Conference Championship Preview

49ers' LB Patrick Willis looks to advance to the Super Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons
FOX -- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
Sunday January 20, 2013 3pm

This game reminds me of the 2005 NFC Championship Game between the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks. Going into the game, many people believed the Panthers were destined to get back to the Super Bowl as they looked very impressive in their two playoff wins on the road against the Chicago Bears and New York Giants. Many people believed the Seahawks weren't for real, despite a 13-3 record and the conference's top seed. However, the Seahawks rolled the Panthers early and often and went on to play in Super Bowl XL. The point of bringing up this game is for the 49ers. They have to beware of the hype surrounding their team. Even though they're on the road, they are the favorites to win this game. The Falcons are not getting any kind of respect, so I will not be surprised if they look very sharp early and jump on top of the 49ers. I think the 49ers are ready. Their appearance in the NFC Championship Game last year still stings.

San Francisco 49ers 31 Atlanta Falcons 24

Things got heated between Patriots' QB Tom Brady and Ravens' LB
Ray Lewis in last year's AFC Championship Game. 

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
CBS -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
Sunday January 20, 2013 6:30pm

This is a rematch of last year's game, but I'm still trying to figure out how the Ravens are even in this game to begin with. Last week, the Broncos had the game wrapped up until S Rahim Moore decided to act a fool and forget how to play his position. However, that's in the past. The Ravens' defense always provided challenges for Patriots' QB Tom Brady. However, I continue to have my doubts with Ravens' QB Joe Flacco. Many people love to point out he's won a playoff game in each season of his career. However, when you look at each playoff game he's played, he hasn't played well. His best playoff game was in last year's AFC Championship Game, so that gives the Ravens hope that he can duplicate last year's performance. The Patriots also haven't won a Super Bowl since the 2004 season. I bet they are hungry to finally get another one.

Baltimore Ravens 20 New England Patriots 30