NFL Divisional Playoffs 2015: Full Television Schedule and Predictions

The Wild Card Round of the 2015 NFL playoffs lived up to the lofty expectations set by the regular season, but many football fans are ready for the AFC and NFC Divisional Round matchups that will take place Saturday and Sunday.

With the four surviving teams from Wild Card Weekend squaring off against the four franchises that earned a home playoff game and a first-round bye, the resulting on-field battles should make for an entertaining slate of games.

Here is the full divisional-round playoff schedule, predicted winners and a focus on an unsung player to watch this weekend.

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

Unsung Player of the Divisional Round: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

There are many potential difference-makers who will take the field this weekend for the divisional round, but few control the fate of their team as much as Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

While there is no question that the Carolina defensive unit has played its best football of the year down the stretch and into the postseason, Newton will have to be at his best if the Panthers want to beat the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle is the defending Super Bowl champion and is coming off a first-round bye. Add in the fact that the Seahawks beat Newton and Carolina earlier this season, 13-9, and the odds are stacked against the Panthers.

The official Twitter account of the Dave Softy Mahler Show revealed some telling stats about Newton’s struggles against Seattle:

Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn spoke about preparing for Newton, via the team’s official Twitter account:

When asked if his previous experience against Seattle would help him on Saturday, Newton spoke openly to Bill Voth of CharlotteMagazine.com:

"

I don’t mean to be blunt, but the last three years don’t matter to me. They were a different team, and we were a different team six games ago. They may run the same scheme, they may have some different clues that we can go off of, but this game Saturday is not going to be based on what’s happened in the past. It’s going to be about the team who seizes the moment and makes the most of each and every opportunity they get.

"

Newton is coming off his first playoff win against the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card Round, and legendary quarterback Bernard Kosar talked about the pressure that came off Newton’s shoulders after the victory:

The key for Carolina head coach Ron Rivera will be limiting Newton’s chances of making mistakes. With only 198 passing yards last week against Arizona, it was clear that the Panthers simplified the game plan and depended heavily on the rushing attack.

Carolina should lean on the rushing attack once again, but Newton must be able to keep drives alive on third downs with his arm. Using the improved decision-making he has shown thus far in the postseason, the fourth-year player will need to keep the offense on the field while still protecting the football.

If Newton and the Panthers can develop a rhythm early and the Carolina defensive unit can play elite once again, there is no doubt the quarterback has the talent and mental ability to upset the Seahawks on the road.

Unfortunately, beating Seattle in front of the raucous crowd will be easier said than done. While the Panthers may take the loss, it won’t be from a lack of effort from Newton.

Predicted final score: Seattle 27, Carolina 17

*Stats via NFL.com.