Last week, I stepped out on the limb with my playoff predictions. I must say that I'm a bit skittish about the Carolina pick after two weeks, but it's early. That's a whole different team with Steve Smith in the lineup.

I'm taking the next step forward today to lay out my picks for the conference championship game and Super Bowl.

In the NFC, I'm staying with the Panthers and see them taking on Brian Urlacher and the Bears in a rematch of last year's playoff match-up.

In the AFC, I'm calling for the Steelers to run back to the championship game against the Patriots.

Finally, I see the Super Bowl match-up as a black and blue, bruising battle between the Steelers and the Bears.

I'll take the Bears in a low scoring, defensive showdown by a count of 16-13.

How about you? After two weeks, have you shifted your predictions? Or do you see some of the teams struggling early making a huge rebound?