NFL Playoffs 2015: AFC, NFC Schedule, Odds and Predictions
The regular season was full of entertaining matchups, but the 2015 NFL playoffs exceeded expectations in the Wild Card Round, and that momentum should carry over into an even more enthralling divisional round.
With the four teams that survived the Wild Card Round advancing to square off against the four teams that earned first-round byes, the level of competition this weekend should have hardcore and casual football fans alike glued to the television.
Here is the full divisional-round schedule for the AFC and the NFC, the latest odds, and predicted winners.
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| Jan. 10 | Baltimore Ravens (6) vs. New England Patriots (1) | 4:35 p.m. | NBC | Patriots | NE (10-29) |
| Jan. 11 | Indianapolis Colts (4) vs. Denver Broncos (2) | 4:40 p.m. | CBS | Broncos | DEN (5-14) |
| Jan. 10 | Carolina Panthers (4) vs. Seattle Seahawks (1) | 8:15 p.m. | Fox | Seattle | SEA (1-5) |
| Jan. 11 | Dallas Cowboys (3) vs. Green Bay Packers (2) | 1:05 p.m. | Fox | Green Bay | GB (2-5) |
Betting information via Odds Shark (as of Jan. 8 at 7 a.m. ET).
Biggest Potential Game-Changer: Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers
Many players have the ability to change the course of their teams' games, but Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy has the talent and platform to help his team reach the NFC Championship Game.
Most fans automatically think of quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the primary source of offense for Green Bay, but Lacy has been a huge part of keeping the game plan balanced and keeping defensive units honest. Without Lacy, Rodgers and the Packers wouldn’t be as successful.
Whether it’s running the ball or catching it out of the backfield, Lacy has become one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL. In each of the last nine games, he has amassed at least 100 all-purpose yards, and he has nine total touchdowns (five rushing and four receiving) in that span.
Aaron Nagler of Sports Illustrated shared some interesting factoids about Lacy:
Several superstars in the playoffs could be potential difference-makers for their teams, but Green Bay center Corey Linsley told Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Lacy could be the best running back in the postseason.
"I don't see why not. It's definitely either him or DeMarco Murray," Linsley said. "With Eddie, I just see more unbelievable plays. I don't know if anybody breaks as many tackles."
More important than any of Lacy’s stats is the fact that he spent the first week of the postseason on bye. With the bruising running back taking the time to refresh both physically and mentally, he should come out with force against Dallas.
The Cowboys have a tough run defense, though, and they will not go down without a fight. Dallas finished the season eighth in the league against the run, allowing only 103.1 rushing yards per game. In the Wild Card Round, the Detroit Lions racked up 90 total rushing yards on 22 carries and scored a touchdown on the ground.
If Green Bay wants to reach the NFC Championship Game and keep the Super Bowl dream alive, Lacy must take advantage of his touches and keep drives alive with his brutal running style. While the Cowboys may stifle him early, the Packers can't abandon the run.
Over the course of four quarters, Lacy will wear down the Dallas defense and help lead his team to a hard-fought victory.
Predicted Stat Line: 22 carries for 120 yards and one touchdown; two receptions for 15 yards.
Stats via NFL.com.
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