Sunday
AFC Championship
Baltimore Ravens (13-4) at New England Patriots (14-3)
BALTIMORE plus 9
The Patriots have never lost an AFC title game at home, and given the way quarterback Tom Brady's playing right now – six touchdown passes last weekend – unless linebacker Ray Lewis plans to literally tearing him limb from limb, which is always a possibility, the Ravens will be hard-pressed to punch their Super Bowl ticket.
The pick PATRIOTS
NFC Championship
New York Giants (11-7) at San Francisco 49ers (14-3)
NEW YORK plus 3
When their vaunted defence let them down late against New Orleans, the 49ers offence showed it can score points in a hurry, if need be. With San Francisco owning teams on the ground, the Giants' hopes rest on quarterback Eli Manning's capable shoulders; the 49ers' likely on kicker David Akers's leg.
The pick 49ERS
Last week 3-1
Postseason 4-4
Regular season 123-119-14
Paul Attfield