Gerry Dulac's NFL Forecast: Championship Sunday
Share with others:
2-2 (.500) Season record: 177-87 (.670)
3 p.m., Sunday The Skinny: The Ravens have been foiled so many times in the postseason by the Steelers at Heinz Field that playing in Gillette Stadium ??? where they beat the Patriots in the 2009 playoffs ??? seems like a favorable alternative. But, for the Ravens to advance to the Super Bowl, they need Joe Flacco to pretend he is playing the Steelers. Flacco looks like Johnny Unitas when he is facing the Steelers, not the inconsistent quarterback he becomes against every other team. The Ravens will need to 1) pressure and hit Tom Brady; 2) play man coverage in the secondary; and 3) play from ahead. If not, it will be another playoff disappointment for the Ravens. Prediction: Patriots, 27-20
6:30 p.m., Sunday The Skinny: Since they scored two touchdowns in the final three minutes to beat the Cowboys in Dallas Dec. 11, the Giants have been the best team in the NFL. They have certainly shown that in the postseason, not allowing the Falcons a touchdown and beating the Packers at their own game in Green Bay, despite two horrible calls by the officials. But there seems to be a lot of playoff magic for the 49ers at Candlestick Park. They proved against the Saints that they can be more than a strong defensive team. And QB Alex Smith proved he can make big plays when necessary. Which defensive front can apply more pressure on the quarterback will determine the outcome. Prediction: Giants, 24-21
First Published January 19, 2012 12:00 am
