Matchups and capsules for the NFL conference championship games:

EAGLES AT CARDINALS

When: 10:05 a.m. Hawai'i time

Line: Eagles by 4

Weather: Sunny, temperature in the mid-70s. However, roof is expected to be closed.

Synopsis: Surprising Arizona is in the NFC title game for the first time, as it pulled a huge upset last week at Carolina and comes home where it beat Atlanta in the first round of the playoffs and was 6-2 in the regular season. However, the Cardinals lost handily there the last time they faced a playoff team (Minnesota on Dec. 14). And they were blasted, 48-20, by the Eagles in a Thanksgiving night meeting in Philly. But there were extenuating circumstances — Arizona traveled cross country on just 3 days' rest. The Cards suddenly have found balance, as RB Edgerrin James now looks like he did 5 years ago, and complements a stellar Kurt Warner-guided passing attack. It looks as if he'll have key WR Anquan Boldin back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him last week. Philly is on a roll after being the last NFC team to squeak into the playoffs. But RB Brian Westbrook has contributed little other than taking a screen pass for a TD in the first round, and now nurses a sore knee. Philly loves to go to the air behind QB Donovan McNabb, and the Cardinals ranked 22nd against the pass.

Bottom line/pick: With a lot of throwing likely, the pass rush for both defenses will be key. Philly had 47 sacks this season, 7 more than Arizona. But there's been something special about these Cardinals, and it's time for them to advance to the NFL title game for the first time since winning it in 1947.

CARDINALS 30, EAGLES 26

RAVENS AT STEELERS

When: 1:35 p.m. Hawai'i time

Line: Steelers by 51/2

Weather: Temperature in the 20s, snow possible.

Synopsis: Hated division foes battle for the third time this season, after 2 Pittsburgh wins — by 3 and 4 points. The teams were 1-2 in the league in defense this season, with Pittsburgh leading by allowing just 237 yards per game — 24 fewer than Baltimore. This should be a field-position game and there's a temptation to discount Ravens QB Joe Flacco in a game of this magnitude because he's a rookie. But he threw just 5 five interceptions in the last 11 games and is 7-3 on the road (including playoffs). He knows how to hand off to Le'Ron McClain and Willis McGahee to control the clock then let the defense take over. When he does throw, he'll face a fierce pass rush led by James Harrison (16 sacks this season). Pittsburgh has the NFL's No. 1 ground attack (165 yards/game in the regular season), led by RB Willie Parker. But the Steelers averaged just 80 rushing yards this season vs. the Ravens.

Bottom line/pick: Baltimore had a much more physical test last week in upsetting Tennessee than Pittsburgh did in cruising by San Diego, and that pounding could take a toll on the Ravens. LB Terrell Suggs (shoulder) and CB Samari Rolle (groin) might not be at full strength here. The Ravens yielded 391 yards to Tennessee but won via 3 turnovers.

STEELERS 17, RAVENS 13

— Dan Caesar