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The conference championships are officially at hand with the San Francisco 49ers hosting the New York Giants and the New England Patriots hosting the Baltimore Ravens. The 49ers are slim favorites while the Patriots are between a touchdown and nine point favorites at this point. It is interesting how much people are jumping on the Patriots bandwagon. They are 5/6 favorites to win the Super Bowl, which kind of blows my mind given the defense Baltimore brings to the table. It should make for an interesting Sunday.
David - SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (-2.5) over New York Giants: The Giants are playing some great football in recent weeks, capped by an upset of the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round. They face a 49ers team that has stunned most people by finishing the regular season 13-3 and now reaching the NFC Championship Game courtesy of a last second stunning upset of the New Orleans Saints. This will be a close one, but the 49ers will eke it out courtesy of a strong defensive effort.
James - New York Giants (+2.5) over SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: I know, the win over the Saints should have put me on notice of the greatness that is Alex "Golden Arm" Smith and the 49ers. To be honest, if the Niners were playing the Packers this week, I would likely have taken the Niners. They really do look like one of the best teams in the NFL right now with how their defense and Golden Arm have been playing. The problem is, for weeks I have been saying that the Giants just look like a team of destiny. They are hungry and determined. I think they win the Super Bowl.
David - Baltimore Ravens (+7) over New England Patriots: The Patriots are getting a ton of love on the heels of a dominant win over a not so good Denver Broncos squad. The Patriots are a good team, but I feel people are overrating their defense. Against a strong Ravens defense with a capable offense, I think this could prove troublesome for the Patriots. I think the Ravens actually win this one outright.
James - NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-7) over Baltimore Ravens: I think the Patriots are going to win this game, but it very well could be a much closer game than the line. I know a touchdown isn't huge, but this is probably the most evenly matched game this playoffs. One of the most iconic and successful quarterbacks in league history will lead his high flying offense against one of the most iconic and successful linebackers in history. This is going to be a great game.
DAVID FUCILLO
Last Week: 2-2-0
Season: 131-126-4
JAMES ARCELLANA
Last Week: 1-3-0
Season: 132-111-5