Roose's Championship Sunday predictions

Well I went 2-2 this past week, killing my perfect bracket. I also lost my championship pick with Indianapolis. I've been thinking about this week already after the Giants win over Dallas. Do I want to go with an upset or do I want to go with the home teams. Both home teams (New England and Green Bay) play in the frozen tundras.

AFC: The Patriots have been perfect. They are 17-0 and 2 games away from history. They already tied the '72 Dolphins by winning their first 17 games and they are one win shy of being tied with the '85 Bears' total of 18 in a season and playoffs. They go up against the #3 Chargers who upset the defending champion Colts. The Pats are fully healthy while the Ladanian Tomlinson (hyper extension) and Phillip Rivers (sprained meniscus) are both questionable for Sunday's game. Antonia Gates has also been battling injuries in the playoffs. Look for a low scoring game as San Diego's defense, especially Shaun Merriman look for revenge after last year in the AFC championship game. If LT is having problems with his knee, look for back-up Michael Turner to see plenty of touches. The Pats offense is explosive. Tom Brady is the best in the league, Lawrence Maroney and Kevin Faulk are a dangerous duo, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Dante Stallworth are a dangerous trio to defend, and the defense is tough to do anything on. I have the Patriots winning 21-10.

NFC: The #2 Packers emerged victorious last week with a big win over Seattle as the Seahawks couldn't handle the snow and wind. Brett Favre is riding this record-breaking season to another championship game. He will look to cap it off with a ring. The Giants are coming off of a huge win in Texas as the Cowboys struggles near the end of the season and in the playoffs again. Romo can't seem to get his first win as a starter and T.O. needs a box of tissues. Maybe Jessica Simpson can cheer him up. The Packers are a very balanced team. They have Ryan Grant in the backfield, Favre at the reigns, solid receivers in Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, and a good defense with a great secondary. The Giants have young but inconsistent QB in Eli Manning, a very strong running game with Brandon Jacobs, weapons for Eli, and a vicious run defense. If the secondary plays their game for both teams, the scoring will be low as well. I still have the Packers 20-10.

Look for a repeat of Super Bowl XXXI with hopefully the same outcome.