A Patriots-Giants Super Bowl rematch in the making?

This well-oiled machine can't be stopped

First of all, let me please take a second to pat myself on the back for correctly picking the New York Giants to upset the Green Bay Packers - at Lambeau Field no less - in the Divisional Playoff round last weekend. I'm taking a bow as I write…

I wasn't the only one, though; KFFL's Cory Bonini, Nicholas Minnix and Tim Heaney also had the cojones to go with the G-Men in that one. Well done my fellow prognosticators.

None of us, however, saw the San Francisco 49ers putting up the necessary 30-plus points to take down the favored New Orleans Saints. In fact all of us, minus Ryan Bonini, penciled in the Saints to win it all in 2011. That won't happen, but neither will a repeat Packers championship (Ryan's pick).

That brings us to the Championship showdowns this weekend - New England-Baltimore and New York-San Francisco.

Although I initially went with the Ravens to upset New England at home before the playoffs started, I am tempted to change my pick at this juncture. The Pats' defense was ranked near the bottom of the league all season, but B'more's offense outside of Ray Rice doesn't scare me - actually, Joe Flacco's fu-manchu is a bit disturbing, too.

I can't see the Ravens slugging it out and coming out victorious with Tom Brady and New England in Boston. No way. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are too much for that solid yet aging defensive unit.

The Giants-Niners tilt is a doozy, and should make for an excellent watch. San Fran's defense is as good as it gets in the NFL this year; the physically imposing yet agile linebacking combo of Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman stands out.

I was thoroughly impressed with the 49ers' ability to hang with the Saints, especially Alex Smith's ascension in the clutchest of moments in the fourth quarter. I'm still hesitant to label Smith as a reliable playoff QB, though, which is why I will slightly give the edge to Eli Manning's Giants in this one.

I know New York will be on the road again, but seriously, I almost like their chances more on the road than at home. Manning has shown he can lead his team to road victories in the most pressure-packed situations. San Fran may possess the stiffest defense, but New York's front seven and overall D isn't far behind at this point in the season. They will get plenty of pressure on Smith.

A Patriots-Giants rematch from four years ago is my pick. If that happens, the Giants may need to sign David Tyree for a cameo. There'll be plenty of offense in that potential matchup.

What do you guys think? Who do you think will face off in Indy? I know a Ravens-49ers Super Bowl is a hot topic as well. Sound off!

 Loading ...