And then there were four, the four most expected when the regular season headed into its final week? Absolutely not. Form has held true in the AFC, though, with the top seeded Patriots and the second seeded Ravens earning their way to the conference championship game. The NFC, however, is all out of kilter with 49ers and Giants upsetting dance darlings New Orleans and Green Bay over the weekend. According to the latest Conference Championship Odds, Baltimore and New York are not expected to earn a shot at the Lombardi as New England and San Francisco are listed as a -7.5 and -3 against the spread home favorites.
This weekend’s weak link: Baltimore Ravens (+7.5)
Yes, the Ravens own a stellar defense and yes, they upset the Patriots two seasons ago in Foxboro, but this team is limited offensively. If Ray Rice gets shut down, the offense gets shut down, it’s that simple. Baltimore has three good tight ends, if you count leading receiver Anquan Boldin, but almost no speed on the outside. Lee Evans, the Ravens outside speed solution, has been out with injury most of the season, giving the team almost no one to take advantage of Joe Flacco’s big arm. This makes them easier to defend and New England will take advantage of that lack of speed by using its safeties more in the run game. Can the Ravens beat the Patriots? Yes. But will they? No.
From one dog to another: New York Giants (+3)
San Francisco has been nails at home almost all season and they beat the Giants there in mid-November, but not this Giants team. New York, at least this version of it, represents the most complete team the Niners have faced all season. That may sound like an exaggeration, but take a look at San Fran’s schedule and I think you would be hard pressed to disagree with me. This should be an epic slug-fest that I, for one, cannot wait to watch.
Publisher’s Note: NFL Odds Expert Tyler Morgan turned in another successful playoff weekend, posting a 2-1 against the spread record with wins on San Francisco and New York. Morgan is now 5-2 in the postseason and 2011-2012 NFL Picks record to an astounding 84-47-4 (64 %). Tyler’s moves put thousands of dollars into his clients hands week after week during the regular season and he is now doing the same for those individuals in the playoffs. The good news for NFL Football bettors is - TYLER MORGAN’S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge big bucks to subscribers. Put a few Morgan Silver Dollars in your bank account during the 2012 NFL Playoffs by getting Tyler’s winning plays for FREE. Feel free to sign up to get NFL Picks Free!
NFL Playoff Schedule 2012 Conference Championship Games & Odds: Provided by SBG Global
Sunday, January 22 -
3:00pm ET (CBS) Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots (-7.5/50.5 Points)
6:30pm ET (FOX) New York Giants vs San Francisco 49ers (-3/43 Points)
