Well, the New England Patriots' road to the Super Bowl and a perfect season just got a whole lot easier. Indianapolis — regarded by many as the NFL's second-best team — is out. Dallas — regarded by many as the NFL's third-best team — is out. And San Diego — the Patriots' opponent for the AFC Championship Game — is riddled with injuries. Even so, they're going to play the game on Sunday, Jan. 20, not to mention the NFC Championship game between Green Bay and the New York Giants. Here's what should go down when those four teams square off for the right to represent their respective conferences in Super Bowl XLII.

SAN DIEGO AT NEW ENGLAND

WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20
TV: CBS
LOGIC SAYS: The Patriots win in a rout. Not only did New England lay a smack down on the Chargers in Week 2, with a 38-14 victory, but the Patriots also took Jacksonville's best shot during the divisional round ..... and won by 11 points.
BEST MATCHUP: San Diego's secondary vs. New England's wide receiving corps. Though the Chargers surrendered 402 yards passing to Indianapolis' Peyton Manning in a 28-24 divisional round victory, they intercepted Manning twice and really stifled the Colts' receivers late in the game. The Patriots, meanwhile, have the best wide receiving trio — Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker — in the NFL.
BIGGEST MISMATCH: Bill Belichick vs. Norv Turner. Belichick, with three Super Bowl rings and perhaps a fourth on the way, may one day go down as the best coach who ever lived. As for Turner, who boasts a career record of 71-87-1, we're still kind of surprised he keeps getting offered head coaching jobs.
THE X-FACTOR: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego. If LT is able to overcome a bruised left knee and play to his fullest potential, San Diego has a puncher's chance against the heavily favored Patriots. If not, this one will be over early.
THE 210 PREDICTION: New England 35, San Diego 17

NEW YORK GIANTS AT GREEN BAY

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20
TV: Fox
LOGIC SAYS: Green Bay wins a hard-fought battle. Playing at Lambeau Field won't bother the Giants one bit, considering they're 9-1 on the road this season, including two straight victories this postseason. As for the Packers, with home field advantage and a resurgent Brett Favre on their side, it's hard to imagine them underperforming.
BEST MATCHUP: Green Bay's offensive line vs. New York's front seven. The Giants led all NFL defenses during the regular season with 53 sacks, but Green Bay only allowed one Seattle sack in the divisional round. If Favre has time to pick his spots, expect him to exploit the New York secondary.
BIGGEST MISMATCH: Brett Favre vs. Eli Manning. Ask yourself this question: Despite his significant progress this season, would you give Eli Manning much of a chance against Favre if this game turns into a shootout? Thought so.
THE X-FACTOR: Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay. If Grant plays as he did early in the Seattle game, when he fumbled twice in the first four minutes, New York's defense will make him pay. But if Grant plays as he did the final 56 minutes of the Seattle game, when he accounted for the majority of his 207 total yards, it will force the Giants to respect the run, thus giving Favre more time to throw.
THE 210 PREDICTION: Green Bay 28, New York 25
 
Clint Hale | 210SA