Predictions for the NFL's Final Four

The NFL's version of the Final Four is here with the AFC and NFC Conference Championship games coming up this Sunday. I love this time of the year as football titans beat each other up each in an attempt to get to the SuperBowl. But it's also bittersweet because it means the games are quickly coming to an end.

Some quick thoughts (and predictions) on the games.

NINERS @ FALCONS

It was nice to see Mike Smith, Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez finally get that elusive first playoff win last week against the Seahawks. Just barely. Despite a great home record over the past few years, I just don't think Atlanta has enough to overcome that tough 49er defense, and Kaepernick and Co. are clicking on offense, too. I'll be rooting for Tony G. and the birds, but my pick is for San Francisco to win it on the road.

RAVENS @ PATRIOTS

I call this the Hatred Bowl for me personally. Don't really like either of these teams at all. Belichick is a great coach, probably a football genius, but I just get tired of hearing about The Hoodie, Brady, The Patriot Way, etc. And I've never really been a fan of the Ravens or Ray Lewis. Their defense has always been tough, and Ray Ray is an incredible player and motivator for them ... but I just can't like them. All that said, I'll be rooting for Baltimore to stick it to Bill and Brady, but I'm still picking the Pats in a runaway.

If you have the stones, tell me why these picks are wrong. And why.

As always, thanks for reading.

Steve