NFL conference championships preview

AFC

The game: San Diego Chargers at New
England Patriots

When: Sun., Jan. 20, 3 p.m.

TV: CBS

Las Vegas says: Patriots by 14

Key matchups: Randy Moss vs. Quentin
Jammer/Drayton Florence; Chargers’
running backs vs. Patriots’ linebackers

Overview: The Chargers came up with
a big victory against Indianapolis in the
RCA Dome to reach the AFC title game,
but now has an even tougher opponent
in the undefeated Patriots. Odds makers
don’t have much faith in San Diego’s
ability to make lightning strike twice
and have New England winning by
two touchdowns. The Chargers will
not stop the Brady to Moss connection
to be competitive, but will still have to
worry about receivers Wes Welker, Jabar
Gaffney and Donte’ Stallworth – not
to mention Laurence Maroney in the
backfield. New England’s defense will
have its hands full as well, as Michael
Turner and Darren Sproles have both
proved to be solid back-ups to the everdangerous
LaDainian Tomlinson.

Editor’s pick: New England. It will take
a Herculean effort from Philip Rivers to
overcome the Patriots. Too bad his trash
talk won’t work against the best team in
the league. The Patriots will cover the
spread with ease.

NFC

The game: New York Giants at Green
Bay Packers

When: Sun., Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m.

TV: FOX

Las Vegas says: Packers by 7

Key matchups: Packers’ wide receivers
vs. Giants’ secondary; Eli Manning vs.
Packers’ defense

Overview: The Giants shockingly beat
the Dallas Cowboys, a team with 12
players going to the Pro Bowl, advancing
to this week’s game against Green Bay on
the frozen tundra. New York has played
much better as of late, mostly because
of the improved play of quarterback Eli
Manning. He will need to continue to
improve for the Giants to win again.
The Packers have a big advantage in
the passing game, because the Giants
are dealing with a lot of injuries in the
defensive secondary. Green Bay’s receivers
have been good this season and could
have a big day against cornerbacks with
less experience. The play of Ryan Grant
for Green Bay and Brandon Jacobs for
New York could play a big role in the
outcome of this game as well.

Editor’s pick: Green Bay. New York has
played well, but the Packers at home and
in the playoffs is too much to pass on.
Brett Favre plays well in big games and
with a chance to get back to the Super
Bowl on the line, he won’t dissapoint.