Championship Weekend: A Preview

In a few hours, we will begin the time known as Championship Sunday. I will now preview the games.

AFC
The Baltimore Ravens last won a Super Bowl when they defeated the Giants in 2001. Ray Lewis is the only remaining player from either team.

The New England Patriots last won a Super Bowl in 2004 when they defeated the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.

The Pats defense is a HALLOWED SHELL of what it was then, but their offense is much better. Brady constantly puts up 30 or 40+ points every week and therefore the Patriots are used to high-scoring games.

The Ravens defense is outstanding. Led by 36-year-old, former Super Bowl MVP and 13-time Pro Bowl LB Ray Lewis and 33-year-old, 8-time Pro Bowl FS Ed Reed, both future Hall of Famers, it has been nothing short of amazing.

Their offense, meanwhile, has some worried. 4th year QB Joe Flacco has come under fire by his own teammates. Many analysts feel that he has been given too much credit and that their defense has carried them this far.

Regardless of what happens, I feel that the Patriots will beat the Ravens in a close game, and will advance to Super Bowl XLVI.

NFC
The 49ers have seen a renaissance under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh. Led by Pro Bowl RB Frank Gore and former first round draft bust Alex Smith, whom Harbaugh has given a second chance to revive his career, they narrowly defeated the Saints and now have a chance to advance to their first Super Bowl since 2002.

The Giants, meanwhile, overcame a rash of injuries during training camp as well as a mid-season collapse to finish 8-8 to win the NFC East in week 17 and clinth the last remaining playoff birth. They rolled past the Falcons in the Wild Card game and defeated the Packers in the divisional matchup last week. They are as healthy as they will be this season and everyone will play today.

The Giants defense has been the subject of my wrath all season. Now, with Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Matthias Kiwinuka, and JPP, (whom I now refer to as the "Core Four" of the New York Giants defense), fully healthy, I feel that they are unstoppable when on the top of their game.

Their offense, however, is even better. Led by Pro Bowl QB Eli Manning, who really is elite. RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, who combine to form an all-together stellar offense, seems like it is now at its full potential. The Offensive Line is fully healthy and the entire team is as healthy as it has been all season. ALL IN!!

Combine this with the momentum the Giants have been riding ever since they defeated the Jets on Christmas Eve, and I can see only one ending.

The Giants will face the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.