Conference Championship Sunday

We thought we were in for a great day today, a day that the Giants would be in the NFC championship game for the second straight season. After all, they were 11-1, riding high, click on all cylinders (insert additional cliches here). The running game was brutalizing defenses, Plaxico Burress wasn't making as many big plays, but he was helping create room for the other receivers, Eli Manning looked liked the QB who had been Super Bowl XLII MVP. Then Burress shot the season to hell.

Burress probably (and shouldn't be) won't be back in a Giants uniform. Manning looked the pre-2007 playoff version of himself in the divisional round, Kevin Gilbride forgot the running game, and now defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is gone. So while we lick our wounds, the NFL playoffs march on.

NFC

Eagles at Cardinals

We didn't see this one coming. No, we knew the Eagles were the most dangerous NFC team entering the playoffs. But we never thought the Cardinals would get past the first round, let alone the second. But here they are, and with a legitimate chance to win.

The Cards are pass first team. Run if you have to, but don't worry about it. Larry Fitzgerald showed the Panthers game just what a dangerous playmaker he is. He's even more dangerous, when the equally dangerous Anquan Boldin is on the field with him. After missing last week's game with a hamstring injury, he should be (fairly) good to go today, making it a more difficult job for Brian Dawkins and company.

Kurt Warner has been rejuvenated this season, looking like the guy who brought a Super Bowl title to St. Louis. And his current receivers are every bit as good, if not better, than who he threw to for the Rams.

Warner is mistake prone though and not mobile. He showed that in the first series of the second half against the Panthers. The problem was it was the only time Carolina did it all day. The Eagles will throw the kitchen sink at Warner, trying to get him to throw the ill advised pass or take a hit and fumble.

The Eagles don't have the offensive weapons that the Cardinals have, but they do have Brian Westbrook. Donovan McNabb spread the wealth around last week against the Giants, who did a good job of containing Westbrook. The Cardinals, whose run stopping has improved greatly, will have to do the same with Westbrook, and a better job on DeSean Jackson, L.J. Smith, etc.

We're looking at a fairly high scoring game today. Weather won't be a factor other than a few guys getting gassed from the heat. The high will be 76 in Glendale, AZ today.

Cardinals +3.5 vs Eagles Prediction: Eagles 26 Cardinals 24 (we originally thought 31-30, 30-27 and then backed off a bit).


AFC

Ravens at Steelers


Get the band aids and Bactine ready (okay, I cracked myself up anyway), this one is going to hurt. The Steelers and Ravens are ready for a nasty, rock 'em, sock 'em football game today. The problem for the Ravens is they had one last week with the Titans. In putting together a great regular season, the Titans defense was often overlooked for just how tough they were. They showed it last week, despite losing to the Ravens. But the Ravens paid a price- no Samari Rolle, no Terrell Suggs.

Those two losses on defense could be huge, especially against an experienced Steelers team that's playing very good football. It's no surprise that the Steelers are here, many observers felt they had the best defense in the league. Throw in Ben Rothliesberger, Willie Parker, and Hines Ward, and things are pretty good on offense too. It's that offense that should prove to be the difference today.

Joe Flacco will have his work cut out for him. The Steelers will probably double team Derek Mason, Flacco's most proficient weapon on offense, making it tougher for the Ravens to make a big play. And while they have bruising running backs in Le'Ron McClain and Willis McGahee, coach John Harbaugh may have to go to Rutgers' Ray Rice for a chance of pace.

This one should be hard hitting and a lot of fun. With a 6:30 EST kickoff, temps will be in the upper 20s and dropping fast. There's also a 30% chance of snow showers. Leave it to the idiots (those in league with TV), to make the West coast game the early one.

Steelers -6 vs. Ravens This one separates the men from the über men. Steelers 24 Ravens 13

Now it's time to go fill up on Pancakes and coffee and get ready for some Rangers-Penguins hockey at 12:30.