Predictions for Today's NFL Conference Championship Games

NFC Championship Game
San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons
Parker's pick: San Francisco 49ers
My pick: San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have an outstanding defense and an offense that is, at times, outstanding. Take, for example, last weekend against the Green Bay Packers as Colin Kaepernick shredded the Pack D for several long runs when his receivers were covered. The 49er offense features a diverse combination of run/pass that prevents an opponent from focusing on one specific area.
The Falcons play well at home. Matt Ryan stepped up in a huge way last weekend against the Seattle Seahawks, leading the Falcons down the field for a successful last second, game winning field goal attempt. The Falcons defense will likely make in-game adjustments that the Packers did not make last week. Having home field advantage in the Georgia Dome could play a huge advantage in the outcome of this game.


AFC Championship Game
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
Parker's pick: New England Patriots
My pick: New England Patriots
The Ravens want to redeem themselves after being in this same position last post-season (losing to the Patriots on a last-second field goal miss in the AFC Championship Game). Will Joe Flacco step again this Sunday? Can the Ravens defense hold down the Patriots multiple receiver sets?
The Patriots always seem unstoppable on offense, until they're not (think last year's Super Bowl). Just when New England seems invincible and on an amazing run, they play a clunker of a game and lose when they shouldn't. Injuries to Gronkowski and Woodhead will either harm the Pats chances in the game or simply open the door for someone else to become a star. The Patriots defense, though improved, can be suspect.