Conference championship predictions

After last weeks games I'm not sure any off you will listen to my predictions but who could have predicted last weeks games! This weekends conference championship games have a lot to live up to if they are to replicate last weeks match ups. As usual I will give a brief overview of the key match ups and make a final prediction for each game.

AFC New England v Baltimore
I wrote Baltimore of last week going into Denver I thought they had no chance but they took Denver all the way and then put them away in over time. Both teams look like they have found there rhythm and play off football comes naturally. I think this match up relies on how much time Brady gets the ball, Rice needs to be worked hard keeping Brady of the pitch. Flacco has looked his best in the playoffs and I think regardless of the result he will have another good day. Although I expect Belicheck to take away the big deep threat of Smith and therefore ensuring Rice has to run well. The ravens D is rolling on an emotional roller coaster at the moment with the thought each game could be the last for Ray Lewis. The defence has played well and will continue to do so this weekend but like usual Brady will have his moments and force a win. I think this could be the last time we see number 52 and so will no doubt be emotional, it will be close but Brady is the factor and knows how to get it done.

NFC Atlanta v San Francisco
I find this match up much harder to call. In the past I have not been very complementary of Kaepernicks skills but he was unbelievable last week and made me eat my words. I think it's going to help Atlanta having seen Wilson last weekend because while they do not run exact copies they have similar offences. Kaepernick made hay last week when he correctly used the read zone option offence and in particular tucked it under his arm and ran. Atlanta for vast pasts of last week took that away from Wilson and I again think they will be able to do the same this week. Kaepernick will for sure make his big plays but it will not be to the same level as last week. Ryan showed us all something different last week that he is clutch, he can make plays when it counts and will need to do so again tomorrow. I have said many times before that I think this 49ers defence is the most all round defence in football but in the same breath I think this Atlanta offence is very good and does a good job at sharing it all around. I think Atlanta will find it difficult to win but will be powered by the home crowd and will find ways to do so in a variety of methods. This is why I think Atlanta win this game and it could come down to the final drive.

Enjoy another great weekend of football.