NFL Playoff Schedule 2015: TV Info, Bracket Predictions for Divisional Round

The 2015 NFL playoffs have been exactly as advertised thus far.

We haven't had any nail-biters, save for possibly the Dallas Cowboys' 24-20 win over the Detroit Lions, but all four contests from the opening weekend provided fans with exciting games.

Expect a bit more compelling football next weekend in the divisional round. The teams that earned byes in the first round will be in action against those that were successful on Saturday and Sunday. Naturally, the brand of football should increase.

Anything can happen in the NFL playoffs, but it's worth making a few predictions to see how they pan out. Continue reading on for predictions and viewing information to see if yours come true.

	When	Where	TV Info	Prediction
Ravens vs. Patriots	Saturday, Jan. 10	Gillette Stadium	NBC, 4:35 p.m. ET	Ravens, 24-21
Panthers vs. Seahawks	Saturday, Jan. 10	CenturyLink Field	Fox, 8:15 p.m. ET	Seahawks, 28-13
Cowboys vs. Packers	Sunday, Jan. 11	Lambeau Field	Fox, 1:05 p.m. ET	Packers, 30-28
Colts vs. Broncos	Sunday, Jan. 11	Sports Authority Field at Mile High	CBS, 4:40 p.m. ET	Broncos, 34-24

Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers

USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys just barely squeaked past the Detroit Lions on Sunday, as it took a valiant comeback effort by all three units to advance to the next round.

Coming back against the Lions is nothing compared to playing catch-up against the Packers. When Aaron Rodgers has an opportunity to step on a team's throat, he almost always does. Rodgers was his usual self during the season, completing 65.6 percent of his passes for 4,381 yards and 38 touchdowns.

His impeccable accuracy is mostly because of his poise in the pocket and consistent delivery, but his wide receivers certainly make his job easier. Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are two of the surest, most elusive wideouts in the game. 

In fact, the two helped the Packers set a new NFL record because of their exploits:

Matching up with both targets won't be easy for the Cowboys, as it's impossible to double-team one of them and leave the other open. Safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox are extremely important in this game because of the help they will inevitably be asked to provide both over the top and in the middle of the field.

Tackling in the open field is key against the Packers. Nelson and Cobb have great speed and football awareness, and their yards-after-the-catch totals are reflective of that.

To be fair, the Cowboys have a sliver of hope in this one if Rodgers is forced to leave the game for any amount of time, like he did in Week 17 against the Lions. He injured his calf during the team's game against Tampa Bay in Week 16, but he should be fine for this one.

"Fortunate that we have two weeks here because I feel confident that I'll be in a better spot than I was going into the Lions game with an extra week of rest," he told ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky earlier in the week.

Rodgers doesn't have to be 100 percent for the Packers to win, but Green Bay cannot afford to turn to Matt Flynn with their season on the line. As long as Rodgers stays in the game, the Packers will come out on top.

It's going to be a close one given how well the Cowboys have proved they can play in clutch situations. That said, it's always safe to go with arguably the top quarterback in the NFL when the game is in the waning moments. Rodgers will steer his team to the NFC Championship Game.

Prediction: Packers win, 30-28

Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

There's really only one storyline in this AFC showdown—which All-Pro quarterback will shine brightest?

Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck are two of the best pure passers in football. Naturally, the spotlight will be on both to lead their teams to the AFC Championship Game. Some have already realized that the Manning-Luck love affair could also steal the show during the broadcast:

On the surface, it would appear as if the Broncos have the clear advantage. Manning has better weapons, a better running game and a superior defense backing his cause. Also, SiriusXM NFL Radio reminds us of Denver's dominance at home:

You can't count out Luck, though—mostly because of throws like this:

While Manning is arguably still the top passer in the NFL, he's far from the playmaker Luck has shown he can be. The Indy signal-caller can keep plays alive with his elusiveness in and out of the pocket, while Manning relies heavily on his offensive linemen to keep the pocket intact until he releases the ball.

Denver's pass rush will be all over Indianapolis, meaning Luck will have plenty of opportunities to make more acrobatic plays.

Unfortunately, Manning and the veteran defense of the Broncos will expose the flaws of the Colts and take care of business.

The Colts cannot run the ball consistently, leading to Luck throwing far too many times per game. The Broncos will simply sit on the pass and force Luck to make throws that have low chances of success. Despite all of Luck's positives, he is still prone to mistakes that most young quarterbacks make, such as throwing the ball where/when he shouldn't.

One of the few things holding the Colts back from AFC greatness is a running back who can take pressure off Luck and the rest of the passing game. Until that happens, Indy will be overmatched by the top-tier teams of the conference.

Luck will have his share of highlights, but the Broncos will roll into the AFC Championship Game.

Prediction: Broncos win, 34-24

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn.