NFC Championship Game 2015: Winner, Score Predictions for Packers vs. Seahawks

For a sport with so much parity, the NFC gave us exactly what we were expecting in its championship game.

While there were highs and lows for both teams throughout the year, the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers have proven to be the two best in the conference. Now they will meet with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

This isn't exactly an M. Night Shyamalan twist.

Of course, knowing which teams would compete in the NFC title game is different than knowing which one will win. This battle pits the No. 1 scoring offense in the league against the No. 1 scoring defense, with tons of star power on both sides of the ball. Any single play can be the difference in this one.

Here is a look at what you need to know for the upcoming game, with a prediction for who will come out on top.

NFC Championship Game Information

Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle

When: Sunday, Jan. 18 at 3:05 p.m. ET

TV: Fox

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Spread: Seattle -7.5

Over/Under: 46.5

Odds courtesy of Odds Shark.

Prediction

When healthy, Aaron Rodgers has separated himself from the rest of the league as arguably the best quarterback in the NFL. He had an incredible 38 touchdowns to just five interceptions this year and always seems to make the right decision with the football.

Even opposing cornerback Richard Sherman had high praise for the quarterback this week:

However, one of his most important attributes is his athleticism to get out of the pocket and extend plays. He often finds his receivers down the field after short scrambles while throwing on the move.

This is not going to be as likely with Rodgers still nursing a calf injury. As quoted by Jenny Vrentas of Sports Illustrated, the quarterback said he will be able to play the next two games:

Still, this doesn't seem like someone who is 100 percent. The Dallas Cowboys didn't bring too many blitzes against Rodgers, and he was able to stay comfortable in the pocket. You can expect the Seahawks to provide much more pressure to force the quarterback to make moves on a hobbled leg.

When he came to CenturyLink Field in September, Rodgers had a quarterback rating of just 81.5 to mark the second worst of the season. With the Seahawks defense playing even better this time around, it's hard to expect much better.

Bleacher Report's Zach Kruse was impressed by the display of Seattle's best unit:

The Seahawks had the top defense in the NFL this season in both points and yards allowed, and the group has given up just an average of eight points per game over the current seven-game winning streak. This includes the recent 31-17 win over the Carolina Panthers in the divisional round.

Meanwhile, the offense has taken care of business as well with Marshawn Lynch carrying the group with his great runs. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller also likes what he sees from quarterback Russell Wilson:

The young passer has transformed from a game manager to one of the best in the league at his position and is set to bring the Seahawks to the Super Bowl for the second year in a row. With a better team and a great home-field advantage, he should be able to accomplish this feat.

Predicted Score: Seahawks 24, Packers 20

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