CSR Conference Championship Prediction Thread

Two days until we find out who is going to the Super Bowl and I thought we should start our predictions. I have to admit that though I want to take the home teams in both cases I'm going with reverse psychology, at least for one of the games. Let's start with what the involved SBN bloggers are saying:

In the NFC Championship, we have the Vikings at the Saints. Here's some analysis from a new writer over at The Daily Norseman:

MilCardFan: Mismatches: The biggest mismatch on the field this past Sunday was Minnesota’s defensive line against Dallas’ offensive line. They were on Tony Romo like a fat man at a buffet from almost the first play, and didn’t let up until they had to loosen their belt buckle for fear of intestinal stomach rupture. I think Dallas’ offensive line is better than what New Orleans has to offer, especially at tackle. I think this is the biggest mismatch on the field, and one the Vikings must exploit if they are to win. If they don’t, New Orleans will be able to take advantage of the second biggest mismatch on the field: Drew Brees against the Vikings secondary. It’s not that the Vikings are void of talent, but if you let a guy like Brees get comfortable in the pocket and go through his progressions, he will shred the Vikings.

I have to agree, the Vikings D line is going to eat up LT Bushrod. Expect a big day from the Vikings DE's. From Saintsational:

I hope the Saints take advantage of the mediocre offensive line of the Vikings. Brett Favre can take over a game but if the Saints defense can create good pressure and keep Favre uncomfortable in the pocket, their chance of victory skyrockets.

I'm not so sure I would call their line mediocre. What are some of the other keys for the Saints? Well they are hoping to use...keys:

I’ve personally never heard of this tactic before but it’s simple and makes sense. One set of keys alone doesn’t really seem intimidating but think about the high-pitch of 69,000 sets of door openers clinking and clanking inside a closed roof building. And I’m not saying fans should do this instead of screaming and yelling. Oh no. I’m talking about jingling your keys in addition to shouting at the top of your lungs. Think about the decibel possibilities! And, of course, this is totally legal since all fans are allowed to bring their house keys to the game with them. Catch us now, Goodell!

So I’m calling for a Key-Out this Sunday. Yeah, you heard me right. Janitors, unite!

They better have a little more than that in the game plan. I'm feeling the upset:

Vikings 31 Saints 28

AFC prediction after the jump...

In the AFC we have the Jets at the Colts. I've been really impressed with the Jets defense and I think they will do a better job containing the big plays the Colts can make. Let's start with the visiting Jets and our blogger from Gang Green Nation:

John B...Sanchez was terrific against the Bengals. Against San Diego...he didn't do a ton. The important thing is he has looked comfortable and confident. He looked overwhelmed at times in the middle of the regular season. The Colts game seemed to be a turning point. Mark realized how good his defense and run game are. If he avoids making dumb decisions, the Jets have a great shot at winning. The Jets don't need him to do much, which makes his situation a lot easier than many rookies have.

A defense and running game can take you far. If the Jets can get pressure and keep it close they can surprise yet another team.The Colts on the other hand appear to still be defending their decision to bench their starters against these same Jets. From Stampede Blue we have BigBlueShoe:

You gave up and quit on a meaningful game back in December not because you simply wanted to beat the Ravens in the Divisional Round. You did it to win the Super Bowl, and anything short of that means the "quitting" strategy was a failure. By benching starters in the way it was done in a game fans, media, and players very much wanted to win, the excuse you gave afterward was that rest was more important for the long haul; the long haul obviously being the Super Bowl.

How ironic would it be for the Jets to beat the Colts, assuming that if the Colts had not benched their stars in their regular season match-up they would have beat the Jets and kept them out of the playoffs? That kind of irony only happens in movies.

Colts 24 Jets 13

I'm curious to hear your opinions.