NFL 2007 Forecast: Championship Playoffs

Equality and erraticism have dominated the NFL scene for decades and add to the complexity of this institution's framework. This two-headed monster emerged in Indianapolis and Dallas last weekend, but it was fought off and defeated in Green Bay and New England.

Chargers coach Norv Turner arrived in San Diego under a cloud of doubt mostly due to his 58-82 record in his previous coaching stints and his inability to get to the playoffs. San Diego got off to a slow start and suddenly Turner found himself being lambasted and ridiculed as many believed that his stay in southern California was going to be short-lived. After Sunday's spectacular victory over the defending Super Bowl champions, I don't think Turner will have to put his house on the market. Despite injuries to L.T., QB Philip Rivers, and TE Antonio Gates, Turner turned in a magnificent coaching job and earned a trip to frigid New England to face the Perfect Pats like they did in Week 2.

Tony Romo's vacation romp with Jessica Simpson, a lackluster December, and T.O's injury appeared to be very serious factors going in to last Sunday's game at Texas Stadium. Regardless of what effect they had, the bottom line is that NY was prepared for this game more than Dallas. The Cowboys were brainless and vulnerable against this Giants team that continued its road dominance becoming the first team in NFL history to win nine straight road games. Big D was simply outplayed and had a bad day on the offensive line, catching the ball, and being effective in the red zone. As a result, Cowboy players now get to spend more time in front of their HDTV's watching these Giants battle Favre's Packers on The Frozen Tundra.

Speaking of Lambeau Field, the day began clear and cold vs. Seattle as the Seahawks rode the parity sled up and down the field exploding to a quick 14-0 lead. Then, the weather began to change. Temperatures continued to drop and snow began to fall as Lambeau became a winter wonderland providing the kind of environment that caused Brett Favre to shed his uniform and reveal a big "S" and flowing cape. Farve was simply paranormal. He threw three TD's and no interceptions and displayed unbelievable poise and awareness as he escaped collapsing pockets and fleeting blitzes to make plays. Now, Green Bay gets host the NFC Championship game vs. NY who they met in Week 2 as well.

What else is there to say about the New England Patriots? Jacksonville arrived in Foxboro riding a massive tidal wave of momentum coming off its thrilling victory in Heinz Field to knock off the Steelers. Many believed that their brutal style of play on defense and explosive running attack would challenge New England and create a colossal upset. With that challenge ahead of him, Brady simply turned on a switch and had one of the greatest games a QB has had in NFL history. He was as masterful as Obi-Wan Kenobi and brilliantly dismantled the Jags. Now, they welcome the San Diego Chargers who represent the last road block before arriving in Glendale, AZ.

The Super Bowl is the pinnacle game for each NFL season, but today is one of the greatest weekends in professional sports. It's the last chance for two cities to see their home team, and very often showcases all the characteristics of a truly awesome NFL battle.

Find a seat. Get anything and everything that you're going to need during the next seven hours. Hook up the catheter. Get ready for a spine-tingling and paralyzing ride!

• San Diego Chargers (13-5) at New England Patriots (17-0): CBS, 3pm EST - If there's one arena that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady excel in more than the regular season, it's the playoffs where they are 13-2. The weather is going to be frigid but not cold enough to stop this blitzkrieg offense and dominating defense. San Diego comes in to this colossal battle on a 8-game winning streak but is also hobbled with injuries of varying extents to QB Philip Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, and TE Antonio Gates. If Rivers can't go, coach Norv Turner will be the key in calling plays for Billy Volek, but the crucial reality for the Chargers will be to keep consistent pressure on Brady, maintain time-chewing drives to keep Brady and Co. off the field, and their defense must create turnovers. This will be the first time all season that San Diego has played in sub-freezing weather, but that won't matter against this Patriots machine. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• NY Giants (12-6) at Green Bay Packers (14-3): FOX, 6:30pm EST - Zero degrees and snow with -14 degrees wind chill. Lambeau Field. Brett Favre. Does it get any better than that for an NFC Championship Game? The Packers welcome the NY Giants for a chance to travel to warm Glendale, AZ and hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The G-men have played exceptionally on the road winning their last nine contests away from NY and will find themselves facing a QB wizard in Favre and a daunting defense. The Packers will also be facing a QB in Eli Manning that has been virtually flawless in his last few games displaying poise and quick, smart decisions. Both teams have very effective running games and effective passing attacks that will make this a war to remember, but the mystique appears to be back at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY

STANDINGS

Cris Collinsworth: 1-3, 182-82

Cris Carter: 2-2, 177-87

Bob Costas: 2-2, 174-90

Dan Marino: 3-1, 173-91

Eddie Chinn: 2-2, 171-93

Chris Mortensen: 2-2, 168-96

Sean Salisbury: 3-1, 168-96