NFL 2015: Conference Championship Picks
The Final Four. It may be a term more synonymous with basketball, but the NFL will have their version this weekend with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
Looking at the four teams playing on Sunday, I think it's safe to say these are the four best teams in the league. I can't think of any other team that deserves to be in the Conference Championship than New England, Denver, Arizona and Carolina. These four have great quarterbacks and good defense. Denver was number one in total defense, Arizona was number five followed by Carolina at number six and New England was also in the top 10 at number nine.
So, who will advance to Super Bowl 50 in two weeks in Santa Clara. My picks are next.
Conference Championship Picks (Home team in CAPS)
New England over DENVER (Sunday, 3:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Tom Brady versus Peyton Manning for the 17th and possibly final time on Sunday. It seems only fitting that Peyton Manning's possible last game will be against his old rival, Tom Brady and the Patriots. Brady and Manning are both Hall of Fame players, but how well do you know them? ESPN put together a great five part quiz about Brady and Manning. Check it out here.
As for the game, I like the Patriots. I was so unimpressed by the Broncos last week that I just don't see Denver getting to the Super Bowl. If it weren't for a Fitzgerald Touissant fumble, the Broncos would've lost to the Steelers who were without Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. The Denver defense will keep it close and if Peyton and the offense don't turn the ball over, there is hope for the Broncos. In the end, I see Tom Brady going to his seventh Super Bowl. Patriots 27, Broncos 17.
CAROLINA over Arizona (Sunday, 6:40 p.m. ET, FOX): For the first time in NFL history, two Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks will meet in the NFC Championship. Carson Palmer versus Cam Newton. The Panthers have been the best team all season, but I think the Cardinals are the one team in the NFC that could challenge them -- I thought Seattle stood a chance last week too, but I was wrong. The Cardinals have a top 10 defense, better receivers than the Panthers and they have the coaching advantage as well. I believe Bruce Arians is a better football mind than Ron Rivera and his aggressive style of play calling could be the difference in a Arizona upset.
Historically thought, West Coast teams struggle on the East Coast in the playoffs. Carolina has a huge advantage being at home and it's that home-field advantage that I think will be the difference. I expect a interception or two from Carson Palmer that will be too costly to overcome. Panthers 23, Cardinals 21.
Last Week: 3-1
Playoff Record: 5-3
Overall: 159-105
Looking at the four teams playing on Sunday, I think it's safe to say these are the four best teams in the league. I can't think of any other team that deserves to be in the Conference Championship than New England, Denver, Arizona and Carolina. These four have great quarterbacks and good defense. Denver was number one in total defense, Arizona was number five followed by Carolina at number six and New England was also in the top 10 at number nine.
So, who will advance to Super Bowl 50 in two weeks in Santa Clara. My picks are next.
Conference Championship Picks (Home team in CAPS)
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| Sunday could be the final meeting between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) |
As for the game, I like the Patriots. I was so unimpressed by the Broncos last week that I just don't see Denver getting to the Super Bowl. If it weren't for a Fitzgerald Touissant fumble, the Broncos would've lost to the Steelers who were without Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. The Denver defense will keep it close and if Peyton and the offense don't turn the ball over, there is hope for the Broncos. In the end, I see Tom Brady going to his seventh Super Bowl. Patriots 27, Broncos 17.
CAROLINA over Arizona (Sunday, 6:40 p.m. ET, FOX): For the first time in NFL history, two Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks will meet in the NFC Championship. Carson Palmer versus Cam Newton. The Panthers have been the best team all season, but I think the Cardinals are the one team in the NFC that could challenge them -- I thought Seattle stood a chance last week too, but I was wrong. The Cardinals have a top 10 defense, better receivers than the Panthers and they have the coaching advantage as well. I believe Bruce Arians is a better football mind than Ron Rivera and his aggressive style of play calling could be the difference in a Arizona upset.
Historically thought, West Coast teams struggle on the East Coast in the playoffs. Carolina has a huge advantage being at home and it's that home-field advantage that I think will be the difference. I expect a interception or two from Carson Palmer that will be too costly to overcome. Panthers 23, Cardinals 21.
Last Week: 3-1
Playoff Record: 5-3
Overall: 159-105
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