Both defenses can cause turnovers and are aggressive on the return.

There is a good chance that both games could yield big plays on special teams and defense.

4. Mike Wallace Will Beat Darrelle Revis...Twice

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Mike Wallace #17 against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio.

One of the most anticipated matchups in the AFC Championship Game will be speedy Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace against Jets shutdown corner Darrelle Revis.

Revis is one of the best corners in the league, but he can’t match up with the speed of Wallace. Wallace is one of the fastest players in the league and can take Revis deep. Wallace can outrun him if he can get through a bump and run coverage and break a big one.

The key to this bold prediction coming true will be Ben Roethlisberger buying time in the pocket, something he has done well over his career.

It doesn't matter who covers Wallace. He is going to have a big day.

3. Jay Cutler Will Outplay Aaron Rodgers

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears during pregame before the Bears take on the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons

Before Packer Nation loads up and attacks for this bold prediction, let me explain.

Aaron Rodgers is the better quarterback overall, and that is not even close, but in this game Cutler will have the better numbers.

The Bears defense knows that it needs to shut down Rodgers. They will focus on Rodgers and do their best to attack him on any given play. The Packers may run the ball, but it will be for show as they attempt to make the Bears think they may actually try to run.

Cutler has it easier because the Bears have gone more to the run over the last several games to provide protection for Cutler. The Bears establishing the run will take pressure off Cutler and open up some passing lanes. The end result will be a big day for Cutler.

2. The Steelers Will Win by Double Digits

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates the game winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pi

The Steelers will be the toughest defense that the Jets have faced in the playoffs.

The Steelers are hard-hitting and play physical football. They can shut down the run and put the pressure on Mark Sanchez to deliver. Sanchez has played well enough to win when the running game is working, but without it he could be in big trouble.

The latest AFC Championship spread has the Steelers favored by three points, and they will cover that number with ease.

This bold prediction is that the Steelers win 31-17.

1. The Chicago Bears Will Win

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 27: (L-R) Johnny Knox #13 and Greg Olsen #82 of the Chicago Bears celebrate after Olsen scored a 9-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 27, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo

Everyone is on the Packers bandwagon after the convincing win over the Atlanta Falcons, but the Bears have a much better defense than the Falcons.

The Bears are at home and playing with a chip on their shoulder as disrespected underdogs.

The Bears have an advantage on special teams with Hester returning kicks and a field goal kicker in Robbie Gould who never seems to miss. The Bears are currently listed as 3.5-point underdogs by online sportsbook BetMania, although they won't need the points.

The final bold prediction is the Bears will beat the Packers by the final score of 17-14.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail].

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