by Jeff McIntyre

Created on: January 16, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The time is now, as we countdown to Superbowl XLI. The conference champions will be crowned this weekend and then a new Super Bowl awaits.

AFC Championship- It is the oft told tale of Belichick vs. Manning and how will the Colts ever defeat the Patriots in the playoffs. This year might be the year that the proverbial monkey jumps off of the back of Manning and mates. The reason being, the Colts defense over the last 2 weeks has been outstanding, shutting down the likes of Larry Johnson, Jamal Lewis and Steve McNair. The offense has not been as electrifying as we're used to, but Manning has relied more on his running game and less on the pass attack.

The Patriots will have a well devised game plan as always, but look for the Colts to win a close one as Manning puts his own ego in check to focus on a "team" win.

NFC Championship- This game will involve more of the unknown then the aforementioned AFC matchup. The Cinderella Saints and the story that surrounds them vs. the Monsters of the Midway at home in a frozen Soldier Field. The Saints have everything going for them in this game, they have the playmakers in McCallister, Colston, Brees and Bush and they have captured the mojo better this year than any of their opponents.
The Bears on the other hand, had the formidable defense. I say "had" because they have given up a lots of points in their last few games to not-so-prolific offenses and don't be mistaken, the Saints are very prolific on offense.
Although the Bears are playing at home, they won't have enough mustard on offense to keep up the pace with te Saints' attack.

SUPER BOWL XLI- If everything holds true to the previous predictions, we should see a marvelous matchup between the Colts and the Saints. The story of Dungy and Manning finally making it to the dance vs. The hurricane ravaged city finding solitude in the boys in black and gold playing for the big prize.
This will be the game that Manning and the Colts will open the offensive flood gates back up and try to go toe-to-toe with the Saints jet-fueled scoring barrage.
The team that runs the ball and owns the clock, should be the victors in this one.
The Saints can do this better than anyone if they stick with Deuce and Bush.

Prediction- Saints 30 Colts 27

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