This will be the sixth matchup between
Joe Flacco and Tom Brady
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Baltimore Ravens (+7) @ New England Patriots- The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, the Ravens dismantled the Patriots by a score of 28-13. Still, the make up of these teams were different most notably that Rob Gronkowski was out and the Ravens are missing a few pieces from that eventual super bowl winning team including Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed.
More likely than not, the Patriots should pull out a win because of their homefield advantage. Still, the Ravens have a habit of keeping games close against the Patriots and it could be a struggle for the Patriots if Ngata, Suggs, and Dumervil. Joe Flacco is also 5-0 in his last 5 playoff games. Steve Smith Sr. will also be motivated against the Patriots especially since he lost to New England in the Super Bowl when he was with the Panthers.
Seattle's defense should be able to contain
a banged up Cam Newton
Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks (-12) - In the past couple of years with Russell Wilson, Seattle is 4-1 in the postseason and 2-0 at home when they went on to win the Super Bowl. Yes, it is true that Carolina held Seattle to 13 points in their last meeting. Still Carolina offense struggled against the Seahawks and only put up 1 touchdown in its past 3 meetings.
The outcome of this game will come down to Cam Newton who looked progressively more banged up against Arizona as the game went on. Turnovers could become problematic for Carolina especially with a loud Seattle crowd where the Seahawks have not lost a home playoff game since 2004.
I like Seattle to cover here with Seattle capitalizing on turnovers. Carolina will have a chance at an upset if Cam Newton is healthy and he keeps his poise since Carolina's defense has been holding less than 20 points in its last five games. Still, Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch will prove to be a much better than test than Ryan Lindley and the Cardinal's offense.
Aaron Rodgers has yet to throw an interception at home this season
Tony Romo will have to be be far better than he was last week against the Lions
Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers (-7) - The Packers are 8-0 at home and the Cowboys are 8-0 on the road. Still, the conditions for this game will be unfamiliar territories for both teams as temperatures will approach will be 8.5 degrees. Cold weather may favor the run and defense, Demarco Murray has been the better running back but it remains unclear if he will be as effective as he injured his hand and wears a padded glove. Murray did run for 75 yards on 19 carries last week. Aaron Rodgers also suffered a partial calf tear but he was still good enough to lead the Packers in a comfortable victory over the Lions.
Personally, I think the passing attack of the Packers will be too much for the Cowboys who have not faced an offense this good all season. If Rodgers is limited and the weather are the big concerns which could level the playing field for the Cowboys.
When Andrew Luck was taken in the 2012 by the Colts
it made Peyton Manning expendable
Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos (-7)- People may be drawn in to decide this game based on a Luck and Manning matchup. While Luck may have better physical attributes especially in cold weather conditions, it still remains to be seen where else the Colts will have an advantage.
The Broncos will certainly feature a better running attack with CJ Anderson while Indianapolis offers little after Ahmad Bradshaw went down with a season ending injury. Things have gotten so bad for the Colts running attack that Trent Richardson, who was the #3 pick back in 2012, will start playing special teams this week.
The Broncos also have better receiving targets for Manning to throw to including DeMaryus Thomas and Julius Thomas. Also giving Manning an extra weak to prepare against his former team and it remains to be seen if the Colts defense can slow down a team like Denver.
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