MEDIA PICKS.(Sports) - Albany Times Union (Albany, NY)

Bill Callen

Executive sports editor

Conference championships: 1-1

Season record: 148-118 (.556).

First, let's do away with the notion that this game rests on Rex Grossman. The conventional wisdom is that as Grossman goes, so go the Bears. But unless Grossman plays the game of his life, the Bears are overmatched. Any of the AFC's top four seeds would've been a heavy favorite, and I'd be shocked if the Colts fail to deliver on those expectations. Pick: Colts

Pete Dougherty

Staff writer

Conference championships: 1-1

Season record: 148-118 (.556).

Johnny Unitas, Fran Tarkenton, Dan Marino and Jim Kelly never won Super Bowls. Jeff Hostetler, Mark Rypien, Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson did. It's not always about the quarterbacks; it's usually about the defense. As long as Rex Grossman doesn't give the game away, the Bears can stay with Peyton Manning and the Colts. Pick: Bears

Lisa Stevens

Copy editor

Conference championships: 1-1

Season record: 155-111 (.583)

It's time for nice guys to finish first. Tony Dungy proved against New England he can change plans, and with Peyton Manning finally shedding the 'big game loser' tag, look for a 49ers-like offensive show. Indy's defense is playing rabid football, and Chicago's Rex Grossman has been too inconsistent. Pick: Colts

Doug Sherman

WRGB-6 sports director

Conference championships: 1-1

Season record: 153-113 (.575).

More than any other NFL team, the Colts boast five former Syracuse stars on their roster. So for Marvin Harrison, Dwight Freeney, Josh Thomas, Ryan LaCasse and James Mungro (injured reserve), I pick the Indianapolis Orange to crush the Bears. Pick: Colts

Joe Calderone

Capital News 9 sports anchor

Conference championships: 1-1

Season record: 155-111 (.583)

I'm a big 49ers fan, and when Indy beat New England it reminded me of the 1990s rivalry between San Francisco and Dallas. For two seasons the 49ers just couldn't match up against the Cowboys. It was a huge monkey on the back of Steve Young. Once the Niners beat the 'Boys in the '94-95 NFC title game, the pressure was off, and they dominated the Chargers in the Super Bowl. I think it's the same thing here with Peyton Manning. Pick: Colts

Brian Sinkoff

WTEN-10 sports director

Conference championships: 0-2

Season record: 157-109 (.590).

Defense wins championships! Don't you just hate those cliches? Anyway, Chicago's defense has gotten the Bears to the big dance or the big show or the big game. But it will be special teams that will give Chicago its first championship in 20 years. Return man Devin Hester is the best in the NFL, and he'll show you why. Pick: Bears

Rodger Wyland

WNYT-13 sports director

Conference championships: 1-1

Season record: 161-105 (.605).

Peyton Manning got one monkey off his back when the Colts won the AFC title. He will remove the other when Indianapolis beats the Bears. The Bears will keep it close. But in the end, Manning will win the MVP and get the ring he desperately needs. Pick: Colts

Rich Becker

WXXA-23 sports director

Conference championships: 0-2

Season record: 157-109 (.590).

Is it too late to pick the Patriots? OK, since they're out, I'll go with Eli's big brother and his Colts. Hopefully, the Giants QB pays close attention and learns how to lead a team. Pick: Colts