NFL Predictions: Conference Championship Weekend

Last Week: 1-3
Overall: 3-5

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos (NE -3) -> Denver Broncos
Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers (CAR -3) -> Carolina Panthers

A couple notes...
- Last week was so close across the board. The three bad picks were all 2 points or less away from being right. Brutal. That's what happens in the playoffs though, most of the games, especially the ones left, are toss ups.
- The Broncos and Patriots game should be great. Not because of Manning or Brady, but because this is the Broncos vs. the Patriots. I predict this game going one of two ways. Either Brady, Belichick and the Patriots blow out Denver, or Denver wins a close one. I'm going with the latter because this is a great defense in Denver. Sure, they gave up a lot of big plays last week against Pittsburgh, and Big Ben was hurt too (although he didn't look it), but they still didn't allow a touchdown. The biggest question mark in this game is Chris Harris. He's playing with a banged up shoulder which will limit his ability to play at the line and press coverage on Julian Edelman. That should be who the Pats queue up on, but Harris is still really talented, and if he can contain Edelman then Denver should win.
- The Cardinals and Panthers is just a game where the two best teams in the NFL this year face off against one another. Two great defenses,  two high scoring offenses, and two elite (you heard me) quarterbacks. The reason why I'm going with Carolina is simple. I have more faith in Cam Newton right now than Carson Palmer. The last few weeks, Carson Palmer hasn't looked great. Against the Packers last week, he made some horrible decisions (his second touchdown was pure luck) and Fitz bailed him out. Although the Panthers struggled in the second half and Cam wasn't asked to do much all game, Cam has been very consistent this entire year, and I think he can pull out the win.
- One more thing, holy shit what a game the Packers and Cardinals had last week! Easily the game of the year for me. The Packers played their asses off, and even with Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis as his two top receivers, Aaron Rodgers wowed the entire world once again. The only disappointment on my end is once again the Packers lose in overtime AND Aaron Rodgers doesn't even get a chance to have the ball. Although Larry Fitzgerald put his team on his back. That was two great teams showcasing how tough they are, and I expect both teams to consistently be back in the playoffs as long as each of their respective QB's are healthy.