Our will is to keep the torch of freedom burning for all.

Pittsburgh vs. Denver:
Wow…what a game this could turn out to be. If Pittsburgh can come out with the same intensity and drive they had in the first quarter against the Colts, I think they have a great shot at it. Their running games pretty much equal each other out, so it is going to come down to the passing game and whoever makes the least mistakes. Jake Plummer and Ben Roethlisberger are both inexperienced in playoff games, although Ben took the Steelers to this game last year as a rookie. Jake on the other hand has been questionable his whole career, but coming to the Broncos was the best thing for him and it almost appears as if he has turned his game around. It could go either way. With the intensity of the crowd at Invesco Field it is going to be tough for the Steelers to come back if they find themselves down early. Could you imagine if Big Ben didn’t get hurt midway through this year? The Steelers could have been a possible 2 or 3 seed instead of the 6 they are now, and been at home for this game. Either way, it’s going to be a great game. I have to give the edge to the team who has been in this game a bit more times under their current coach.
G-Dawg’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Carolina vs. Seattle:
Again…another fantastic game. The city of Seattle is just bonkers over the potential of their beloved Seahawks going to the big game for the first time in team history. Last week was their first playoff victory in eleven years. If any team were to have a home field advantage, this would be the one. Qwest field has become one of the loudest non-domed stadiums in the league. Add to the fact that the Seahawks are finally in the NFC Championship game, well…you have all the makings for a blowout. Not so fast. It has been announced that Shaun Alexander will play after suffering a concussion last week. Who knows how effective he will be or how much he can play, so he is a big question mark. Granted, the Seahawks were able to overcome it last week, but the Redskins are not the offensive powerhouse that Carolina can be. Then again, the Panthers will be without DeShaun Foster, and the possibility of being without Julius Peppers. The issue again is experience. Jake Delhomme has only one playoff loss in his career, and that was in Super Bowl XXXVIII two years ago in which he played a great game and almost won it. Matt Hasselbeck does not have playoff experience except for last week. This is a tough call, but I’m going to have to go with the home field advantage in this one, and that’s the only reason.
G-Dawg’s Pick: Seattle

Either way, Sunday should prove to be a great day to watch football. So grab your favorite beverage, fire up the grill, and don’t miss a second of it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

*This article is the sole opinion of the author and the author is not responsible for any gambling losses that you may incur as a result of his opinion. That being said…bet big!