This game is going to be great.  But, the standout choice to me is the Forty-Niners.  Colin Kaepernick is coming off a record setting performance from the first round, as he now holds the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a playoff game.  The momentum from this will absolutely play a factor.  But Kaepernick has not only been killing it in the rushing game.  He has also found an extremely potent combination with Michael Crabtree. On top of that, Frank Gore and LaMichael James are also coming off of some big games for the Niners, tipping the scales even further in favor of San Francisco.  And that is only one side of the ball. The Forty-Niner defense has been superb this year, and I think will be able to limit Matt Ryan and the Falcons to few enough points to keep San Fran in the game.

The Falcons have also been going through some challenges of their own.  Star defensive lineman John Abraham played last week on a partially sprained ankle, an injury that could keep him from playing full time this Sunday. Without their premier pass rusher in the game, the Niners will be able to run all over them.  This will also give Colin Kaepernick all the time in the world to find his favorite receiver, Michael Crabtree. The Falcons are also coming off a tough game from the defensive side of the ball. They completely crumbled in the second half, giving up a 21-0 lead that almost lost them the game. Without the late game heroics from Matt Ryan, the Falcons wouldn’t even be in the second round.

The only wild card in this game is Matt Ryan.  Will he be able to rise to the challenge to get another playoff win in the NFC championship game? It’s going to be interesting…