The NFL is winding down and four teams at the top of their game remain. It has been a long and exciting season, but only the best remain with one common goal, to win the Championship.
NFC Championship Game: Giants vs.49ers
The San Francisco 49ers surprised many this season. Under the reign of newly hired head coach Jim Harbaugh, the 9ers went 13-3 dominating the NFC West. Led by breakout quarterback Alex Smith and superstars Frank Gore and Vernon Davis, the 49ers powered their way into the playoffs earning a first round bye. Second round they faced the elite and dangerous New Orleans Saints. They won in a shootout with a late fourth quarter TD pass to tight end Vernon Davis. This was likely the most exciting game of the playoffs thus far. Their first ranked D should give them an edge against the potent Giant offense, but it will be a great matchup nonetheless.
The New York Giants snuck through the back door to get into the playoffs. Finishing the regular season at 9-7, they had to go through the Dallas Cowboys to get in. They completely overpowered the injury prone Cowboys and headed home to face the hot handed Atlanta Falcons. They completely dominated this game as well shutting their offense out and only allowing a safety. After this first round blowout the G-Men were set to face the defending champion Green Bay Packers. They shocked the world with this win. Thanks to a huge game by superstars Eli Manning and Hakeem Nicks, the Giants were able to win 37-20 over the powerful Packers. They now head into San Fran to try to steal another win from a forceful 49ers team.
AFC Championship Game: Ravens vs. Patriots
The New England Patriots were another dominant team this season. A 13-3 record overbears the weak AFC East Division. All-Pro quarterback Tom Brady led his team to a division crown and much more this season. Individually, he broke Dan Marino’s regular season passing yardage record, along with Drew Bress. He heads a team that is pass-first and score more. The Patriots have one of the elite offenses in the NFL, and they showcase this by averaging over 25 points a game.
The Baltimore Ravens is the NFL’s hard-nosed team. With their stingy D and their star runningback, Ray Rice, they were able to win the AFC North. Defense is their main component. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed pilot one of the best defenses in this generation. They hope to use it against the elite Patriots and attempt to at least slow down Tom Brady and company. This matchup will prove to be intriguing and intense.
The Superbowl is right around the corner, so start party planning and get your jerseys ready! The teams left in the playoffs will surely put on a show and provide a great 46th annual championship. It definitely will be an exciting game.