AFC and NFC Championship Preview and Predictions

Colin Kaepernick is capable of using both his legs and his arm to pick apart the Falcons defense. (Stephen Dunn)

San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) @ Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - 3:00 PM EST, FOX

Many questioned why 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh made a quarterback switch from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick in Week 11. After last week's 45-31 win over the Green Bay Packers, every one had their answer. Kaepernick was outstanding in reading the Packers defense and knowing when to pass and run. In the playoff win over the Packers, he threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns. The latter was a new record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a playoff game ever. Kaepernick could be in for another huge game against a Falcons defense that has holes. In fact, they have given up 8.9 yards per play to quarterbacks rushing the football this season. If the Falcons defense does stack the box or blitz, Kaepernick  has shown the ability to be accurate in the passing game, particularly to his favorite wide receiver, Michael Crabtree. The 49ers defense has been one of the top defense in the league all season. They have been tough against the run and the pass, but need to be careful not to give up the big play in the passing game.

Despite being the top seed in the NFC, it seemed like many people felt strongly that the Falcons playoff woes would continue against a red hot Seattle Seahawks team. The Falcons refused to buy into this and give up. Even when the Seahawks scored with 31 seconds left in the game to take a 28-27 lead, the Falcons didn't stop believing. Quarterback Matt Ryan drove his team down the field and got them into field goal range. Matt Bryant kicked a 49-yard field goal to end the Falcons playoff misery and finally got the monkey off their backs. The Falcons though would tell you this was just the first hurdle to what they hope to accomplish this postseason. Despite throwing two interceptions in the win over the Seahawks, Ryan had a solid game throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns. His top three targets, wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones and tight end Tony Gonzalez, all had great games as well. The Falcons offense also got a boost from their rushing game with 162 combined yards from Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers. The Falcons defense is not as statistically strong as most teams in the league, but defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has boys believing in themselves.

Prediction: 49ers 27 Falcons 20

Baltimore Ravens (10-6) @ New England Patriots (12-4) - 6:30 PM EST, CBS

The Ravens have the shot at revenge they had hoped for. The AFC Championship will feature the same teams from last season for the first time in 25 years when the Patriots host the Ravens on Sunday in Foxborough. The Ravens backed into the playoffs losing four of their last five, but have rebounded with two wins in the playoffs to get them this far. In the wild card round, the Ravens defense shut down the Colts and kept them out of the endzone. Last Saturday, quarterback Joe Flacco burned the Denver Broncos defense time and time again, including a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones with 31 seconds left in the game to force overtime. The Ravens eventually prevailed in double overtime on a 47-yard field goal attempt by Justin Tucker. The Ravens defense has been rejuvenated and energized by Ray Lewis' announcement that this is his last season. In the two playoff games so far, they have forced five turnovers. They will need similar success to help beat the Patriots.

The Patriots are happy to play again in Foxborough, where they have never lost with a berth to the Super Bowl on the line. They finished the regular season as one of the hottest teams in the NFL as winners of nine of their last ten. The Patriots continued their success with a divisional round win over the Houston Texans, by the score of 41-28. Tom Brady had an excellent game, throwing for 344 yards and three touchdowns. Wes Welker was Brady's top target with eight catches for 131 yards. Shane Vereen offered a dual threat out of the backfield with 124 total yards and three total touchdowns. The Patriots defense has been solid against the rush this season, but have struggled against the pass. They cannot afford to give up the same big pass plays that cost the Broncos last week. The Patriots also need to be mindful to remain aware of the presence of Ravens running back Ray Rice, who is also a danger to explode for game-changing play.

Prediction: Patriots 31 Ravens 27

Top Five Stories to Follow This NHL Season

A healthy Sidney Crosby is exactly what the NHL looks to put the lockout behind them. (Gene J. Puskar)

After a long and laborious lockout, the NHL season finally gets under way tomorrow. In this shortened season, there are many stories to follow. I will simply give five of my top ones to watch throughout this season.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby returns to the ice fully healthy. Crosby significantly benefited from the lockout in that he was able to get fully healthy after battling through concussions the last two seasons. Crosby was inspirational in moving the NHL past the 2005 lockout and bringing fans back to the game. This season could be very similar. Crosby could be set for a huge return to stardom. That is something even his haters cannot ignore.

2. The Minnesota Wild spent big money during the offseason, but it remains to be seen if it will be worth it. The Wild have not been to the playoffs since 2008. Their main struggle last season was that they had the NHL's worst offense. During the offseason, the Wild spent a combined $196 million on free agents Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. Whether that can translate to success, remains to be seen. The Wild have many unanswered questions so far, including whether or not goaltender Josh Harding can return to top form following his inspiring return from multiple sclerosis.

3. Rick Nash could be the missing piece that the New York Rangers need to win the Stanley Cup. The Rangers have had some great pieces. Brad Richards, Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik lead the way offensively. They also have had a solid core of young players and a solid defense that is anchored by Henrik Lundqvist, one of the greatest goaltenders in the world. Over the past several years, they simply have not been enough. This likely prompted the Rangers to go out and get Rick Nash. Nash is one of the league's best scorers and is going to make a huge impact if he can adjust to life in the spotlight.

4. The Carolina Hurricanes could be this season's surprise playoff team. The Hurricanes were not in the playoff picture last season, but they steadily improved as the season wore on. In fact, they had the Southeast Division's best record over the last 48 games of this past season. In the offseason, the Hurricanes bolstered their roster by acquiring Jordan Staal and signing Alexander Semin. They could be primed to make some noise in a winnable division.

5. This could be the season the Detroit Red Wings finally don't make the playoffs. Last season, the Red Wings fell down to the fifth seed in the playoffs. Then, during the offseason, they had to deal with the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom, one of the best defensemen in NHL history. The affect this will have on the Red Wings, remains to be seen. Some people believe that they could wind up coming up short in their bid for their 22nd straight playoff berth.