Ok, time for my two predictions, and explanations.

First, the early game, Saints @ Bears.

All the focus coming into this match-up has been on Rex Grossman - will he be the "good" Rex or the "bad" Rex? Personally, I don't like his chances. The Saints defense is stout up front and should be able to put the clamps on the Bears' running game and get good pressure on the young QB. Now, the Saints have been vulnerable to the big play, especially through the air, so look for some big completions down the field for Chicago. However, he won't be able to hit those passes every time, especially if all of the pressure is on him to win the game, as it should be. On the other side of the ball, the Saints offense is the best remaining, and perhaps the best in the League overall. Reggie Bush's ascension over the last few weeks has come just in time, and Deuce McAllister is running like a bull. The Bears' defense, rock solid through the majority of the season, has come apart with injuries and suspensions, and is suddenly very vulnerable to the running game. The Bears are going to have to cheat their safeties up to keep the Saints from eating up the clock, and that will make them very susceptible to the Saints high-potency air game. Of course, the Bears have the X-factor with Hester returning kicks, but I don't see that as being enough of an advantage to counteract the fact that the Saints match-up very well with them in other facets. The Saints will win, and it won't come down to the final drive.

As for the AFC Championship...

I don't know if you've heard, but the Colts are playing the Patriots, and everyone is wondering if Manning and Dungy can finally get past Brady and Bellichick (never mind the fact that the Colts have won the last two meetings - apparently the regular season is the new preseason). Well, maybe, maybe not. But if you can look past those four guys, something becomes abundantly clear - except for the two B's, the Patriots are badly outmanned in this match-up. The Colts have more explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball, a result of the talent purge that has been going on in New England ever since Bellichick started believing his own press and thinking that he could win with anybody. Well, it takes players to win in this league, and I think Bellichick is going to rue the days he underestimated the importance of Deion Branch, David Givens, Adam Vinitieri, Willie McGinest, Ty Law, etc., etc., etc. That being said, the Colts suddenly inpenetrable run defense will be tested now that they are playing an opponent that should be able to throw the ball around a little, and so don't be suprised if the Colts find themselves suddenly giving up some points again. But I have faith in that Indy offense to put up more than enough points themselves. This will be a high scoring one, and in the end I see the Colts headed to Miami.