NFL Conference Championship Predictions

This NFL season did not disappoint. There were countless story lines throughout the regular, and they only continued into the playoffs. The first two weekends of the playoffs were definitely ones for the books. In the divisional round, Peyton Manning completed his 9th one-and-done in the playoffs, while Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are headed to their 9th AFC Championship game, and 4th straight. Breakout quarterback Andrew Luck is finally headed for his first conference championship game, and it certainly won't be his last. On the other side, Aaron Rodgers has taken the Packers right back to where they are used to being. Russel Wilson has lead the Seahawks to their second consecutive conference championship game, as they look to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.

AFC Championship- Colts @ Patriots
No matter who the opponent is, the Patriots are always a tough team to beat at home. Brady and Belichick have been here before, 9 times actually, and they are hungrier than ever. For Luck, it is his first time. Experience will be on the Patriots side for this game, along with many other things. You can't bet against Bill and Tom, especially at home. The best postseason quarterback and coach of all time will get their team prepared, and they'll come out on top. Luck has thrown 10 interceptions in the playoffs already in his young career, and he has traditionally been bad against New England. With an average at best offensive line, the Patriots will develop enough of a pass rush to make him uncomfortable, and their secondary will force turnovers. The Patriots already beat the Colts handily in Indianapolis, and with the way their offense and wide receivers have been playing lately, the Patriots will score a lot of points. Even if their defense falls, Brady will still out duel Luck in a shootout any day. Patriots win 38-20.

NFC Championship- Packers @ Seahawks
Just like New England, it is hard to picture Seattle losing at home, especially in the playoffs. Their defense is one of, if not the best in the league, per usual lately. Their offense is stagnant at times, but their defense picks up the slack. Russel Wilson has been playing tremendously lately, and it will be just enough for them. Although they lack the great receivers the Packers have, guys like Doug Baldwin have been playing well enough. Marshawn Lynch has been arguably the best running back this post season, and that should continue vs. Green Bay. For the Packers, a hindered Aaron Rodgers will hurt them mightily. Last week, the Seahawks were able to contain Cam Newton, who is more mobile than a healthy Rodgers, let alone a guy on one leg. In order for Green Bay to win, their defense has to step up, Rodgers needs to be as mobile as he usually is to make plays, and Eddie Lacy needs to have a huge game. Against a defense like the Seahawks, that will be hard to do. Seahawks win a tough one, 24-20

Super Bowl- Patriots Vs. Seahawks
Brady and Belichick are back for their sixth time, and having lost their last two, there is no way they let this slip away. Away from home, the Seahawks are not nearly as good. For the Pats, home field certainly helps tremendously, but Brady has been here long enough to show that playing on the road will not hurt him. So that is one immediate advantage for the Pats. New England scores as well as anybody in the league, including 43 against a great Denver defense. For the Seahawks to have a chance, they need to hold the Patriots below 24 points. With the drive and motivation Brady has, that cannot happen. Offensively, the Seahawks cannot put up 30+ points to match the Patriots. In order for that to happen, Wilson would have to throw for 300+ yards and Lynch rush for 200+, and the Patriots defense would not let that happen. At the end of the day, Tom Brady will be able to put points on the board against Seattle's defense, the New England will slow down Wilson and his offense enough to give the Patriots the win. Brady gets his fourth ring with a hard earned 31-23 victory.