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AFC and NFC Championship picks

By Remy Retro

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) runs for extra yards after a catch with Denver Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) chasing during the fourth quarter in a AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) runs for extra yards after a catch with Denver Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) chasing during the fourth quarter in a AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Picking the AFC and NFC Championship Games.

Playoff record: 4-2

I am still having trouble getting over last week’s loss, being eliminated from the playoffs is hard and the 2015 Steelers were a very good team. It was obvious that they played for each other and they overcame some serious adversity.

Every team has to deal with injuries but having the hardest schedule in the NFL coupled with losing five starters most of which are all-pro at critical points and still being a touchdown away from the AFC championship game, that’s a team.

That’s a pretty awesome team, and let us hope as Steeler nation that it is only bigger and better next season. With that being said there are still two games this weekend that are pretty important. I have sort of had my fill of Brady and Manning but I am sure there are some out there who haven’t. Let’s pick the winners.

Sunday 3:05PM: New England Patriots (-3.0) @ Denver Broncos

To be honest I am not confident in who is going to win this game. The value pick I believe is taking the game to go over 44.5 points as both quarterbacks are playing very well. Brady may have the edge and with his two key receivers back at full strength he will be able to move the ball on the number one ranked Denver defense.

With elite quarterbacks pressure is the only thing that can take them off their game. Denver had the most sacks this season, the second most was New England. Brady is a little more mobile than Manning, but one must wonder if keeping Manning out until the playoffs could pay dividends for the Broncos tomorrow. I wouldn’t really bet on that. PICK: NEW ENGLAND

Sunday 6:40PM: Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers (-3.0)

This game I am leaning a bit more towards the home team. Carolina seems like the team on a mission this year and they came out very heavy against a solid Seahawks team last week.

Next: Eric Weddle in Black & Gold?

Arizona has had a very strong season and does not make many mistakes. I am not sure there is a hotter coach in the league right now than Bruce Arians. The team that scores first could have a bigger edge than usual. The first half total is currently 24 points and I would say both teams score two touchdowns in the first half. PICK: CAROLINA