2010 NFC Championship Picks, Predictions & Odds: The 2010 NFC Championship Game is scheduled for Sunday, January 24th, but as the NFL Playoffs head into Wild Card weekend, the conference seems to be totally up in the air. Despite the lack of a clear cut favorite, online sportsbook Bookmaker.com has the top seeded Saints listed as the team most likely to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLIV at +115 moneyline odds. The sixth seeded Eagles are listed as the biggest longshot to win the NFC Championship at +990 moneyline odds.
New Orleans Saints (+115): New Orleans was unbeatable most of the regular season, but the NFC's top team enters the 
playoffs riding a three game losing streak. One might be able to throw last weekend's meeting with Carolina out the window, but the Saints were certainly going for the win against both Dallas and Tampa Bay. The offense should not be a big concern after leading the league in points (31.9) and yards (403.8), but New Orleans averaged just 14.6 points and 307 yards over its last three games.
Minnesota Vikings (+210): Like the Saints, the Vikings struggled down the stretch, losing three of their final five games. Minnesota did pound an unmotivated Giants squad 44-7 to close out the season, but their vaunted defense gave up 25.5 points per game in the four games leading up to the finale. There is also the bone of contention between Brett Favre and Head Coach Brad Childress concerning Favre's freedom to change plays when he sees fit. Can the Vikings put all of that behind them and play like the team that won 10 of its first 11 games?
Dallas Cowboys (+500): The Cowboys, perhaps, have the most momentum of any team coming into the playoffs, having won three straight games. Two of those wins came against playoff opposition, including this weekend's Wild Card opponent, Philadelphia. Dallas is certainly a formidable force both offensively and defensively, ranking second in points per game allowed at 15.6 and second in yards per game at 399.4. If they avoid turning the ball over, they are capable of beating any team on any field.
Arizona Cardinals (+850): After last year's postseason exploits, the Cardinals are a team nobody wants to face. While they are certainly capable of a collapse (i.e. last weekend's game against Green Bay), Arizona's offense makes them a dangerous opponent for any team. Kurt Warner makes all the difference here as his ability to get rid of the ball quickly and throw a great deep ball makes it difficult for opposing defenses to come up with a solid game plan against the Cardinals. Solid value at +850 odds.
Green Bay Packers (+850): The Packers are another team nobody wants to see as they feature a high-powered offense and an extremely capable defense. Green Bay ranked third in the league in scoring (28.8 ppg) and it ranked second in yards per game allowed at 284.4. Green Bay won seven of its last eight games, losing only to a desperate Steelers squad 37-36 on a last second touchdown throw. Mike McCarthy's squad also topped the 30 point mark in five of its last seven games while holding their opposition to an average of 16.8 points per contest.
Philadelphia Eagles (+990): The Eagles went from the number two seed to the number six on Sunday after losing to the Cowboys in Dallas. Many people felt Philly might be the team to beat in the NFC prior to that game, having won six in a row. But, obviously, the Eagles +990 odds reflect a general feeling that the team will have a difficult time getting by Dallas, which it has already lost to twice, this weekend.
Bookmaker.com 2010 NFC Championship Picks, Predictions & Odds:
New Orleans Saints +115
Minnesota Vikings +210
Dallas Cowboys +500
Arizona Cardinals +850
Green Bay Packers +850
Philadelphia Eagles +990
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