Look For A Falcons, Pats Super Bowl

I'm not usually one to make predictions, nor am I generally a fan of those who make them often. I've always felt there is a reason you play the games and it doesn't matter what anyone is saying about anyone's else's chances until after the game is over. I'm especially annoyed by the phrase, "They have no chance." Come on. Everyone has a chance. Even if it's one in a million, there's always a chance.

Especially when you get to games like today's NFL conference championship games. The four teams still playing are all great teams. They have beaten great teams to get here and two of them will beat another great team today. So, although you may have a strong belief that one team or another will emerge victorious today, at least have the common sense to admit that you could be wrong.

That being said, here is my prediction.

In the NFC, look for a flashback to 1998. Our very own Minnesota Vikings were 15-1 in the regular season and the team to beat in the conference championship game. But somehow everyone overlooked a solid Atlanta team. Although no one is ignoring Michael Vick this season, the team is once again a second thought. But you combine a tough defense with the DVD factor (Dunn, Vick, Duckett), divide that by an injured T.O and the lack of a soft defensive secondary for the no-name Eagles receivers, and you get yet another "oh so close" season for the Eagles. I take Atlanta by 7.

In the AFC, the Patriots will start to get the respect and recognition they deserve after today. Brady will play another mistake-free game, leading the Pats to roughly 28 points against a pretty good Steeler defense. Big Ben Roethlisberger has had a fast start to what will be a great career, but another costly interception or two will seal the deal for the Patriots. I take New England by 3.

I also have thoughts on what will happen with Super Bowl XXXIX, but maybe we'll just see how this prediction stuff goes for me this week before things get too out of hand. Remember, I could be wrong.