It's Rematch Sunday for the conference championships, with the AFC Championship being one that will have all eyes on.
Peyton Manning and the Broncos will look to avenge an overtime loss suffered earlier this season after they jumped out to a big lead. Manning has hinted to reporters in recent weeks that his career is coming to an end sooner than later, so you can bet he's gunning for one last run at a Super Bowl title.
Better to walk away with two than one.
Tom Brady and the Patriots have seen a makeover as the season's unfolded. Late this year, New England has become more of a power running team with the turnover at the receiver position. Injuries have forced more of a focus on the running game too. LeGarrette Blount has been exceptional, which includes a four-touchdown performance a week ago against Indianapolis.
Here's how you can watch and follow Sunday's AFC Championship:
(2) Patriots vs. (1) Broncos
Date: January 19
Game time: 3 p.m. ET
TV channel: CBS
Odds: Broncos are 6-point favorites
Location: Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado
Online streaming: CBS Sports
SB Nation blogs: Pats Pulpit and Mile High Report
Rooting guide: Ravens rule of thumb — Don't root for Brady and Bill Belichick. Even though Manning tormented the Ravens for many years with the Colts, he's in Denver, which doesn't have the same kind of hatred tagged along with it. Sure, Art Jones' brother Chandler Jones is on the Patriots. But let the Jones family root for New England. As a Ravens fan, it's almost a given not to root for the borderline rival from Foxborough, Mass.
What happens?: I went with Denver to begin the playoffs and I'll stick with them. However, I do think the New England running game will make matters extremely difficult for the Denver defense. The Patriots' offensive line has played exceptionally well too, which should continue to bode well for Blount and Stevan Ridley. But in the end, it will be Manning and his plethora of game-changing receivers that sends the Broncos to the Super Bowl. Prediction: Broncos 31, Patriots 28