Just two more games need to be played until we know which two team will be playing in Super Bowl 46 in Indianapolis, IN, Feb. 5, as this week the 2012 NFL Playoffs Conference Championship games will be played Sunday. The New England Patriots (14-3) host the Baltimore Ravens (12-4) in the AFC Championship (3 p.m. on CBS), while the New York Giants (9-7) visit the San Francisco 49ers (13-3) in the NFC Championship (6:30 p.m. on FOX).
More importantly what's on the line Sunday is my picks and predictions record, which is currently hanging at just above .500 at 41-39-2 overall.
Last week, my only correct prediction was picking the Giants over the Green Bay Packers, while the Ravens just missed covering their 7 1/2 points over the Houston Texans.
So, can I end the year in the money? Lets find out, as I give you my 2012 NFL playoffs Conference Championship picks and predictions.
StoryStream: NFC Championship Game, New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers
Patriots (-9) vs. Ravens
All the signs in this one point to New England winning this one and being the No. 1 villain in Super Bowl 46. Tom Brady is playing well, while Rob Gronkowski seems unarguable. Meanwhile, things are moving so well for the Pats' offense that they've decided to handle the ball off out of the backfield to tight end Aaron Hernandez.
Yes, the Pats defense has struggle but it also seems to be find a solid rhythm. So, how can the Ravens down the New England?
First off, run the ball with running back Ray Rice and then hope that quarterback Joe Flacco can make enough plays to win the game. Do I think that can happen?
Oh yeah.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Patriots 24.
49ers (-3) vs. Giants
After knocking off Super Bowl favorite Green Bay, New York has a lot of people jumping on its bandwagon. Not only that, everybody wants to see a Super Bowl rematch between the Giants and the Patriots -- I know I do. However, San Francisco is playing really well and its tough not to believe in a team that can outgun the New Orleans Saints in the final seconds.
This game is going to come down to a few keep aspects: 1) Turnovers -- which is always the case in situations like this and both teams are doing this well; 2) running game -- Frank Gore vs. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs; 3) one big play -- Vernon Davis did it last week as did Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks in back-to-back weeks.
Who do I think will do all three of these things best?
Prediction: Giants 24, 49ers 20
The SB Nation New York StoryStream will have everything you need to know leading up to the Giants-49ers matchup. Check Big Blue View to join a discussion with Giants fans. For complete coverage of the NFL playoffs you can also visit the SB Nation NFL Hub Page.