Pigskin picks

The NFL conference finals are set for Sunday with the winners meeting Feb. 4 in the Super Bowl in Minnesota. Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots — Jacksonville stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers 45-42, which was not surprising since the Jags beat the Steelers earlier in the season. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 5 TDs and almost 500 yards against an exposed and questionable Jags secondary. Pats QB Tom Brady has five or six sure-handed receivers and they are already 9-10 points betting favourites in Las Vegas. The only way to beat the Patriots is by chasing Brady out of the pocket and pressuring him, but that’s easier said than done. Of note, ex-Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison has been impressive in his two Pats starts and could be a difference maker with his pass-rush ability. It’s hard to understand the Steelers released the former all-pro, who fills a Patriots need with the injury to Don’t’a Hightower.

In case you think this is going to be a Patriots blowout, keep in mind ex-New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is now a close advisor to Jacksonville head coach Doug Marrone and his record is 5-2 against Brady and Belichick. He knows what must be done to beat Brady, sounds interesting. Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – This is a battle of two starting quarterbacks who began the season as backups, but have played like stars. Eagles QB Nick Foles and Viking Case Keenum, who is in the running for League MVP, have played great in the playoffs but the Eagles at home are favourites with the Vegas oddsmakers.

After last week’s Miracle at Minnesota on the final play of the game would anyone feel comfortable betting against the Vikings? In a sudden-death playoff game, anything can happen but from here it looks like a PatriotsEagles Super Bowl.

If, however, injury to a quarterback were to play a role tomorrow, the Vikings are best suited to advance with Sam Bradford waiting in the wings.