AFC Championship Game
2. New England Patriots (13-4) @ 1. Denver Broncos (13-4)
Sunday, 3:05 PM ET, CBS
In this, what will turn out to be Peyton Manning’s last season, NFL fans will get exactly what they want: a Manning-Brady AFC Championship Game.
It’ll be a classic, too.
The difference in the contest will come down to the best unit on the field making just enough plays to get their squad over-the-top. And that unit will be the Denver Broncos defense.
Yielding just 283 yards a game – far and away No. 1 in the league this season – the Broncos defense will provide what Manning never felt during his illustrious career: much welcomed support.
Broncos 20, Patriots 14
NFC Championship Game
6. Seattle Seahawks (12-6) @ 2. Arizona Cardinals 14-3)
Sunday, 6:40 PM ET, Fox
With MVP Cam Newton watching from the couch, Russell Wilson will steal the show.
His ability to make the big play in the big spot will elevate his club over a very tough Cardinals defense. Can Carson Palmer match that clutch play? Doubtful.
This Seahawks team reminds me of the early 1990s Buffalo Bills squads who never thought they were out of a game. In fact, the regular became very bland and boring to both the early 90s Bills and now, these very Seahawks.
Look for the NFC Champs to get there again.
