Well last night was certainly entertaining with the Packers converting 4th down after 4th down, and then sending the game to overtime on a Hail Mary as time ended, only to lose on a coin flip that didn't initially flip, as Arizona marched down the field and scored on a shovel pass to Larry Fitzgerald. The New England - Kansas City game wasn't nearly as exciting, as the Patriots looked like what we expected, and Kansas City put on a display of how to mismanage the clock at the end of the game.
As for today's games, the Seahawks head to Charlotte to take on the Panthers at 1:05PM EST on FOX, and the banged up Steelers face off against the Broncos in Denver at 4:40PM EST on CBS. So, let's get to today's games.
Seattle
at Carolina -2.5
You probably won't find two teams that are more like each other in the playoffs than Carolina and Seattle. Both teams have young dynamic QBs who can extend plays, strong defenses, a power running game, and a receiving corps that wouldn't scare most teams, but somehow manages to make plays when it matters. While there's freezing rain in Charlotte this morning, by game time the weather looks to clear up. Still, the field is going to be damp and cold, but that doesn't really favor either team, as these two teams are built to run the football.
In the often overused words of Charlotte's 2nd most famous resident, To Be The Man, You Gotta Beat The Man. If Carolina wants to claim they're the new dynasty in the NFC, they're going to have to knock the Seahawks off that pedestal. While the Panthers beat Seattle this year in the Pacific Northwest, they're 0-2 against them in the playoffs, but both of those losses have come in Seattle. Panthers fans and players have been dreaming about this type of game since last year. And like a lot of dreams....there's a monster at the end of it.
With Marshawn Lynch back, I'm interested to see how the team chemistry is affected. He's clearly a very good running back, but the Seahawks have actually been better without him. I expect Russell Wilson to make the same kind of plays he made last week, where it appears the Seahawks are done, only to see him find an open receiver to keep the drive alive. However, this year, I think the torch gets passed to the Panthers. They've been the best team in football all year from start to finish, and while Seattle has looked good as of late, I think Carolina is better. The Panthers get Jonathan Stewart back today along with Ted Ginn, Jr., and that allows the Panthers to stretch the field and run the ball effectively. Lastly, Cam Newton has been the unquestioned MVP this year, and I think he'll make one or two more plays than Russell Wilson. Panthers 27 Seahawks 24.
Pittsburgh
at Denver -7.5
Vontaze Burfict not only took the Bengals out of the playoffs with his play last week, he likely took the Steelers out as well, as Antonio Brown is a no go for today. Big Ben additionally is banged up, but he'll still give it a go. As for the ground game, Deangelo Williams is out again today, so Pittsburgh will again have to rely on Todman and Toussaint to run the ball effectively. I expect a lot of short passes based on Big Ben's injury, so Heath Miller should have a big day.
As for the Broncos, Peyton Manning didn't look extremely effective in the season finale against San Diego, but he got the job done, and with that defense, as long as he doesn't make mistakes the Broncos should be alright today. Manning hasn't show the ability to throw the ball deep this year with much accuracy so like Big Ben, I expect a lot of quick short passes to compliment a heavy run game. The question is how short of a leash is Peyton on if he struggles, and will Gary Kubiak go to Brock Osweiler?
I think this game is still going to be closer than the spread, but I like Denver to get the win at home based on Pittsburgh's injuries. A Manning - Brady AFC Championship, for what could be the last time, is what America needs. It's too perfect not to happen. Broncos 20 Steelers 17.
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