NFL Championship weekend

[Ray Barnes]

AFC Championship, Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - prior to last weekend, with the Steelers gone, my pick to win the AFC was the Ravens. I did not find their victory at home over the Texans convincing. Over the last 6 games between New England and Baltimore, the Pats are 5-1, with the loss coming in the Divisional playoffs. In their last game in 2010, the Pats won 23-20 in OT. For the most part, the games have been close. With the Patriots' weak secondary, I expected the Ravens to have a signficant advantage, but they appear to me not to have a lot of offensive weapons besides Boldon and Ray Rice. Unless Brady aggravates his shoulder or the Ravens' O-line and Rice really outdo themselves, I think the Patriots can win, albeit in a very physical and close game. Am taking the Pats by 3 points - but would not be shocked by an upset. This may come down to special teams.

NFC Championship, New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers - I'm still not sure how much of the Saints' turnovers was a direct result of the 49ers' very physical defence. The Giants are on a great roll after very convincing wins over the Falcons and Packers, reminding me a lot of what Green Bay pulled off a year ago, and the Giants too on their run to the Super Bowl 4 years ago. This is I think a pick 'em game, but I am taking the Giants, on the strength of Eli Manning - assuming he is not sick by gametime. This (heck, both games) could go to overtime.

I am hoping for a repeat of the Pats vs. Giants, or a battle of the Harbaugh brothers.

Last weekend, 2-2. Overall, 4-4.

[Moses Botbol]

I hope for Pat's - 49er's match up. I am really nervous on how the Pats will match up to the Ravens. If Brady gets sacked a few times; that's it. Pats are great with the no huddle, so if they can keep that style of play and put the Raven off balance they have a chance. Ravens have more desire to win and are so physical. This going to be a dog fight!

[Ray Barnes]

So far the Pats-Ravens game, late in the 1st quarter, has been a lot of fun to watch - both defences are hitting and playing hard.

[Glenn E.]

Major clock mis-management on that last FG. Ravens should have used their last TO instead of rushing the snap. Can't blame Cundiff for that one even though he probably should have made it anyway.

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[Ray Barnes]

Alhough I was rooting for the Pats, I remain unconvinced that the Ravens' pass into the Pats' end zone was incomplete. He appeared to have both hands on the ball, and both feet well in bounds. Why it was not challenged, I have no idea.

[Glenn E.]

I only saw one like that, but the one I saw the ball was knocked out of the receiver's hands before he had "completed the act of catching the ball" which is different when there is contact (or not) or when the reception is in the end zone. As I understand the rule, it was called correctly on the play I saw.

I was cooking while watching, though, so you might be talking about a different play that I didn't see.

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[Ray Barnes]

Nope Glenn that was the play - and thanks for clarifying the rule. Now I'm happy about the outcome of the game.

[Glenn E.]

Well the Giants played well enough to win and the 49ers special teams (specifically #10) gave them an added bonus to seal the victory. I can't help but think that this pretty much proves that the NFL isn't rigged because Giants-Pats is only interesting for about 1/3 of the country. Sort of like an all-SEC college football championship.

Still, the game should be good. I have to go with the Giants now - defense still wins championships and the Giants is also very good!

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[Ray Barnes]

I agree with Terry Bradshaw that Eli Manning had his @$$ handed to him and he still hung in there. Anyway, it was a great day of football.

Sure, defence wins championships - both teams are good on defence. I like the Pats gaining some revenge from 4 years ago.