Who's going to Tampa? Picking the AFC and NFC Championship Games

Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Philadelphia are left standing, the Vince Lombardi trophy well within reach. One game is a battle between two veteran quarterbacks seeking redemption. Once left for dead, Donovan McNabb and Kurt Warner have proven that they are both forces to be reckoned with. The other game is a collision between two bruising, dominating defenses. In one corner, you have Troy Polomalu and James Harrison. In the other, you have Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. The Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles are two equally hot teams that have shocked and impressed the sports world with their success in the playoffs. Which coach will craft a winning game plan, Andy Reid or Ken Whisenhunt? Which freak athlete will be more freakish? Larry Fitzgerald or DeSean Jackson? In the Steel City, which offense will be able to withstand the mighty defense? Will rookie Joe Flacco continue to be Joe the Unflappable? These questions will soon be answered. Come Monday morning, two ecstatic teams will be off to Tampa, while two disappointing squads will be resigned to watching the Super Bowl in the comforts of their home.

Okay, now it's time for my picks. I haven't exactly been prophetic in my postseason predictions up to this point, but here it goes: The Ravens prevail in a game that defines the term smash mouth, while Flacco continues to play with poise, with help from running backs Le'Ron McClain and Willis McGahee. The Eagles outgun the Cardinals in a thriller that comes down to a David Akers kick. The trend of road dominance continues.

So, will my predictions come true, or will my picks continue to be about as impressive as a Rascal Flatts song?