FIGJAM Here are 10 thoughts:
1. OK, if soggy Soldier Field is going to "slow down" the Green Bay Packers, wouldn't also seemingly "slow down" the Chicago Bears' offense, equalizing everything?
2. The Pittsburgh Steelers have what the New England Patriots don't: A speedy, vertical threat (Mike Wallace), which prevents the New York Jets from "taking something away."
3. Per Jets-Steelers, I've hardly heard the names of Rashard Mendenhall, Shonn Greene and Ladainian Tomlinson during any analysis. Odd.
4. How do you not know James Starks' name by now?
5. The "They Don't Believe In Us" mojo could be strong with the Bears. You'd think they had won a reality show contest to get to the NFC Conference Championship.
6. If Green Bay is an "indoor" team, it's a tough to prove and disaprove. During November-December (cold months, in theory), the Pack went 3-1 outdoors beating Chicago, New York Giants, San Francisco, and losing to New England. They scored 10 against Chicago and 45 and 27 in New York and New England, respectively. During that same stretch, they scored three against Detroit in a dome. If nothing else, they've been inconsistent.
7. I love the theory that certain teams are "hotter" than others. Green Bay's won four straight and New York's won three straight (and four of five). They're considered hot. Chicago's won three of four and eight of 10. Pittsburgh's won three of four and seven of eight.
8. Has there been Conference Championships in which everyone's had some experience in the regular season like this year? The Jets beat the Steelers. But lost to Chicago and Green Bay. Chicago and Green Bay split their series.
9. Robbie Gould, Mason Crosby, Shaun Suisham and Nick Folk. Two kickers don't belong.
10. I've never quite remembered a more even set of Conference Championship games. Even the teams' weaknesses are a bit symmetrical. Like the poor O-lines from Chicago and Pittsburgh. The unproven quarterbacks of Chicago and New York. Four fantastic defenses. Two bad running games (Green Bay, Chicago) and two good running games (New York, Pittsburgh). All four teams northern, old proud fanbases and all four teams play outdoors. Two badass African American coaches and two lumpy white coaches. The similarities in strengths and weaknesses are somewhat eerie.
Predictions
With No. 10 in mind, I find it odd that a team in each game has the superior defense and quarterback. And I am basing my picks on those two teams.
Pittsburgh 20, New York 16
Green Bay 24, Chicago 17
