AFC & NFC Championship Games

Three more games. Two of which will be played this Sunday. Super Bowl XLII is coming.

We had two upsets last week (sort of). The San Diego Chargers defeating the Indianapolis Colts was definitely an upset. And many were surprised that the New York Football Giants were able to defeat Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Jessica Simpson and the Cowboys.

New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers
Single digit weather. The Frozen Tundra in full effect. Destiny for Brett Favre?

Eli Manning and the Giants have made a improbable run in these playoffs. No one thought Tom Coughlin could get this team as far as they have gone, especially with an inconsistent Eli Manning as their quarterback. But, the team has become a strong unit and are looking to upset the Packers in Lambeau.

I am taking the Giants in this one. Do not get me wrong, in my heart I want Favre to get a ring this year, but I think the Giants have caught lightning in a bottle.

Manning is handling the football like his older brother, their defense is solid, and they are confident in what they are doing. The cold weather may get to Manning in the beginning of the game, but Brandon Jacobs will help Eli by carrying the load.

The Giants defensive front line will be chasing Favre all day, more than the Seahawks did last week. But expect to see them have success in chasing him down.

Hey, if you cannot have the older Manning in the big game, then why not have the younger?

Giants win 27-23.

San Diego Chargers @ New England Patriots
Philip Rivers may be out. LaDanian Tomlinson is banged up. Antonio Gates is probably out.

The Chargers are trusting Billy Volek in this one? Sure, he was able to take out the Indianapolis Colts, but he will be going up against the juggernaut offense of the Patriots.

The Patriots are on a mission and I think the only hope of stopping them is in one of the NFC teams. The Chargers are too beat up despite the talent on their team. I have not watched any of the Patriots games recently because it depresses me to watch them pull out victories week after week.

Patriots win 31-17.

NFL Playoffs Oh Seven

They are upon us. America's favorite sport.

The playoffs of the gridiron after a rough and tough regular season.

Wild card round is upon us.

Colts, Patriots, Cowboys, and Packers are all at home marinating over a bowl of potato chips salivating on who they will play (well Tom Brady is not paying attention because he will be banging Gisele Bundchen all weekend).

Here is what First To Third thinks about the matchups:

Pittsburgh Steelers v. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a popular pick as of late to "dethrone" the Patriots in the playoffs, but it will all start against the Steelers. A couple of weeks ago I would have liked the Steelers chances in this game even though they lost at home to the same Jags... not so anymore. I think their Super Bowl aspirations went out the door when they lost Willie Parker and Aaron Smith to injuries.

Fred Taylor has been hot as of late and the Jaguars running game will flourish in the cold weather of Heinz Field.

I like the Jags in this one because of a few factors. Their running game. David Garrard takes care of the football. And they have a solid defense.

Jags win 17-13.

San Diego Chargers v. Tennessee Titans
I think the only way that the Titans pull this off is if their defense keeps the Chargers from turning Vince Young's mistakes into points.

Sure Philip Rivers is just as mistake-prone, but LaDanian Tomlinson and the home-field advantage will help the Chargers overcome his bonehead play. The Chargers have been playing solid ball as of late and will pull this one out.

Chargers win 31-20.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v. New York Giants
This is going to either be a great game or a puto game (pretty good analysis huh?). But really, who knows what Eli Manning we will get in this game. He showed up big in the Patriots game, but could easily become Ryan Leaf this weekend.

Jeff Garcia is a warrior and had a hand at eliminating the Giants in last year's playoffs. I like both squads' defenses.

If Manning has a better than average game than I think the Giants take this especially with Brandon Jacobs in the backfield.

Giants win 27-21.

Seattle Seahawks v. Washington Redskins
Redskins are the feel good story of the NFL season. Washington has rolled four straight opponents after their tragic loss of Sean Taylor and their immediate loss on the football field.

Besides the Packers, I am pulling for the Redskins to take the NFC. They are the team that no one wants to face. Emotion can carry a squad and I think this Redskins team will beat the Seahawks.

Redskins win 26-23.