NFL picks, Conference championships: Look out for Patriots

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Sep 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) sets the play against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at EverBank Field. The Panthers defeat the Jaguars 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers (-3)

This should be a very good game. Carolina has not been getting much credit nationally, and frankly I’ve been slow to really believe in this team. However, if you can’t believe in them after what they did to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon, there is no hope. The Panthers absolutely smashed the two-time defending NFC champions, smoking them 31-0 in the first half.

On the other side of the coin, most people have been behind the Cardinals all season long. Arizona has a great offense – the most points scored in the league – led by Carson Palmer, David Johnson and a trio of great receivers in Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd. This is a very good team that is clearly a threat to win it all.

This probably comes down to which quarterback plays the better game. Cam Newton and Palmer are going to have to make plays against tough secondaries with pressure coming from all angles. Which one can get the job done and pull their team to Santa Clara for Super Bowl 50?

Pick: Carolina 23, Arizona 20

Last Week: 2-2
Playoffs: 5-3

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