Unlikely AFC Championship Match-Up is Guaranteed to Entertain Viewers

Although some might think the AFC Championship match-up on Sunday will be boring a blow-out, resulting in a New England Patriots Super Bowl berth, you may want to reconsider reclining your chairs for these games. You won't be able to just sit back and enjoy those buffalo wings and pizza while watching the games, in fact you might find yourself on the edge of your seat.

AFC Championship: San Diego Chargers @ New England (Sunday 3PM CBS Network)

The San Diego Chargers shocked the Indianapolis Colts last weekend despite being the clear underdogs going into the game. Despite the second quarter injury to Chargers all-pro RB LaDanian Tomlinson (knee injury) and the third quarter departure of starting QB Philip Rivers, the Chargers were able to hang on and defeat the Colts 28-24. Chargers fans can give thanks to brilliant efforts by second-string QB Billy Volek (who scored the go ahead TD on a QB sneak) and back-up RB Michael Turner (71 yards on 17 carries).

However, the Chargers are now up against the New England Patriots for a trip to the Super Bowl. The Patriots have achieved a 17-0 record (including playoffs) and it appears there is no team that can stop them. Considering they man-handled the Chargers in Week 2 many people believe this game will indeed be a blow-out, but are the Chargers the same team they were in Week 2?

After upsetting the defending Super Bowl Champion Colts, a reporter approached Chargers defensive lineman Igor Olshansky who proclaimed, "New England better watch out!", with a menacing and malicious grin swiped across his face. Perhaps Olshansky believes the Chargers are a changed team since the Week 2 blowout they suffered at the hands of New England 38-14. This was a game in which LaDanian Tomlinson was limited to 58 total yards (43 rushing, 15 receiving).

Meanwhile the Patriot defense intercepted Philip Rivers twice, and sacked him three times, ultimately limiting the Chargers offense to 201 total yards. Furthermore, Patriots QB Tom Brady enjoyed a field day throwing for 3 TD's and 279 yards en route to the victory.

Olshansky followed up his comments on Sunday with these words on Tuesday, "The Patriots are more worried about us this weekend." What was actually intended by the comments is unknown, however if Olshansky believes the Patriots are more worried because there perfect season lies in the balance, he is dead-wrong. I believe Tom Brady said it best after the Patriots completed the 16-0 perfect REGULAR season, "All this is nice right now, we will enjoy the next couple of days, but then it is back to work. All of this means nothing unless we achieve the ultimate goal of being Super Bowl champions."

Brady talks as if he hasn't won 3 Super Bowls already. That is why it is a sure bet the Patriots will win this weekend, however the score will be closer than Week 2. Perhaps the Chargers will produce another touchdown. Patriots 35, Chargers 21