And so we're left with just two games on this weekend's Conference Championship docket, just one of which sees us in disagreement.
Stella and I are both rooting for the Patriots to take down the Broncos in the AFC title game. Denver's strong defense and mostly-broken quarterback will more or less balance one another out in terms of on-the-field results, but Tom Brady and company look reasonably healthy and ready to go. In this battle of strength against strength, we like New England's chances.
As to the other game, Stella really liked the look of Carolina in the last round and thinks that Seattle's comeback was more a product of the Panthers easing up than anything else. She doesn't expect any such letting up against the Cardinals. My take is that Arizona is one of the most if not THE most complete teams we saw this season. While there's no denying the excellence of Cam Newton and the rest of the Panthers, I think that the Cardinals have what it takes to go into Carolina and hand the team what would be just its second loss of the year. Either way, this match-up is filled with game-breaking talents on both sides of the ball. Offense, defense, special teams, you name it the potential is here for some exciting plays.
While I might be behind, it isn't quite time to throw in the towel. If the Cardinals can pull off a relatively mild upset, I can pull into a tie with Stella. From there, we just have to wait and see what the Super Bowl brings. With just a couple of lucky breaks, I might just be able to salvage a meager portion of my prognostication dignity.
Stella is unconcerned.
(winners in caps)
ALLEN'S PICKS
Sunday, Jan. 24
NEW ENGLAND at Denver
ARIZONA at Carolina
Divisional Round record: 3-1
Postseason record: 5-3
STELLA'S PICKS
Sunday, Jan. 24
NEW ENGLAND at Denver
Arizona at CAROLINA
Divisional Round record: 3-1
Postseason record: 6-2
