The NFL could not have asked for a better "final four." Three of the remaining teams - Chicago, Green Bay and Pittsburgh - have passionate, nationwide (even worldwide) followings. The fourth, the New York Jets, represents the best-known city and the number one market in the United States.

The NFC championship game - the Bears v the Packers - is one of the NFL's most traditional clashes. The teams have been around since 1919 and played an instrumental part in the growth of the National Football League. The teams are in the same division and the two cities are only 300 kilometres apart.

The AFC game features the Steelers and Jets, and while not a traditional rivalry, they too have played an important part in the growth of the league. In 1969, the Jets, led by Joe Namath, pulled off what is still probably the biggest upset in Super Bowl history. The 16-7 win over the Baltimore Colts gave the upstart American Football League much-needed credibility. The Steelers, of course, once a dreadful franchise, have become one of the NFL's elite clubs, having won a record six Super Bowls.

NFC championship game: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

7 am, Melbourne time, One HD

Line: Chicago +3.5

Green Bay Packers (12-6)

Name derivation: The team was originally sponsored by the Indian and Acme Packing companies.

Super Bowl history: Won Super Bowls I (1967), II (1968) and XXXI (1997), lost Super Bowl XXXII (1998).

Head coach: Mike McCarthy

Best storyline: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is essentially the reason the Packers parted company with Brett Favre. A Super Bowl win would eradicate any lingering doubts about the decision.

Current heroes: Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Greg Jennings

Legends: Vince Lombardi, Paul Horning, Bart Starr

Fans famous for: Wearing plastic yellow "Cheese Heads."

Aussie Packers fan: Sean Callanan, the Sports Geek (www.sportsgeek.com.au) says: "I'm looking forward to seeing Aaron Rodgers play again after last week's game; now you know why the Packers let Favre go. Classic NFL: Bears vs Pack. If they win I wouldn't mind sneaking over to Dallas, because I think the ‘Callanan Shimmy' (seen at the AFL Grand Final) would look good on the Jerry Jones big screen TV!"

Chicago Bears (12-5)

Name derivation: The team was originally based in Decatur, Illinois and called the Staleys. But when they moved to Chicago, owner George Halas decided on Bears, taking inspiration from the Cubs, with whom they shared Wrigley Field.

Super Bowl history: Won Super Bowl XX (1986), lost Super Bowl XLI (2007).

Head coach: Lovie Smith

Best storyline: Quarterback Jay Cutler was unwanted by the Denver Broncos, and labelled as selfish and immature. He's now got the Bears one step away from the Super Bowl.

Current heroes: Jay Cutler, Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester

Legends: Dick Butkus, Walter Payton, Gayle Sayers

Fans famous for: Singing "Bear Down Chicago Bears" after touchdowns.

Aussie Bears fan: Luke Mather, 1116 SEN radio host and two-time winner of the prestigious Born in the USA fantasy football league says: "Monday is going to be one of most unique football watching experiences I've ever had. As a Bears fan who grew up as the son of a Packers supporter and married into a family from Wisconsin who are Green Bay to the core, I've always liked to see the Packers do well. Unless of course they were playing my Bears."

AFC championship game: New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers

10:30 am, Melbourne time, One HD, ESPN

Line: Pittsburgh -3.5

New York Jets (13-5)

Name derivation: Originally called the Titans, the club switched to Jets when new ownership took over in 1963. The name reflects speed and power, and pays tribute to LaGuardia Airport, which was right next to Shea Stadium, where the team played. It also rhymes with "Mets."

Super Bowl history: Won Super Bowl III (1969).

Head coach: Rex Ryan

Best storyline: The brash Ryan has built a team in his image: not afraid to trash talk or strut its stuff. Can that outlaw style take them all the way to the top?

Current heroes: Mark Sanchez, Bart Scott, Ladainian Tomlinson

Legends: Joe Namath, Don Maynard, Joe Klecko

Fans famous for: Chanting "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets"

Aussie Jets fan: Damien Lovelock, TV and radio commentator, yoga teacher and lead singer of band The Celibate Rifles, says: "At the start of the year, I was very surprised when the Jets kept winning week after week. When they went to New England a few weeks ago, I thought they'd lose a close one, but they got hammered 45-3. Then last week I thought they'd get killed and they won. So, can we beat Pittsburgh? (Expletive) yeah!"

Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4)

Name derivation: The steel industry was incredibly important to the city of Pittsburgh.

Super Bowl history: Won Super Bowls IX (1975), X (1976), XIII (1979), XIV (1980), XL (2006), XLIII (2009), lost Super Bowl XXX (1996).

Head coach: Mike Tomlin

Best storyline: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for the first four games after a police investigation, and there were rumours that the locker room had turned against him. But here's Big Ben right back in the thick of it, while Peyton Manning and Tom Brady sit at home.

Current heroes: Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger

Legends: Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Green, Jack Lambert

Fans famous for: Waving yellow "Terrible Towels."

Aussie Steelers fan: Matthew Scarlett, Geelong's two-time Premiership player and five-time All Australian, says: "The Steelers are built for playoff football. Their defense will prove too much for Sanchez and they will stop the Jets running game. Roethlisberger is the best big game QB in the NFL; he thrives on this stage. Steelers to win 21-10."