NFL Conference Championships

As we get set for the championship games today both No. 6 seeds are still alive, presenting us with the possibility of an unlikely Super Bowl matchup. Although the way things have gone the past few seasons, would anyone be shocked by that? Pittsburgh won as a No. 5 in Super Bowl XL and the Giants were a No. 5 last season. What it now comes down to is who's hot at the right time.

After rolling through the playoffs the past two years with 9-2 and 10-1 marks, we've stumbled this season to 3-5, including a 1-3 mark last weekend. We'll need to run the table from here on out to get above .500.

NFC Championship
CARDINALS +3.5 Eagles: Never thought I'd see the day when the Arizona Cardinals were hosting the NFC Championship, but here they are after destroying Carolina last week, while the Eagles have knocked off the Vikings and Giants to get here. Throw out the 48-20 Eagles win Thanksgiving night. That game may as well have been played two years ago. The Cardinals look nothing like the team that was obliterated by New England 47-7 a month ago. The key to this game is Kurt Warner controlling the ball and not fumbling or throwing bad interceptions. Arizona has put up 63 points in two playoff games while the Eagles have been inconsistent offensively. Philly was able to shut down Eli Manning last week, but Warner has too many weapons, led by all-world wideout Larry Fitzgerald. Look for a fast start from the Cardinals that will stun the Eagles and leave them struggling to play catch-up. I won't be shocked if Arizona wins going away before a raucous crowd. Cardinals 31-16

AFC Championship
STEELERS -6 Ravens: Everyone expects another low-scoring bodybag game between these hated rivals. Just one problem. Ravens are so banged up they may not be able to keep pace. Steelers really seemed to have it rolling on offense last week while Baltimore gave up huge chunks of yardage to the Titans. If Tennessee doesn't turn it over repeatedly in the red zone the Ravens get blown out. I don't see the Steelers coughing it up so much, nor do I see the Ravens putting up more than 10 or 13 points on offense. Steelers have a penchant for losing title games at home, but not this time. Steelers 27-13