NFL Conference Championship Predictions: It's Gonna Get Green in Dallas

We’re down to the NFL’s version of the Final Four, as two teams remain in the AFC and two in the NFC. Time to find out who’s going to Dallas for Super Bowl XLV. Hopefully, I can improve on my 4-4 playoff record with these selections:

NFC Championship: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

Division rivals that have played 181 times already will play for only the second time ever in the playoffs, and the stakes are high.

Lovie Smith was thought to be on the hot seat at the start of this season but he’s gotten this team further than anyone expected. In the beginning of the season, the offensive line couldn’t seem to protect Jay Cutler, and he was forcing passes that were intercepted. Now offensive coordinator Mike Martz got things turned around, and the offense is in sync.

The Bears defense has gotten another great season from Brian Urlacher and the return of Julius Peppers has been huge. They need to pressure Aaron Rodgers and disrupt his rhythm.

Green Bay was a preseason Super Bowl favorite for many. Aaron Rodgers is playing great and the Packers come off a huge win in Atlanta last week, where they blew out the top-seeded Falcons. Rodgers and his receivers have been on fire the past month and will be the key to this game.

The running game has been improving, but the Packers have the advantage in the passing game if they can protect Rodgers.

The defense is led by Clay Matthews and a great secondary. Their key today is B.J. Raji stuffing the run. If he stops Matt Forte repeatedly, it’ll put the Pack in position to win.

This game just comes down to Aaron Rodgers, who has been phenomenal. The Bears have to rush the passer and knock Rodgers around. I think the storyline of the next two weeks is: The Packers return to the Super Bowl the year Brett Favre retires.

My Pick: Packers 21, Bears 17

AFC Championship: New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers

This is a great matchup. The two teams played a great game in Week 15, as the Jets won in Pittsburgh, 22-17. Both are coming off huge wins over rivals last week but should be able to get up for this game since the Super Bowl awaits the winner.

The Steelers have been here numerous times and have a ton of experience. Several players on that team have Super Bowl rings and want another. They had a big comeback last week against the Ravens. Their offense will have to find a way to handle the pressure packages Rex Ryan will dial up against Ben Roethlisberger. Their defense is tough and can stuff the run and send their linebackers at the QB.

The Jets are back in the AFC Championship and hope to make the next step this year. Mark Sanchez has been playing well and made the plays the Jets needed down the stretch. They’re a good running team but have found chemistry in the passing game with Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Dustin Keller. The Jets will need big games from those players to advance.

The Jets have a tremendous defense that can shut down the passing game. They can cover and rush the passer.

The Steelers need to run the ball. They’ve got to try to hit some draws to try and slow down the Jets pass rush while getting in and knocking QB Mark Sanchez around. The Jets need Sanchez to come through with big pass plays as it’s going to be very difficult to run on the Steelers. I think the Jets keep it rolling.

My Pick: Jets 24, Steelers 20