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The Atlanta Falcons are the only new team in this year's 2013 AFC and NFC Championship games. They take the place of the New York Giants (who won the Super Bowl last year) but other than that this set up is the same as last season. Back then the Giants beat the 49ers, en route to beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
The 49ers are heavy road favorites -- four points, which is a lot for a game like this, especially the home team. The Patriots are even bigger favorites -- eight points. The Ravens struggled at the end of the season. Not many people expected them here but they have enough talent and win enough games year in and year out that I can't say I'm especially surprised that they're here.
For me, this day is about Tony Gonzalez. I wanna see him win one. Unfortunately, I don't see the Falcons winning this one. I'm taking the 49ers and Patriots to meet in the Super Bowl. Who are you taking?
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49ers vs. Falcons
SB Nation blog: Niners Nation | The Falcoholic
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
When: Sunday, January 20, 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Odds: 49ers -4
Picks: Falcons, 27-20
Ravens vs. Patriots
SB Nation blog: Baltimore Beatdown | Pats Pulpit
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
When: Sunday, January 20, 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Odds: Patriots -8
Picks: Patriots, 35-27
More reading
The Falcoholic: Falcons fans deserve this | 49ers-Falcons matchups and analysis
Niners Nation: New look 49ers on third down | Full 49ers-Falcons coverage
Baltimore Beatdown: Lots of story lines to follow | Full Ravens-Patriots coverage
Pats Pulpit: 2013 vs. now | Bold predictions for Sunday