2012-13 Picks - NFL - NFC & AFC Championship Picks

If you're thinking, "haven't we seen this before", in regards to these playoffs, well, you're not mistaken. 3 of the 4 teams representing the AFC and NFC are the same as last year. The Patriots seem to always be around this time of year. The Ravens are back for the second year in a row to make amends for last years lost against the Pats. The 49ers are attempting to make up for what likely should've been a trip to the Superbowl last year. And of course, we have the inevitable playoff home underdog, the Atlanta Falcons. All these teams have a unique chip on their shoulder. So who's going to make it to the big stage?

Sunday, January 20

San Francisco @ Atlanta | 2:00 p.m. CT

The San Francisco 49ers still have a very fresh memory of Kyle Williams lying face down on the field after having fumbled a kick off return along with their Superbowl hopes. But the 49ers feel like a totally different team--most notably because there's a totally different dynamic when Colin Kaepernick is at QB. I haven't been a fan of Harbaugh's decision all season long. However, last week against the Packers, he showed that maybe he has as much poise and confidence as any veteran QB in this years playoffs.

The Atlanta Falcons are this years home underdog. Having finally gotten the "win a playoff game" monkey of their backs, almost instantly, they feel dangerous in the way the Giants have in past years. Although their primary weapons are on the offensive side of the ball, that defense is no slouch, either. Matty Ice and the dirty birds are poised for an "upset"...

...But I don't think they'll pull it off.

My Pick: San Franciso 49ers

Baltimore @ New England | 5:30 p.m. CT

For Harbaugh and the Ravens, particularly Ray Lewis, these playoffs are about finishing. Finishing Ray's last game in Baltimore. Finishing off Peyton Manning and Broncos in OT. And now, finishing the rivalry that started against Belichick and the Pats.

It's not so different for the Patriots. They couldn't finish off the 49ers after their comeback in Week 15. But they were able to finish what they started with the Texans last week. Most importantly, they weren't able to get the job done against the NY Giants last year in the Superbowl. In order to get another chance at that task, they'll need to finish off Ray Lewis and the Ravens once and for all.

Although, If there was a perfect last game for Ray, one might imagine it would be in the Superbowl ... but I can't imagine a better final opponent for Ray to defeat than Belichick and Brady.

Unfortunately for him, you can't have two AFC teams in the Superbowl. So his last ride has to end in Foxboro.

My Pick: New England Patriots

Thanks for reading!