NFL predictions

By Michael J.W. Stickings

***UPDATES IN COMMENTS***

My beloved Steelers didn't make the playoffs this year, but I'm still excited about the two conference championship games today. And, with kick-off of the first game just minutes away, here are my predictions:

NFC

Saints 27, Bears 20 -- The cold weather and bad field should help the Bears, but I think the Saints have too many weapons on offence even for Chicago's D: Brees, Bush, McAllister, Colston, Henderson, etc. Plus, Rex Grossman is just too inconsistent a QB. Even if he doesn't lose the game for the Bears with too many characteristic turnovers, I doubt he can put together enough offence to outscore the Saints. Although, to be fair, he does have some weapons of his own to work with, and I'm not entirely convinced the Saints' D is that good. The Bears managed to secure the #1 seed in a weak conference. And they've managed to find ways to win -- that crazy come-from-behind win over the Cards comes to mind. But it's hard not to root for the Saints.

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AFC

Colts 30, Patriots 17 -- I hesitate to say it, but this may be Peyton Manning's year. The Pats have a solid D, but Manning should be able to spread the field out and pick apart their secondary. He's just too good not to have some success in January. I'm not a Manning fan, even if I admire his talent, but I'd like to see Marvin Harrison win. He's not only one of the best WRs of all-time but one of the classiest players in the league and a true professional. And I like Tony Dungy. On the other side, Tom Brady's a winner, and the Pats should be able to run on the Colts, but I just don't see enough offence to match what Manning should be able to engineer. As a Steelers fan, I can't say that I'm rooting for either team. I just hope it's a good game.