NFL Playoff Predictions: Projecting Who Will Win and Cover Against The Spread

The conference championships are here.

This Sunday’s matchups feature four of the leagues paramount defenses, all built to carry a team.

Green Bay is a favorite on the road heading into Chicago, while the Jets will be looking for another upset in Pittsburgh.

I have your picks for who will cover in Vegas and advance to the Super Bowl.

Green Bay (-3.5) @ Chicago

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Packers are the hottest team in the league. Their wins against the Giants and Bears in Weeks 16 and 17 combined with their two road wins in the playoffs have them heading into Chicago off four elimination game victories in a row.

The Bears played the Packers tough in Week 17, but that was before the emergence of James Starks and a much needed rush attack for Green Bay.

Following Starks’ success at Philadelphia in the first round, defenses have finally started to bight on the Packers play-action. The Bears defense will put up a valiant effort against Aaron Rodgers, but the Packers are carrying too much momentum.

Aaron Rodgers is silencing all of his critiques. If the Packers can get up early and keep pressure on Cutler, they’ll have no trouble pulling away.

Pick ATS: Green Bay -3.5 @ Chicago

Final Score: Packers win 27-17

New York (+3.5) @ Pittsburgh

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Jets are playing inspired football. Rex Ryan has done an excellent job at keeping opposing offenses confused. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady both saw minimal blitzing from the Jets and were forced to turn away from their dependence on short and efficient passes.

If Revis can shut down Mike Wallace, then the Steelers are going to have a lot of trouble moving the ball through the air.  In order for the Steelers to win, Mendenhall will need to rush for over 100 yards—not an easy task against a clicking Jets defense.

Both teams will have trouble moving the ball early, but the Jets seem to be coming together at the right time. They are a fearless team. They know they can steal a win in Pittsburgh just as they did in Indy and New England.

Whether cocky or confident, the Jets have been backing up their trash talk and should find a way to cover in Pittsburgh this Sunday.

Pick ATS: New York +3.5 @ Pittsburgh

Final Score: Jets win 14-13