NFL Playoff Picture 2015: Divisional Bracket Scenarios and Super Bowl Odds
Bracket mania may not sweep the country until March, but we are at the portion of the NFL playoffs when there is a fairly clear bracket on the path to the Super Bowl.
The winners of the two AFC Divisional Round games will square off for the right to represent their conference in the Super Bowl, while the winners of the two NFC Divisional Round games will do the same.
Ultimately, the goal is to navigate your way through the bracket and hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year. With that in mind, here is a look at the entire bracket and the odds for each of the remaining eight teams to win the Super Bowl.
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Odds are courtesy of Odds Shark, as of Friday evening at 6 p.m. ET.
| Baltimore Ravens | 20/1 |
| Carolina Panthers | 41/1 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 64/5 |
| Denver Broncos | 132/25 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 45/2 |
| Green Bay Packers | 113/20 |
| New England Patriots | 31/10 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 2/1 |
NFC Bracket Scenarios
Divisional Bracket Scenario No. 1: Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks Win
If the two home teams take care of business on Saturday and Sunday, it will set up a rematch of the season-opening tilt in Seattle between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks' defense physically overwhelmed the Packers' attack and sent a message to the rest of the NFL that Seattle was back to defend its crown.
Divisional Bracket Scenario No. 2: Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers Win
If the Packers and Carolina Panthers win in the divisional round, the NFC Championship Game will be at Lambeau Field. This would also be a rematch of a regular-season game, as the Packers crushed the Panthers 38-17 at Lambeau in Week 7.
Divisional Bracket Scenario No. 3: Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks Win
Surprise, surprise—this scenario would set up a rematch from another regular-season game for the NFC title. The Dallas Cowboys shocked the football world in Week 6 when they went into Seattle and won in front of the “12th Man.”
It was Seattle’s only home loss of the season and set the tone for an impressive Cowboys season.
Tight end Jason Witten talked about what that win meant for his team, according to The Associated Press via ESPN.com: "I think that showed the maturity of this team. We expected to win. We knew this was going to be a challenge, and we stayed the course."
Divisional Bracket Scenario No. 4: Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers Win
If the Cowboys and Panthers both win, the NFC Championship Game will be in Dallas. Talk about a big stage for a big event. This is the only scenario on the NFC side of the bracket where the next round would not be a rematch from the regular season.
AFC Bracket Scenarios
Divisional Bracket Scenario No. 1: New England Patriots and Denver Broncos Win
This is the dream scenario for the TV executives because it would set up an AFC Championship Game clash between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in New England. The thing is, we already saw this matchup in New England in Week 9, and the Patriots destroyed Manning and company to the tune of 43-21.
Divisional Bracket Scenario No. 2: New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts Win
The Patriots would enjoy home-field advantage if the Indianapolis Colts are their opponent as well. The Patriots beat the Colts in Indianapolis earlier in the season by 22 points, so this probably wouldn't go well for Andrew Luck and the Colts on the road.
Divisional Bracket Scenario No. 3: Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos Win
The only way the Denver Broncos will get home-field advantage in the AFC Championship Game is if the Baltimore Ravens upset the Patriots. Fox Sports NFL noted that the Patriots have struggled with the Ravens in the past, so this is a possibility:
Divisional Bracket Scenario No. 4: Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts Win
If the Colts and Ravens both win, it would bring the AFC Championship Game to Indianapolis. Interestingly, the Colts defended their home field against the Ravens back in Week 5, so this may be the best path for Luck to get into the Super Bowl.
Overall Predictions
Seahawks Win NFC Bracket
The Seahawks may have lost to the Cowboys at home earlier this season, but they won’t even have to worry about Tony Romo and company in the playoffs. The two home teams will win in the divisional round, and Seattle will once again bully the Packers' offense in front of a raucous home crowd.
Patriots Win AFC Bracket
The Patriots are rolling behind the Brady-to-Rob Gronkowski connection, and the Ravens' vulnerable secondary will not be able to stop them. That will set up another clash between Brady and Manning, and the Patriots will once again take care of business in front of the home fans.
Get ready for a Patriots and Seahawks Super Bowl.
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