COLUMN: Steve’s picks for NFL playoffs
NFL Conference Championship weekend carries anxiety aplenty. Especially for my roommate Kason who makes his New England clam chowder in his Patriots apron every Sunday, “just to be safe.” Don’t think for a second that I’m joking.
New York 14, San Francisco 17
A look at New York — Carrying all kinds of momentum thanks to a beyond-stellar defense. But don’t sleep on this offense, either. Eli Manning and Victor Cruz are no pushovers.
A look at San Francisco — Alex Smith? Playing deceptively well. Vernon Davis? Coming up huge late. Jim Harbaugh? Hitting on all cylinders. Defense? Downright scary.
My prediction: The 49ers have all the keys to win, but New York has momentum. San Francisco has home-field advantage, but the Giants have Justin Tuck’s incredibly intimidating face mask. Both have oil-smooth defenses and a chip on their shoulders. Geez, this is rough — like flipping a coin.
San Francisco wins. Welcome to the Super Bowl.
Baltimore 27, New England 23
A look at Baltimore — A defense, assuming Ed Reed is healthy, that may be the sole group with credentials to stymie a more-than-high-powered New England offense, and a half back in Ray Rice who makes big plays without anyone sincerely noticing.
A look at New England — Tom Brady can chuck a football from here to Amsterdam and somehow tight end Rob Gronkowski will catch it, coupled with a defense that looked well-short-of impressive until it completely silenced Denver last week.
My prediction — The key here: can the Ravens’ defense slow down New England in the third quarter, when the Patriots have casually taken over games? I’m going to say yes. Kason is going to kill me.
Have fun watching, fans.
And Kason, if I’m wrong, I owe you dinner. You have my word.
– steve.schwartzman@aggiemail.usu.edu