NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

ATLANTA (12-5) at PHILADELPHIA (14-3)

* Kickoff: Noon.

* TV: Channel 11.

* Atlanta update: The Falcons have been great at home, but they have lost their last three road games and are 4-3 in games outdoors. In three postseason games, Michael Vick has averaged 8.9 yards a carry, including 14.9 in last weekend’s victory over St. Louis.

* Philadelphia update: The hot hands on the Eagles belong to former UCLA receiver Freddie Mitchell, who has four touchdowns in his last three games. The guy the Eagles need to produce is quarterback Donovan McNabb, who has a 50.5 rating in three conference championship games, with one touchdown pass and five interceptions.

* The story line: The pressure on Philadelphia cannot be overstated. The Eagles have lost three consecutive NFC title games. One more such loss and Philly fans might spontaneously combust.

* The pick: Philadelphia. The difference-maker will be Brian Westbrook.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

*--* ATL PHI Points scored 21.2 (16) 24.1 (8) Points allowed 21.1 (14) 16.2 (2T) Pass offense 150.8 (30) 248.7 (7) Rush offense 167.0 (1) 102.4 (24) Total offense 317.8 (20) 351.1 (9) Pass defense 220.4 (22) 200.8 (12) Rush defense 105.1 (9) 118.9 (16) Total defense 325.4 (14) 319.7 (10) Take/give +2 (17) +5 (11) 3rd-down pct. 36.3 (18) 36.9 (16) Time of poss. 29:10 (21) 28:26 (26) Penalty yards 56.6 (15) 59.5 (22)

*--*

Regular-season statistics, league rank in parentheses

-- Sam Farmer