NFC Championship
San Francisco at Atlanta
The 49ers and Falcons have in common depth, balance and motivation (it‘s been awhile since either franchise has been to the Super Bowl). San Francisco has more playmakers defensively (nearly half the 49ers’ defense, five players, made the Pro Bowl), while it’s difficult to find a more diverse set of genuinely quality receivers than the Falcons’ trio of Julio Jones, Roddy White and all-time great tight end Tony Gonzalez. It comes down to two factors: How much of an advantage will playing this game at home be for the Falcons. Two of the 49ers losses this season were in domed stadiums (Minnesota and St. Louis). Also, is 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick truly a special player, or is he a defensive adjustment or two from mediocrity. I believe he is special.
San Francisco 35, Atlanta 24

                  AFC Championship
Baltimore at New England
When Denver’s Peyton Manning threw an interception in overtime to essentially lose a playoff game Saturday to the Ravens, and then the Patriots’ Tom Brady carved up the Texans the next day, it sealed what we’ve pretty much suspected all along. Brady is the best quarterback of this generation. While it has been eight years since New England’s last Super Bowl title, the Patriots just keep knocking at the door. Denver has a good defense, but is lacking quality safety play. That isn’t a problem for the Patriots. This will be Ray Lewis’ swan song, and another celebration of Brady’s greatness.
New England 24, Baltimore 17