Participants,

It’s the first time in 11 years that the #1 and #2 seeds will play each other for both the AFC and NFC titles.  And that year (2005), the New England Patriots won on the road before winning a close one, 24-21, over the Philadelphia Eagles in SB XXXIX.  The year before, New England and Carolina squared off in SB XXXVIII.  The Arizona Cardinals have never been to the SB, and the Denver Broncos have been there with mixed results.

So now the importance of picking a score close the actual is heightening, while fingernails grow shorter and the proverbial noose gets tighter.  The leaders are now looking back to see how much of a lead they have, while the rest of the pack is like hungry wolves closing in on their prey.  Welcome to Conference Championship Sunday!

#2 New England Patriots @ #1 Denver Broncos
This marks the 10^th time in the last 15 years that the Patriots are playing in the AFC Championship game.  That’s right.  While the focus of attention this week has been on the QB’s, and rightfully so, it will come down to D that will determine the winner.  The Broncos played well enough last week to nip past the beleaguered Steelers (down to their #3 RB, no Antonio Brown and a gimpy Big Ben), but will need to step it up significantly if they hope to head out to Santa Clara in another week.  Meanwhile, the Patriots seem to be humming on all cylinders for maybe the first time this year.  Are you going to bet against Bill Belichick and Tom Brady?  Their playoff record would tell you that is not a wise move.

The Patriots are 2-2 in road AFC Championship games over the last 15 years, the most recent being a loss to these same Broncos in 2014.  The Broncos are 1-1 in their last AFC Championship home games over about the same period of time.

This game is really Peyton vs. Father Time and we know who is undefeated in those matchups.  Just one more time, however, for the Bronco D to shine in the thin, Rocky Mountain air.  Orange Crush is moving on as Denver K Brandon McManus connects on a 61-yd FG with time expiring.  The 2^nd greatest finish in NFL playoff history.

… Denver 17, New England 16 (keeping Pete the Terp’s 100 Bonus points still alive)

Or will it be?

… Patriots 34, Shetland Ponies 16 (3 more picks for Peyton Place)

#2 Arizona Cardinals @ #1 Carolina Panthers
Two former Heisman winners and #1 overall draft picks will do battle in the nightcap.  Both teams looked vulnerable in their victories last weekend and a shootout could be in the making, as both QB’s tossed 35 TD’s this season.

In a repeat of last year’s WildCard game, the Cardinals are looking to reverse their fortunes with a wide open passing attack and aggressive, risk-taking D that dominated all season long.  The running game is set up by the passing attack, which is the opposite approach of the run-first Panthers.  Luckily, the weather should not be a factor, but the field was a little tricky last weekend – especially for the WR’s.

With Carson remaining hot, the Cardinals will be going to their very first SB in 2 weeks, as they shut down the Cam that drives the Panther engine.  Carolina, on the other hand, is 16-1 and the best the NFC has to offer.  Look for a stifling D to force Arizona to run, which will lead to a Panther win and find their way to a 2nd SB visit.

Unbelievably, this goes into OT but there will not be a repeat of last week’s Coingate to determine who gets the ball first.

… Arizona 36, Carolina 30 (as Cards WR Larry Fitzgerald does it again…)

Or will it be?

… Panthers 20, Desert Birds 10 (in a defensive struggle)

Either way, it’s shaping up to be a great day of football, with a trip to the SB on the line.

• Pete the Terp has the best HSBT record in Conference Championship games (14-4) and looks to continue his perfect season
• Greg the Great has set the standard with 520 points in these 2 games (which includes a 401-point game)
• Buffalo Bill is the all-time points leader in these 2 games (with 4,612 over 27 seasons) and is looking to position himself for his first trophy win “in a few years”
• 2016 Winner is, well, on his way
• Comeback Kid is looking for a big package from Seattle in the return mail
• HenricoFiveOh, in true law enforcement mode, is quietly stalking the leader – is trophy #7 a possibility?
• Ben the Butler frantically got his picks in about 2 minutes before last weekend’s kickoff; he’s gonna have to hurry up in order to catch the leaders
• JTB has a “little work” to do to get into contention, but he’s still mathematically in the running

My games summary will be coming out next week.  Until then, be sure to submit your picks before kickoff and get prepared for 2 great games.

I remain,

~ The Commish