NFL Playoff Picks 2015: Early Odds and Predictions for Divisional-Round Bracket

There were many football fans unsure whether the 2014-15 NFL playoffs could live up to the lofty expectations set by the regular season, but the opening round of the postseason was everything we wanted and more.

Now, with the league shifting gears toward the AFC and the NFC divisional round, the top teams who were awarded first-round byes will be on full display against the teams strong enough to survive the Wild Card Round.

Here are the early odds and the predicted winners for every divisional-round battle.

Date	AFC Matchups	Time (ET)	TV	Predicted Winner	Odds
Date	NFC Matchup	Time (ET)	TV	Predicted Winner
Jan. 10	Baltimore Ravens (6) vs. New England Patriots (1)	4:35 p.m.	NBC	Patriots	NE (1-3)
Jan. 11	Indianapolis Colts (4) vs. Denver Broncos (2)	4:40 p.m.	CBS	Broncos	DEN (10-31)
Jan. 10	Carolina Panthers (4) vs. Seattle Seahawks (1)	8:15 p.m.	Fox	Seattle	SEA (4-21)
Jan. 11	Dallas Cowboys (3) vs. Green Bay Packers (2)	1:05 p.m.	Fox	Green Bay	GB (5-14)

*Betting information via OddsShark.com (as of Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. ET).

Must-Watch Matchup: Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots

Don Wright/Associated Press

There will be fierce battles in both the AFC and the NFC divisional round this weekend, but few matchups have the long-term history and animosity that the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots have for each other.

As two of the perennial AFC postseason contenders, Baltimore and New England have become familiar with each other due to regular-season play and playoff matchups. The teams didn’t play this year, though, and the anticipation is through the roof.

The Ravens made the postseason as a wild card and played the Pittsburgh Steelers, their AFC North division rival, in the first round. After a decisive 30-17 victory, it’s clear that Baltimore has the offensive and the defensive capabilities to make a deep run again this year.

When asked about the play of star quarterback Joe Flacco in the team’s opening game against Pittsburgh, Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh spoke to The Associated Press (via ESPN.com): “That's playoff football. That's Joe Flacco. The best quarterback in football. I'll take him every day of the week and twice on Sunday or Saturday night.”

Flacco has become one of the best players in the league once the postseason begins, but what makes the Ravens so scary is the return from suspension of defensive end Haloti Ngata. With the ability to stuff the run or rush the passer, Ngata will be in the back of quarterback Tom Brady’s mind all day.

While Brady will have to be cautious with Ngata, John Buccigross of ESPN shared some interesting New England postseason factoids:

The Patriots didn’t play well over the last two weeks of the season, but with Brady under center and a playmaker like tight end Rob Gronkowski catching passes, Baltimore must be ready for the New England offense to come out fast and furious following a bye week.

One of the biggest issues for the Patriots has been the inconsistency of the rushing attack this season, but the re-signing of power back LeGarrette Blount midseason is exactly what the team needs against the Ravens' tough run defense. With an aggressive running style, Blount will help wear down the Baltimore front seven over the course of the game.

There will be opportunities for both teams to hit big plays against the opposition’s mediocre secondaries, but Brady and the Patriots have more experience pulling out close postseason victories.

The talent on each roster is undeniable, but New England should be able to hold off the Ravens and advance to the conference championship.

Predicted Final Score: New England 30, Baltimore 27

Stats via NFL.com.