We’re down to four teams, and the Superbowl is within touching distance now. For the first time, both games take place in a dome. In fact, three of the four teams are dome-dwellers… I’ve not checked but that’s probably a first too.

Both of these matchups look great, but surely the NFC has the juiciest game. Here at Mac we’re looking forward to the games, and also wanting to improve our frankly lamentable playoff form. Yeah, we’ve been terrible.

AFC Championship Game

New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts
A – The last time these two teams met, just a few weeks ago, the Colts rolled over. They rested their starters, let Painter pretend he was an NFL Quarterback and gave the Jets a big step-up in their bid for the post-season. Now they’re back, and have been in fine defensive form so far, having only given up more than 14 points once (and that was 15 points!) since week 11. In fact in the last 6 weeks, they’ve given up an average of just 8.8 points.
The win last week against the Chargers was massive, and built on top of successive defeats to to the Bengals. Make no mistake, this is a team with real motivation and confidence.

The Colts made conscious decisions to be ready for the post-season, and in a move that was widely criticised they sloped into the post-season with a mind to having everyone fit and being ready. There are arguments both ways, but this team did look fresh and prepared in knocking down the Ravens with comparative ease. I can’t look past them here: Manning is too smart, too good and too experienced – he’ll keep the ball moving. And the Colts D, though mid-table in their stats, has it when and where it counts. They’re just too good.

C – I really really want to see the Jets get through here. If they carry on playing well then they definitely have a chance. The Colts are always a threat, no doubt about that. But Manning is now up against the best defence out there so it’ll be an interesting game. His audibles will really come into play this game. So no matter how much i want the Jets Vikings final, i have to go with the Colts win.

G – I feel that the Jets will need more than a little luck to carry them through this game. Still, there can be some magic in the Super Bowl and it would be one hell of a story for T-Rex Ryan’s first year at the helm. I have to go with the Colts though, they are just a class act. Colts Win.

Official Mac Prediction: ind_logo-50x50

NFC Championship Game

Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints
A – This has everything lined up to be a great game. Of course, that could easily go the other way, but realistically it looks like we’re in for a shoot-out.
The Saints, much like the Colts, took it easy at the end of the season and have come back looking good. Their passing game… well, we all know about that and their ended the season ranked 4th, but the run has also been working for them all season – only 5 times ran for more yards or a higher YPC.
The Vikings have had everything and more than they expected when they signed Brett Favre, and although I dislike his posturing and self-PR, he’s been a helluva football player this year – making some passes that were just stupid good… and there were some examples of that last week where he put practically everything on a plate.

But what way will this go? It’s a close one, and even the bookies have it as close 3 points. It could come down to whoever has the ball last. But I like the Saints, and as we’ve mentioned before – when not good, they’ve been lucky. That’s going to carry on here.

C – This could be a great game. Two top teams who have been scoring freely all season, both coming off big wins in their last game. I’d love for the Vikings to get through. A Jets v Vikings Superbowl, in my eyes, will be the more entertaining match. However, after foolishly betting against the Saints last week i have to vote for them this week. Drew Brees be throwin’ TDs.

G – I feel nervous about calling this one. It could go either way, so I have to base it on season performance and pick the Saints. I really want to see a Colts-Saints Super Bowl, so maybe I am a little swung by that? Saints Win.

Official Mac Prediction: no_logo-50x50

Image Credit: Leylingo