Goin For Gold - Championship Weekend

Ah, the glorious night be upon us my children, the final night of football before the all-hallowed Super Bowl XLII. Yes, this Sunday, the Chargers and Patriots will battle for the AFC crown, while the Giants take on the Packers for NFC supremacy. Who wins? Read on.

Despite their major upset of the Colts this past weekend, San Diego took quite a beating in the process, losing LaDanian Tomlinson and Phillip Rivers. While it seems both will be back, I still wouldn't count on them being gamebreakers. If the Chargers have a hope of winning, they'll need big receiver play and defensive pressure forcing turnovers.

But is it possible? Eh, no. Though I've been wrong about the Bolts before (scroll down), it seems unlikely they upset the Pats. Sure, mediocre teams have almost beaten New England, but for some reason, it just seems like San Diego will not be able to keep up, despite their recent win streak. Bill Belicheat's high-powered offense oughta be enough to keep San Diego on their toes and out of this one early. Pats win 38- 21.

Meanwhile, in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, the Giants look to grab another big upset (Who called that one? Oh right....) against the Packers. With low temps and wind on the way, it looks to be another frightfully cold day in Green Bay. While both teams come in red hot, I see the Packers as the better team. Brett Favre and Ryan Grant are playing like men on a mission and the Giants will need the D-Line to make plays to keep them in check.

Herein lies the problem for the Giants. If any snow comes blustering back into Green Bay, New York's line won't get the neccesary traction and will likely falter the same way Seattle's did. Toss in an overdue Manning pick or two, and the Pack win a close one in the cold, or a blowout in the snow. The diagnosis? Packers win it 24-17.

So that sets up the Brady/Favre Super Bowl quite nicely. Who'll win that you ask? I'll make sure to tell you in a week or so. Until then, have a good weekend, enjoy the games.