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As the season winds down, it is time to start thinking about the playoffs. As you look at the AFC and NFC, you'll see two different pictures, yet the same results. In both conferences, two teams have stood above the others consistently all season long. Interestingly, the top two teams in each conference have met one another already this season.

Tom Brady, once again, has the New England Patriots riding high and playing strong. This is a team that has played near perfect all season. They are getting strong play from each position and are looking like the team to beat. They have only faced a few challenges and met those successfully. They are not a team that needs to peak at the right time. They have peaked all season.

Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts have had another strong season. Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai have both had solid campaigns and have proved to be good compliments to Manning. The play of these three has put the Colts on another course to make a strong run at the Super Bowl.

If the Colts are to repeat their trip to the Super Bowl, they will have to go through New England. I believe that will be the Championship match-up for the AFC. It will be a rematch from earlier in the season, when the Colts struggled to stop the Patriots offense. The Pats overcame an early deficit to stay undefeated. If the Colts can overcome the errors and make the right adjustments, they will be able to return the Super Bowl. If not, they are destined to watch New England cruise to another appearance themselves.

New England should win this one to advance, 31-17.

In the NFC, Dallas and Green Bay have left the rest of the conference behind. Brett Favre and Tony Romo are leading their teams to performances and heights no one expected. One aging and one playing far better than anyone would have thought, they are demolishing the competition.

In a year when everyone thought Favre would cruise to retirement, he is having a season most young quarterbacks would envy. His numbers are better than he has done in several years. His leadership is unquestionable. He clearly has his sights on the big prize.

The Dallas Cowboys have played nearly as perfect as the Patriots. They defeated their closest rival, the Packers. They, too, are having a season full of peaks. If they are to make it to the Super Bowl, though, they will need to defeat the Packers, with Favre this time.

Favre and the Packers have experience and drive on their side, and should beat the Cowboys to join the Patriots for a repeat of Super Bowl XXXI, 28-24.

Learn more about this author, Jim Becker.
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