So in the wild card round of the NFL Playoffs I went 4-0. Last week in the Divisional matchups, I wasn’t as lucky. I only went 2-2. And had my heart broken when my beloved Arizona Cardinals were booted from the playoffs by the stupid New Orleans Saints (yes, I’m bitter and will hate the Saints for years because of it).

The games this weekend are huge. Whoever wins goes to the Super Bowl. The New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts are playing for the AFC Championship (remember, there are 2 conferences in the NFL: the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference. This game determines who is the Champion of each division!) and the Minnesota Vikings take on the New Orleans Saints for the NFC Championship.

My Pick for the AFC Championship:

The New York Jets

I’ve been saying for weeks that I think Mark Sanchez would make the perfect Prince Charming in this Cinderella story! I’m definitely picking with my heart and not my mind. If I’m being honest with myself, the Jets could pull it off….but it’s highly unlikely.

The Colts are led by, arguably, the best quarterback in the NFL, Peyton Manning. Now, I’m in no way a Manning fan. In fact, I have a knee jerk reaction to punch someone when I hear his name.

But Stiletto Sports NFL Correspondent Erik (yes, the same Erik from March Madness fame last year), gave me a new perspective on Manning and made me promise to give the guy a chance. He told me to really watch him and I’d see just how amazing he is. So I will. (I mean, it’s not like Manning and Sanchez are on the field at the same time so I won’t be missing any Mark time by watching Peyton)

Did you know that Manning has total control of the field? The coach doesn’t call the plays; Manning decides almost every one. He is known for calling the play (an “audible”) from the line of scrimmage after he reads the defense.  I highly doubt Jets coach Rex Ryan is letting rookie Sanchez take control of the field like that yet!

I’m not bashing Sanchez! The kid is doing a great job this year and I totally heart him, but I do see the reality of the situation. Manning eats rookie QBs for breakfast (and moves on to defensive linemen for lunch!)

Football fanatics are desperate for a Saints-Colts matchup since the two teams dominated and are considered the best this season. But I personally would love for a Jets-Vikings matchup. The new hot rookie and the old hot veteran. Now, THAT is an interesting Super Bowl!

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!!!!!!

Game Day Recipes

For New York Jets Recipes see NFL  Wild Card Weekend: Saturday

The Menu

• Pregame: Big AppleTini
  
• 1st Quarter: NY Style Reuben Dip
• 2nd Quarter: Garlic Parmesan Wings
• Halftime: NY Jets Reuben Burger
• 4th Quarter: NY Caramel Apple Cheesecake

For the Indianapolis Colts Recipes see Week 10 Matchups: Colts vs. Patriots

The Game Day Menu

• Pregame: The Indianapolis Colt 45 Cocktail
• 1st Quarter: Hot Cheese & Almond Dip
• 2nd Quarter: Chipotle Grilled Wings
• Halftime: Indianapolis Colts Chipotle Pork Cheesburger

About the author: Jennifer Taglione is the owner of this fabulous website Stiletto Sports. Despite writing well over 500 posts, she still maintains that she is not a sports writer! She is however a huge fan of Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Mark Sanchez, the Celtics, and totally kicks butt on March Madness brackets! Connect with her by following her on Twitter @StilettoSportsJ and subscribing to her weekly newsletter. For more info check out the About the Editor page!

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