It was an action packed playoff weekend, and then there were four: San Francisco 49ers against the New York Giants and the New England Patriots versus the Baltimore Ravens.

First, the home team and the National Football Conference (NFC). The 49ers will play a completely different team than the Saints, who were second to last in the NFL in takeaways on defense, despite their high octane offense; New York will not give them the same luxury.  The Saints gave the ball to the 49ers five times, while the Giants gave up only one turnover.  San Francisco’s Achilles against the Giants may be through the air, citing when they gave up 462 yards to Drew Brees while New York only gave up 264 yards to Aaron Rodgers. Both teams are stacked with defensive stars.  Alex Smith, for example, is emerging as a top-tier quarterback using his efficiency as a dangerous weapon.  Eli Manning went 21/33 with 330 yards through the air for three touchdowns and one interception. The Giants are hungry, but then again, so are the Niners. My prediction: NY Giants 21, SF 49ers 17.

For the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game, we will see the New England Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens.  The Patriots have the best rushing defense but the second to worst passing defense with ease passing 26/34 for 363 yards and six TDs with one interception. Brady has so many weapons, including “The Gronker,” a.k.a. Tight End Rob Gronkowski, who led the team in receiving with ten receptions for 145 yards and three TDs. What worries me, however, was the inability for Baltimore to get a solid passing game going, as the Patriots are more effective on the run game, so the Ravens will have to get creative. This one could get ugly and fast as these two teams haven’t met in the regular season, and will promise to be a close battle.  My prediction: New England Patriots 31, Baltimore Ravens 28.

Thanks for reading.