AFC

Last week the Ravens upset the Titans in an Oiler-esque performance in Nashville with great defensive and special teams play. In Oakland, the Raiders demolished the Dolphins to coast to an easy win. Both of these teams have great momentum going into the game @ Oakland.

The Ravens defense relies upon the effectiveness of Ray Lewis. If Ray Lewis is having a great game that means the other parts of the Ravens D is doing their job. Last week versus the Titans, Lewis was able to contain Eddie George, which is always the way to beat the Titans. This week Lewis has to go up against Tyrone Wheatley and a limited Napoleon Kaufman. The Raiders to win will have to effectively use both backs with their receivers.

The Raiders defense has to focus in on Raven RB, Jamal Lewis, and TE Shannon Sharpe. Trent Dilfer is still the staring QB for Baltimore. Lewis's game is comparable to Eddie George, where it relies on a constant pounding of the other team's line throughout the game. Sharpe is the leading for receiver for the Ravens and he'll mostly be matched up against LB, William Thomas. Dilfer, for another target will haven to look to Quadry Ismail. If Oakland can lock up Ismail with either Eric Allen or Charles Woodson they will force the Ravens to rely on Lewis and Sharpe.

Special teams wise the Raiders have two outstanding young specialists in Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler. Both players have strong legs and give the Raiders a needed boost in a sticky situation. The Ravens are strong in the kicking department with Matt Stover, but Kyle Richardson is an average punter.

I see the game shaping up as a low yardage, defensive battle. P, Shane Lechler will give the Raiders an edge with starting field position. The Raiders using their home-field advantage come out to a 20-14 win.

NFC

Last week, the Giants and Vikings coasted to easy wins at their respective homes. This week the Giants get the home field advantage in the Meadowlands. The Giants this year saw resurgence from embattled QB, Kerry Collins and great rushing from Tiki Barber. QB, Dante Culpepper in his first year as Minnesota starter lived up to all of the expectations with his great receivers Randy Moss and Cris Carter.

The Vikings offensive line will have to provide protection from the Giants great front seven. Also, Dante Culpepper will have to find the receiver not covered by Jason Sehorn and be able to exploit it. If the Giants can force Robert Smith to have a large part in the game then they have a chance to stop the Vikings high-octane attack.

The Giants offense is centered on RB, Tiki Barber. The Giants for their best chance to win will have to balance their use of Barber with their great receivers Armani Toomer and Ike Hilliard. If the Vikings can force Kerry Collins to win the game, then they have the Giants right where they want them.

Special teams wise the Vikings have the more reliable kicker in Gary Anderson, but Sunday's game will be outside on grass. Both teams have above average punters, but the Giants have the advantage on returns.

If the Giants can grab the momentum and some points off turnovers then they will get the upper hand, but I see Minnesota looking for and making the game a shootout. Minnesota's receiving corp will have a great game and the Vikings will get the ticket to Super Bowl XXXV with a 41-24 win.