NFL Conference Championship Weekend

[Ray Barnes]

As of a few hours ago, the Vegas betting line was Denver over New England by 4.5, and Seattle over San Francisco by 3.5.

I'm still picking New England for a upset in a close game, because the Pats have had excellent success against Peyton Manning, I think they will find a way to win. If the Pats have an advantage it is in coaching. As for the other game, admittedly San Francisco has been the best team in the NFC over the last 6 weeks, including a 2 point win at home over the Hawks. On the other hand, that game was settled on (as I recall) a 53 yard run late combined with some tough penalty calls against Richard Sherman. I think the officiating will be more even this time. If Russell Wilson finally gets his own running and passing to earlier form, and special teams does its job, I like their chances at home.

Rumor has it that CBS has been in contact with the Broncos over the "Omaha" issue. The network is concerned about a potential loss of viewers and advertising revenue outside of Nebraska. Accordingly, a new set of quarterback line of scrimmage calls are being prepared, which will likely include but not be restricted to the following:

Colheita
Chewbacca
Tim Tebow
Oklahoma (sung)
Oprah
Osaka
Irsay Sucks
San Diego Chicken
Take That Eli
Wes Hates Kraft

[John M.]

I'm taking the Broncos and Seahawks.....anyone but the Patriots (sorry Moses)....

[Moses Botbol]

Pats by a wicked margin. Gas up the Duck Boats, there's going to be a parade down Boylston St.

[Eric Ifune]

I gotta go with the "Hawks." If only because I grew up in Southern California.

[Ray Barnes]

Here is one prediction from NFL.com:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap200000 ... rs-move-on

Weather forecasts: Denver sunny, 64F (!), wind 13mph
Seattle mix of sun and clouds, 48F, wind 4mph

[Ray Barnes]

Glad to see the weather forecast turned out to be pretty accurate. Early in the 2nd quarter, it looks like the Pats are lucky to be down by only a field goal.

[Glenn E.]

I'm really pessimistic about the late game. S.F. is on a roll and the Seahawks offense just isn't performing. We need Percy Harvin to open things up.

Hope the 12th Man can come through. We'll be on a plane flying back from Phoenix so I'll miss at least the first half.

[Ray Barnes]

Unless something has happened in the last 2 days, Percy Harvin is not playing today due to a concussion.

At half time in Denver, the Broncos have been the better team by a wide margin, far more so than the Seahawks over the Saints a week ago. With Aqib Talib out of the game, the Pats are in trouble.

[Glenn E.]

Yeah, that's the problem. With Harvin I think the Seahawks win without too much trouble. Without him, the D is going to have to be extra stiff because I'm not confident that the O will be able to score very often.

About to go dark for our flight. Go Seahawks!

[Marc J.]

I'm saying the Broncos & the Seahawks. My first choice would have been the Chiefs, but that didn't quite work out...

[Ray Barnes]

The Hawks appear to me to be losing the battle of the line of scrimmage. Lynch is not getting any yards, and Wilson is running for his life. At half time, the 49ers deserve to be in front.

[Glenn E.]

Sounds like I was pretty close. D stepped up in the 4th and handed the O a couple of easy field positions. Glad the Hawks won. Also glad that Sherman essentially got the winner with that tip for an interception. Looked like something they'd practiced before.

[Ray Barnes]

If the 49ers had not turned over the ball on their last 3 possessions, they probably win the game. Not that I am complaining or anything.

IMHO, the AFC game was a blowout for the Broncos in every respect except for the 10 point victory margin. When your defense gives up almost 500 yards, there is something very wrong. I also feel the Chargers, with hindsight knowledge, played better the previous Sunday.

If Richard Sherman ever came out of his shell, he'd be all right.

[Glenn E.]

If Richard Sherman ever came out of his shell, he'd be all right.

[Roy Hersh]

Notice MOSES is finally quite quiet today. Maybe even at this moment in time. I would imagine when he forecasted his beloved Patsies would win big over the Broncos, he never expected to be on the wrong side of a freakin' SLAUGHTER. Sorry Moses. Beantown has seen enough winners in recent years. Time to share.

The refs did their very best to ruin a classic NFC Championship game. Actually, without some bad calls and arguable "no calls" the Seahawks would not have won, though I am glad they did.

Last week, in the other thread, I picked both of the winners for this week and am 9-1 over the past three weeks of playoff prognostication. Had it not been for the loss by one point ... a lucky run of the table. Should have been betting. NOT.

Anyway, heart says Seahawks, head says Peyton Manning. SB prediction: DENVER. As good as the Seattle D is, they've not met a team like Denver this season. With 4 receivers coming at them and Peyton with options, it might just be a very long day and longer XC flight back to the PNW. I hope I am wrong, but I'll stick with this pick, either way.

[Ray Barnes]

Have to agree with Roy's assessment of yesterday's results. That non-call of the fumble near the 49ers goal line looked bad on the officials; I was not disappointed to see the Hawks turn it over the next play. The NFC game was better by far.

As of late yesterday, the Las Vegas line for the Super Bowl is Denver by 3. I am reserving judgment, pending an accurate weather forecast. Am hoping for real winter conditions, if for no other reason than to have Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers freezing at half time. The Pepsi and Nissan commercials are starting to do to my nerves what a chain saw does to trees.

[Glenn E.]

Seattle hasn't seen an offense like Denver's, but Denver hasn't seen a defense like Seattle's. The saying goes that defense wins championships, and in the previous matchups between top defenses and top offenses that has generally been the case.

I really, really, really want Seattle to win. But my head says that Denver's defense is just good enough to keep Seattle's good-but-not-great offense in check, while their offense will still be able to score. Though possibly not as much as they're used to.

My head tells me that Denver scores TDs and Seattle kicks FGs. 24-16 Denver wouldn't surprise me.

My heart tells my head it's a traitor and believes in 27-24 Seattle.

[Ray Barnes]

..and Richard Sherman's got his post football career already lined up.
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/01/ ... interview/

....start spreading the news, I'm leaving today, I want to be a part of it, East Rutherford NJ....

[Roy Hersh]

Seattle is very very tough against the running game. Will they be nearly as stong against a 3-5 prong passing attack with a QB that make Kaepernick look like a college second stringer by comparison and receivers that are at least as skilled if not far more so than all but one on the Hawks. This could wind up like yesterday's AFC demolition derby. I hope not, but just sayin'.

[Bradley Bogdan]

Seattle is very very tough against the running game. Will they be nearly as stong against a 3-5 prong passing attack with a QB that make Kaepernick look like a college second stringer by comparison and receivers that are at least as skilled if not far more so than all but one on the Hawks. This could wind up like yesterday's AFC demolition derby. I hope not, but just sayin'.

I think that's a very accurate assessment. As good as Seattle's D was this season, they were only average against the pass. As average as Moreno is as a RB, he has been running behind a very effective line, and is a very good blocker, complimenting what's already been stellar protection for Peyton this post season, not to mention most of the regular season as well. All told, I'm not seeing where Seattle is really going to stop Denver. Making Peyton pass a lot may slow then down some, but it's hardly a fool proof recipe for success unless they're playing in a blizzard.

As for Seattle's offense, Lynch may be the only weapon they really have to slow down Denver. We'll see how the injury report looks later in the week, but IIRC from listening on the radio, Denver had a couple important defensive starters leave the game, which could ultimately open the door for Seattle's sluggish O to grind out some extended possessions and stay in it. They are desperately hurting for any deep threat right now. If they had one, I'd think they could be the favorite.

Personally, I'd love to see Denver win, as there has always been much too much made of Peyton only having one ring. I think they have the edge.