The Divisional Round
New York Jets at Denver Broncos:
Brandon Marshall comes back to the Denver to take on Brandon Marshall and the Denver Broncos defense. The Jets strike first as they move the ball down the field nicely on their opening drive, but their drive stalls out on the Broncos three yard line. A field goal gives them the lead, but it is very short lived. On the first play of the Brocos first drive, Paxton Lynch boots left and throws a rocket to Emmanuel Sanders on a deep post from the right side that goes 75 yards for a touchdown. The defense for the champs takes over from there as the Jets don’t cross the 50 the rest of the half. There is something about playoff time that makes this defense take their game to a whole new level. Von Miller records two sacks, and Demarcus Ware has a sack and a half. The Jets do get an Eric Decker touchdown in the second half, but Paxton Lynch really outplays Ryan Fitzpatrick all day long. PFL completes 72% of his passes for 278 yards and two scores, no interceptions and a rushing touchdown. One heck a debut for a rookie quarterback in the playoffs.
The Pick: Broncos 27 Jets 10
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals:
Can Marvin Lewis and the Bengals finally win that elusive playoff game. Andy Dalton, who missed the playoff game a year ago delivers the finest playoff performance of the year. A.J. Green scores twice, and Jeremy Hill rushes for two scores and the Bengals defense stifles Andrew Luck and the Colts offense. It’s on to Denver, a team that they have already beat once this season for a showdown in the AFC Championship game.
The Pick: Bengals 31 Colts 13
New York Giants at Carolina Panthers:
If there was a team out there that you would pick to go in to Carolina and upset the Panthers it might just be the Giants. It’s not because they are that talented, but something happens when Eli Manning gets into the playoffs, and they seem to just take off on these magical runs—but not today. The Panthers have every answer for the Giants, intercepting Eli Manning twice in the red zone, and three times total, all in plus territory. Cam Newton cannot be stopped, throwing for 323 yards and rushing for 79 more. As was the case at BOA Stadium in the 2015 playoffs, it’s not close and never was.
The Pick: Panthers 35 Giants 3
Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks:
This is a rematch of the 2014 NFC Championship game—a game that the Packers saw slip right through their fingers. The Seahawks have been downright dominant this season, claiming that this is their most talented team since the 2013 Super Bowl team, and the Seahawks have already beaten the Packers on their own field this season. Aaron Rodgers shows on this day why most experts consider him to be the best quarterback in the game. He slips and slides his way past a fierce pass rush, constantly avoiding the sacks and making plays down the field. Jared Cook is the most productive pass catcher on the field this day, catching 11 balls for 102 yards and two touchdowns. With all of that, it’s a tie game late into the fourth quarter. Russell Wilson really knows how to carry an offense, and keeps up with Rodgers step for step . A late drive by the Packers sets up Mason Crosby for a 48 yard field goal with 11 seconds to go—It’s good. The Packers are on to Carolina.
The Pick: Packers 24 Seahawks 21
Next: Championship Weekend