The push for Super Bowl XLIV continues this Sunday when the 2010 NFL Conference Championship games take place. The New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints are one game away from a chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy.
New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
The Jets will continue to ride the underdog role and rely upon their stout defense and running game for a victory. The Colts have been one of the best teams in the NFL all season and will be ready to show it again this Sunday.
When it comes to the AFC Championship game, toss out what happened when these two teams met during the regular season. The only thing to remember is it started the momentum swing that helped push the Jets into the playoffs.
The Jets defense will need to step up again this week when they take on an offense that averages 26 points per game, 7th best in the NFL. Cornerback Darrelle Revis should be able to contain and limit the production of Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
The Jets defense has the potential to be hurt by the Colts Dallas Clark, who has been having a career year carving up the middle of the field.
Last week the Colts’ defense did a solid job of keeping the Raven’s power running game in check. They held the Ravens to 87 yards on 19 carries. The unit will be tested again when they face off against the No. 1 ranked running team in the NFL.
The Jets, led by rookie Shonn Green, have averaged 170 rushing yards per game in the playoffs. In two games, Green has powered his way to 263 yards on 44 carries while scoring two touchdowns.
The Colts will be aggressive against the run and will try to force quarterback Mark Sanchez into making mistakes. The Colts’ Dwight Freeney will need to find a way around the Jets stellar offensive line and put pressure on the rookie.
Fans should expect a low scoring game between these teams, where the winner could ultimately be decided by the kicker. If this happens, the edge has to go to the Colts’ Matt Stover, who has not missed a field goal in 14 career playoff attempts.
While the upstart Jets have the defense to keep this game close, their inexperience is going to be the downfall. The Colts will come away with a win and advance to their second Super Bowl in four years.
Prediction Indianapolis 21 New York 17
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
The Vikings silenced one of the hottest teams in the playoffs last week and will be ready to showcase their explosive offense powered by Brett Favre. The Saints stepped up last week and showed us they are more than just an offensive threat when they shut down the Arizona Cardinals.
The Vikings’ offense has continued where they left off the regular season by putting up 30 plus points for the third game in a row. Their ability to score is going to be key against a Saint defense that held the Cardinals to 14 points.
Favre will look for his favorite target, wide receiver Sidney Rice who exploded last week when he hauled in six receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints will game plan to keep the Vikings offense off the field.
The Vikings will need to be more successful converting third downs than the Cardinals who only managed one of eight against New Orleans. If Minnesota can’t find their passing rhythm, the Saints defense will be able to win the battle.
The Saints offense will be tested by a Vikings defense that has allowed only ten points during the last two games. Last week the Vikings front seven harassed Tony Romo, sacking him six times and gave him little time to progress through his reads.
Reggie Bush will need another outstanding week, running and catching the ball to help keep the pressure off of quarterback Drew Brees. Expect tight end Jeremy Shockey to break through the middle of the Vikings safeties and score at least one touchdown this week.
The Saints defense will need to find away to force turnovers if they are going to come away with a win. On the season, the Saints have forced 12 fumbles and recorded 26 interceptions.
Safety Darren Sharper is going to be ready to remind the Vikings that he did have something left in the tank. He leads the Saints with nine interceptions and will be ready to help take away the deep ball on Sunday.
The Saints home crowd is going to be raucous and rowdy from the opening minutes of the game. The Vikings will need to get out to a fast start to take away the home field advantage.
Favre will do everything in his power to keep the Vikings in this game and that will eventually be their downfall. The Saints will earn the hard fought win and punch their ticket to Super Bowl XLIV.
Prediction New Orleans 31 Minnesota 27
