NFL Conference Championship Game Predictions

Last week: 2-2. Playoffs: 4-4.

AFC
New England at Indianapolis: Everyone knows the storyline. Another chance for Peyton Manning and the Colts to get the monkey off their backs named the New England Patriots. This time at home, Indianapolis has to feel confident. The Colts need to get ahead and make New England play catch up. This is the year. Colts 24-20.

NFC
New Orleans at Chicago: The Saints are allegedly everyone's feel-good story, although that isn't as prevalent as the media would have you think. New Orleans has the offense and a decent enough defense to win. Rex Grossman had a good game for the Bears last week -- lets see if he can keep it going. Chicago's defense and special teams makes the difference. Bears 21-17.

NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions

Last week: 2-2.

AFC
Indianapolis at Baltimore: It's been nearly 23 years since the Colts left Baltimore, but some fans in the city won't forget (although they got the Browns from Cleveland). The pressure is on Indianapolis' Peyton Manning, a road game against a strong defense. Steve McNair has been the difference for the Ravens, but Manning is a little better. Colts 27-21.

New England at San Diego: The marquee matchup of the weekend and a tough one in the public eye for Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer. His team is the top seed but has to play a three-time Super Bowl champion. San Diego's defense will have to slow down Tom Brady and give LaDainian Tomlinson a chance to operate. It can happen. Chargers 28-24.

NFC
Philadelphia at New Orleans: The Saints are the sentimental favorite, hosting their first divisional playoff game, while the Eagles have been the league's hottest team. A game featuring the top two offenses (New Orleans No. 1, Philadelphia No. 2) will come down to which defense makes the most plays. The Eagles appear better equipped for that. Eagles 26-23.

Seattle at Chicago: The Seahawks may be beat up and lucky to be in the next round, but they're here. Bears fans have been talking Super Bowl since mid-season, but only if Rex Grossman comes to play. Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander will need to play like the guys who led Seattle to last season's Super Bowl. Chicago's defense is too strong. Bears 20-14.

NFL Wild-Card Predictions

AFC
Kansas City at Indianapolis: The Colts' problems stopping the run are well documented and Larry Johnson of the Chiefs is a powerhouse. However, expect Indianapolis to come out firing and force Kansas City to try to match scores. The Chiefs won't be able to. Colts 34-17.

NY Jets at New England: The personal relationship between the Jets' Eric Mangini and Bill Belichick of the Patriots notwithstanding, this one comes down who plays better - Chad Pennington of New York and New England's Tom Brady. I'm with Brady. Patriots 21-17.

NFC
Dallas at Seattle: The Cowboys have lost three of four and are in full panic mode. For defending Super Bowl participant, the Seahawks have spent the majority of the season drawing scant attention. Is Dallas' defense that bad? Seattle's secondary might be. Cowboys 27-20.

NY Giants at Philadelphia: This seems like the one lock, with the Eagles streaking past the Giants and Dallas to win the NFC East, while New York wobbled into the playoffs. One hot team always goes out and a game against a division opponent looks like a good spot. Giants 23-20.