NFL Playoffs Conference Finals

Last Week's Results

Against the Spread: 4-0
Head to Head: 4-0

Playoffs to Date

Against the Spread: 5-2-1
Head to Head: 6-2


For the first time in our 5 years since publishing our picks, we had a spotless record. This weekend’s Championship match-ups should be even more intriguing.





Baltimore (13-4) at New England (14-3)
Line: Patriots by 7

Baltimore reached its first AFC Championship game since 2009 by outlasting a determined Houston Texans team. The Ravens have lost 7 out 8 games against New England, but that lone victory was a lopsided 33-14 win in a Wild Card game two years ago. For the Patriots, they snapped their three game playoff losing streak with a convincing victory over Denver last weekend. This game stands to be a test of Tom Brady’ offensive attack and the strong defensive will of the Ravens. That leads to the question of whether Joe Flacco can exploit New England’s weak secondary. Flacco has not had too much success in road games. Now is the time to break that bad habit. Otherwise, it’s good nite.

Smooth’s Pick – New England (24-17)





NY Giants (11-7) at San Francisco (14-3)
Line: Niners by 2½

This is the seventh playoff match-up between these two teams and the second time they’ve met for the NFC Championship. That game in 1991 was an unforgettable defensive struggle, where the Giants defeated the 49ers and denied them a third straight Super Bowl appearance. Big Blue went on to win their second Super Bowl title against Buffalo. This game also stands to be a classic. San Fran won their game in thrilling fashion against a tough New Orleans Saints offense for a 36-32 victory. The Giants shocked the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field 37-20. The key in this match-up will be the weather, which calls for rain all weekend at Candlestick Park. If conditions are horrid, that will lead to more of a ground game. That would favor the Niners. However, the real key will be the play of Alex Smith. Don’t expect the same play from the Giants that he got from the Saints. He will get more pressure from their front four and if he becomes rattled, look for the G-men to capitalize.

Smooth’s Pick – NY Giants (22-15)