Prisco Picks: Conference Championship

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - 3 p.m.
	21	The Ravens went into Foxboro and beat the Patriots in the playoffs two years ago, dominating from start to finish. But these are much different teams. Even so, that has to help Baltimore's confidence. The Ravens lost 23-20 in overtime to the Patriots last season in Foxboro. Tom Brady is coming off a six-touchdown game. He looked as comfortable as he has looked all season in carving up Denver. But this Ravens defense is much better. The Baltimore secondary will have to try and take away Rob Gronkowski and force Brady to go elsewhere. He doesn't have a deep threat, which will help make that easier to do. New England's defense has really struggled this season, but played well against Denver. That's because Denver is a run-first team. The Ravens can't be that here. Even though Ray Rice is key, they have to make some plays down the field, and they will. Joe Flacco will have some shots and hit a few. But he won't be able to keep up with Brady. The Ravens won't be able to hit him enough and Brady will make them pay. Patriots take it and move on to the Super Bowl.
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NY Giants at San Francisco 49ers - 6:30 p.m.
	24	The Giants are following the same formula from when they won it all four years ago: Good quarterback play from Eli Manning and a suffocating defensive front. They really got after Aaron Rodgers last week, and the 49ers have trouble in pass protection. That will help offset the lack of great play in the back end of the New York defense. Alex Smith will have to be good with his legs. It's imperative for Frank Gore to get the running game going for the 49ers to help slow that pass rush down. The 49ers defense was fourth in the NFL in total yards and first in run defense, but it was a unit that was 16th in passing yards. That's a problem against Manning and his receivers. I think the 49ers safeties excel in the run game, but they can be hit with big plays against the pass. I look for Manning to take advantage of that. The Giants will get a fourth-quarter lead and that pass rush will make sure it holds up. The 49ers just aren't as good at the quarterback position -- and that's the difference here. The Giants move on to face a familiar Super Bowl foe in the Patriots.
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