NFL playoff picks and predictions: Picking who will go to the Super Bowl

It is the final competitive game before the Super Bowl. We get the Packers and the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game and the Patriots and Colts in the corresponding AFC tilt. Who will win? This is what the ROTB writing staff believes.

Packers at Seahawks:

Jesse Reynolds: Seahawks 24, Packers 10

Aaron Rodgers isn't 100% and their defense isn't going to be able to stop Seattles run game. Those two items alone spell doom for the Packers. Rodgers is going to have to play a perfect game as well as his offensive line and force the Seattle to play catch up to have a chance, but I don't see Seattle's elite defense getting worked by Rodgers.

Michael Oliver: Green Bay 24 Seattle 20

I can't count out Aaron Rodgers. I believe he will carry this Packers team over the line to a win in Seattle. I think the Packers offensive weapons will make more plays than those on the Seahawks.

BigRedBilly: Seahawks 24 Packers 17

The air war vs. the ground game is how this sets up in reality.  Green Bay's outstanding pass offense squares off against an equally outstanding pass defense in Seattle.  While on the ground, the Seahawks' remarkable plus-minus of over 90 yards per game on the ground this season didn't come by accident.  I'm picking Army over Air Force in this one -- and it won't help the Packers' cause if it rains either (not to mention the noise).

Robert Norman: Seahawks 21, Packers 17

I'm more than capable of being wrong on this game, but I think Seattle's defense is just too much for the Packers offense and Green Bay just doesn't have the defense to slow down Russell Wilson.

Jess Root: Packers 27, Seahawks 20

This will be a big surprise. Eddie Lacy moves the ball effectively and Aaron Rodgers has the game of his life. The game goes much like the Seahawks' loss to Dallas.

Colts at Patriots:

Jesse Reynolds: Colts 34, Pats 31

Indy over New England - Despite some defensive issues, Indy is one of the best teams against QBs. And while NE has a good defense, Luck shouldn't have a problem scoring as we saw against a talented Denver defense. It will be a close game as I can't imagine the Pats not making some plays.

Michael Oliver: Patriots 34, Colts 27

In an epic back and forth shoot out I have the Patriots coming out on top. I think the Pats defense in this game to force one or two turnovers which will help swing the game.

BigRedBilly: Patriots 30 Colts 24

First off, any Patriots' opponent figures to be out-coached -- that's a given.  Next, consider that no team this year was stingier than the Patriots when it came to protecting the football.  Then you add in the (well deserved) home field advantage and it's a bit too much for the upstart Colts, in what should be a great game I'm really looking forward to watching (in the snow even).  I hope I'm wrong because I'm pulling for the Colts.

Robert Norman: Patriots 35, Colts 24

Once again, I think Brady and Gronk both have an incredible game and the Patriots defense plays inspired, knocking off the Colts.

Jess Root: Patriots 31, Colts 20

It will be a closer game than this looks, as New England pulls away late, but Andrew Luck matches Tom Brady for three quarters and then the Patriots defense is better down the stretch.

Open thread!

This post will serve as your open thread. Discuss the games here.