BlitzNation Roundtable Predictions: Championship Sunday

Well football fans, we’re almost there. We’re just two weeks away from the Super Bowl, but first, we’ve gotta see who will represent each conference. In the NFC, the New Orleans Saints try to hold off the Minnesota Vikings and Brett Favre, which is obviously easier said than done.

In the AFC, all the talk has been about the New York Jets. And why not? The Jets are coming off of consecutive road wins against two teams with great offenses. Will they be able to keep that streak alive this week?

Let’s see what our BlitzNation panel thinks about Sunday’s matchups:

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts

Blake Lovell - “The Jets are rolling. They run the football, and play great defense. They have a quarterback that is good at managing the game, but probably won’t beat you by himself. Guess what? That’s the exact same description of the Baltimore Ravens, and the Colts handled them quite easily. I don’t expect this one to be easy, but I do expect Peyton Manning and company to pull out the victory.” Colts 24-16

Eric Merkys - “Colts all the way. Probably more because I don’t want to see Braylon Edwards get to the Super Bowl.” Colts 31-17

Ben Zubak - “I should know better, but I can’t pick against the Peyton Mannings, I mean the Colts, no defense can stop this team forever.” Colts 21-10

Adrian Estrada - “The Jets Defense is facing another tough match this week against the Colts. Peyton Manning is the Best QB around and will be a difficult task for the Jets. The Colts run defense will have to get the job done in order for the Colts to be successful on offense. With a very strong Jets secondary, expect the first half of the game to be similar to that of the Jets vs Chargers game. The second half will not be the same. Peyton Manning will find a way to dominate through the air and put up a couple scores. The Jets Offense will not be able to score as quick. It will be a close game. Peyton Manning will put this game away late in the 4th Quarter but the Jets will have a shot. Can Mark Sanchez produce a game winning drive? We shall find out.” Colts 24-20

Lee Tawil - “In my opinion, the Jets are just a product of the media’s hype right now. Yes, they are in the AFC Championship, but they do not really stand a chance against Indy this weekend. Peyton Manning is going to play well, but where the Colts will truly shine is defensively. Once they get an early lead, they are going to get some great play out of their speed rushers. Sorry Jets, your journey ends here.” Colts 23-10

Anthony Blake – “This game is the classic strength on strength with the cerebral offensive attack of Peyton Manning against Rex Ryan’s top defensive unit. It’s time to stop sleeping on this Jets team. Indy will be ready to try and stop the run with eight or nine in the box and the big play is going to be available. Will Braylon Edwards FINALLY hold onto the football? This time, I say yes.” Jets 23-21

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints

Blake Lovell - “Being a Bears’ fan, I’ll admit. I strongly dislike the Minnesota Vikings. And it has pained me to see them make it this far. So all I can hope for this week is that the Saints get off to a hot start like they did last week, and put up at least 70 on the Vikings. Of course, I don’t expect them to put up 70, and unfortunately, this game will probably be close. But in the end, the Saints will find a way, and will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Because if they don’t, we can officially declare the next two weeks Favreapalooza.” Saints 27-23

Eric Merkys - “This game will be interesting. I still think that the Vikings will be able to out play the Saints. Imagine if Bret Favre wins another Super Bowl and with another team, and at the age of 40. He would be a true living legend that we would all be seeing in our life time.” Vikings 27-24

Ben Zubak - “In another offense that no defense can stop, I see the Saints beating the Vikings. The only way Favre and company win is if they can get their running game working. Brees is just too good.” Saints 34-31

Adrian Estrada - “This game features 2 high powered offenses against each other. Minnesota threw up 34 against the Cowboys who were the #2 scoring defense in the regular season. Brett Favre found his man Sydney Rice 3 times through the air. The Minnesota D also sacked Tony Romo (a mobile QB), 6 times. On the other side you have the #1 Offense in the league and the re-emergence of Reggie Bush. The New Orleans air attack is always potent too. Field position in this game wont matter so much because both teams have been able to move the ball well all season. This will be a high scoring game coming down to who can make a defensive stop in the 4th Quarter.” Vikings 34-30

Lee Tawil - “This should be an exciting game early, but ultimately, I can see the Saints pulling away in the second half. Brees should have good protection, which will be key, and Darren Sharper will find a way to get the ball in his hands, whether it be an interception or fumble recovery. I can also see Adrian Peterson continuing to struggle, which will hurt Favre in this game more than it did against Dallas. When all is said and done, the New Orleans Saints will be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl.” Saints 27-17

Anthony Blake - “Two dome teams kind of diminishes the noise factor for the Vikes coming into this one. Health is going to be a huge issue in this game. With Ray Edwards on the injury report and Percy Harvin’s status currently up in the air with migraines, this game is a toss up. The one difference in this matchup is defensively where the Vikings have the Williams wall to go alongside a mullet with attitude in Jared Allen. Defense is the theme.” Vikings 28-24