from www.kansascity.com – NFC Championship Game Preview
KEY INJURIES: Packers: OT Bryan Bulaga (shoulder), DE Cullen Jenkins (calf), LB Clay Matthews (shin), DE Ryan Pickett (ankle), RB John Kuhn (shoulder), LB Frank Zombo (knee) Bears: S Chris Harris (hip).
Rushing
EDGE >> BEARS Packers unheralded RB James Starks has taken over the starting spot. His 48 carries for 189 yards in the postseason surpassed his regular-season production. The Bears’ attack is built around RB Matt Forte, who rushed for 1,069 yards in the regular season and tied for the team lead with 51 receptions.
Passing
EDGE >> PACKERS Packers QB Aaron Rodgers completed 31 of 36 passes for 366 yards and three TDs last week at Atlanta, the best percentage in postseason history for a passer with 35-plus attempts. Bears QB Jay Cutler is coming off a strong postseason debut in which he completed 15 of 28 passes for 274 yards, two TDs and no interceptions, but the Packers sacked him nine times in the two regular-season meetings.
Defense
EDGE >> PACKERS The Packers, under the direction of defensive coordinator Dom Capers, ranked fifth in the NFL in defense this season. The Bears ranked ninth in defense, and their cover-two defense will focus on eliminating big plays.
Intangibles
EDGE >> BEARS This might sound crazy, but referee Terry McAulay’s crew will work this game — the same group that called Green Bay for a team-record 18 penalties for 152 yards in the Bears’ 20-17 win at Soldier Field in September. The Packers might be inhibited by McAulay’s crew and play less aggressively.
Face to face
Packers P Tim Masthay vs. Bears PR Devin Hester
After Hester burned the Packers for a 62-yard touchdown return in Chicago’s week-three win, Masthay had the upper hand in Green Bay’s regular-season victory at Lambeau Field. Hester returned only two of Masthay’s eight punts in the second game.
Why the Packers will win
In evenly matched games go with the better quarterback. It’s Rodgers.
Why the Bears will win
They seem destined. It started in the season opener when the Bears got the benefit of a call in the end zone against the Lions’ Calvin Johnson and continued through the playoffs when Seattle upset New Orleans. That sent the Seahawks, not the Saints, to Chicago last week. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s win at top-seeded Atlanta gave the Bears the home-field advantage today. That’s a lot of karma.
Randy Covitz’s pick: Packers 17-16
AFC Championship Game Preview
KEY INJURIES:Jets: CB Darrelle Revis (hamstring), WR Brad Smith (groin), OLB Jason Taylor (concussion). Steelers: S Troy Polamalu (Achilles), DE Aaron Smith (triceps), CB Bryant McFadden (abdomen), S Will Allen (knee).
Rushing
EDGE >> JETS In a 22-17 win at Pittsburgh on Dec. 19, the Jets took advantage of the absence of safety Troy Polamalu and ran for 106 yards against the NFL’s top-ranked rushing defense. The Steelers’ Rashard Mendenhall ran for 99 yards and a TD in the Jets game.
Passing
EDGE >> STEELERS Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is 9-2 as a starter in the postseason, including two Super Bowl wins. Jets QB Mark Sanchez’s 4-1 postseason record — all on the road — ties Roger Staubach, Len Dawson, Joe Flacco and Jake Delhomme for the most playoff wins away from home.
Defense
EDGE >> STEELERS Both teams are led by defensive-minded head coaches: the Jets’ Rex Ryan and the Steelers’ Mike Tomlin. Little wonder the Steelers ranked second overall in defense, and the Jets were third.
Intangibles
EDGE >> JETS The irrepressible, sixth-seeded Jets continue to play with house money, having knocked off Indianapolis and New England.
Face to face
Jets WR Santonio Holmes vs. Steelers CB Ike Taylor
Holmes, who made the game-winning catch for Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII, had six receptions in his first trip to Heinz Field after his off-season trade. He was covered for most of the game by close friend Ike Taylor. “I got a chance to beat those guys the first time around,” Holmes said. “This time it means everything, everything for myself, this team, this organization.”
Why the Jets will win
The Jets took advantage of superior special-teams play in the regular-season win at Pittsburgh, including a 97-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff by Brad Smith. The Jets used favorable field position to beat New England, and that will be a factor against the Steelers.
Why the Steelers will win
The Jets have expended a lot of energy to get here, while Pittsburgh got its scare last weekend against Baltimore. The win over Baltimore was the third game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime of Roethlisberger’s postseason career, so if it comes down to that situation, the Steelers have an edge.
Randy Covitz’s pick: Steelers 20-17