NFC Championship Game Picks

Last Week's Record: 3-1
Overall Playoff Record: 6-2
Regular Season Record: 123-125-11

2-Arizona at 1-Carolina
(NFC Championship Game)

A Case for the Cardinals: Although they escaped win a dramatic win last week over Green Bay, and they were bombed at home in Week 17 by the Seahawks, the Cards are a very solid team that finished the regular season 13-3. Don't forget about that. Plus, after struggling last week, I would expect Bruce Arians to have Carson Palmer ready to go, and it would not surprise me to see Palmer play a really good game. If he does that, then the Cards will have a really good chance to win the game. Also, the Cardinals are not being picked by anyone to win this game. They will surely use that as motivation. I think they matchup better with the Panthers than a lot of people are giving them credit for.

A Case for the Panthers: After last week's thumping of the Seahawks, the Panthers proved they were the real deal in the NFC this year. As I said earlier in the playoffs, it just seems like it is the Panthers year. Cam Newton is going to be the NFL MVP, and you just have a feeling that this team's destiny is to be playing in Super Bowl 50. It will be very hard to convince me that they will blow this game at home. Even if this game gets close, you have to believe that Newton will find a way to will his team to another victory.

Prediction: CAROLINA(-3) over Arizona: I think this will be a close game, and it has the makings of a game that will come down to the wire. In any event, it is the Panthers year, so I see them gettong it done at home on Sunday night, and they will advance to their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Final Score: Panthers-28 Cardinals-17