NFL Conference Championship Game Predictions

Last week: 3-1
Playoffs: 4-4

Minnesota at New Orleans. Despite their late-season slumps, the NFC's best team are here. The Saints host the conference championship game for the first time and appeared to regain their stride in last weekend's blowout of Arizona. New Orleans will go with its strength (passing), but will need to run the ball to hold off the Vikings' strong pass rush. Minnesota's defense was the difference against Dallas however, Adrian Peterson is the key to controlling the game and keeping the Saints' offense off the field. How about a Brett Favre-led drive for the win? Minnesota 34, New Orleans 31.

New York Jets at Indianapolis. The Jets pulled off the surprise of the playoffs with their win in San Diego. New York's plan is simple - defense, run the ball and keep rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez out of tough situations. The Colts easily handled Baltimore and faces a team with a similar style. The Jets beat Indianapolis in the regular season to end its unbeaten run, but we all know the Colts pulled their starters. Peyton Manning is the best player in this game and should be able to handle New York's blitzing scheme. Indianapolis 21, New York Jets 10.

NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions

Last week: 1-3

Arizona at New Orleans. The Cardinals have won playoff games in two straight seasons - who would've though that could happen? The Saints haven't played a good game since defeating New England at the end of November. The signs point to an offensive show, but which defense can make a play? Arizona's Kurt Warner is lights out in the playoffs, but the Cardinals have been inconsistent. New Orleans isn't as bad as the last five games have shown. New Orleans 34, Arizona 28.

Baltimore at Indianapolis. The pressure is on the Colts. Not going for the perfect season may have been blown out of proportion, but the reality is a loss in this spot brings an offseason of second-guessing in Indy. The Ravens delivered one of the most stunning playoff performances last week in memory - can this happen again? One of the worst things for an opponent is a great player with something to prove. Peyton Manning does. Indianapolis 23, Baltimore 13.

Dallas at Minnesota. The game of the weekend. It doesn't take much for the Cowboys to become the national favorite, and two straight national television blowouts of Philadelphia will do that. The pressure is also on the Vikings, Brett Favre specifically, as this game is what he was brought in to win. Minnesota needs a big game from Adrian Peterson - Dallas' pass rush and pass defense has been stifling. The Cowboys' offensive line makes the difference. Dallas 21, Minnesota 17.

New York Jets at San Diego. Do we realize the Chargers haven't lost since October 19? This is a classic matchup problem for San Diego - the Chargers' offensive strength (passing) is the Jets' defensive forte. San Diego's defense weakness (run stopping) is what New York thrives on. Mark Sanchez was solid for the Jets last week and New York must make sure that solid is all he needs to be. Every round has a weird game - this looks like it. New York Jets 19, San Diego 16.

NFL Wild Card Predictions

Week 17 regular season: 11-5
Final regular season: 169-87

New York Jets at Cincinnati. In the first of three playoff-weekend rematches, let's dismiss last Sunday's blowout by the Jets. The Bengals had no reason to put forth effort. New York wants to ride its running game and defense, a safe playoff formula. Cincinnati has surprised all season with its running and defense. The Bengals' Carson Palmer can make plays, while Mark Sanchez isn't there yet for the Jets. Cincinnati 20, New York 13.

Philadelphia at Dallas. Rematch No. 2. The Eagles had something (No. 2 seed and a bye) on the table last weekend, but were still dominated by the Cowboys. The pressure is on Dallas - although the end-of-season vibe seems different the feeling is that Wade Phillips' job is on the line. Philadelphia depends upon big plays, but the Cowboys held the Eagles in check during both regular-season wins. It's close. Dallas 24, Philadelphia 23.

Baltimore at New England. The Patriots cannot feel good about the playoffs. The only thing they've done well all season is pass and now Wes Welker's injury takes away their most consistent performer. The Ravens spent most of the season trying not to make the playoffs. Baltimore isn't as good as last season's AFC runners-up. It's a quarterback game and Tom Brady has enough to bring this one home. New England 21, Baltimore 10.

Green Bay at Arizona. You can dismiss the 26-point Packers blowout this past Sunday since the Cardinals had nothing to gain, but not the fact that Green Bay won. The Packers' only loss in their last eight games was on a miracle at Pittsburgh. Arizona may have been a surprise during last season's Super Bowl run, but the Cardinals aren't much better as a team. Green Bay's defense and offensive line are underrated. Green Bay 27, Arizona 20.

Week 17 NFL Predictions

Last week: 10-6
Season to date: 158-82
Buffalo 21, Indianapolis 14
Cleveland 17, Jacksonville 13
Detroit 20, Chicago 16
San Francisco 23, St. Louis 10
Pittsburgh 24, Miami 23
Minnesota 27, NY Giants 17
Atlanta 19, Tampa Bay 14
Carolina 23, New Orleans 19
New England 27, Houston 24
Arizona 28, Green Bay 23
San Diego 20, Washington 10
Tennessee 21, Seattle 13
Baltimore 22, Oakland 7
Philadelphia 26, Dallas 24
Denver 16, Kansas City 6
NY Jets 24, Cincinnati 14