NFL Playoff Schedule 2015: Latest Predictions, TV Info for AFC, NFC Bracket

The 2015 NFL regular season was filled with entertaining matchups and fierce battles, but the playoff schedule thus far has exceeded the expectations of football fans all around the country.

With four of the best teams in the league—Seattle, Green Bay, New England and Indianapolis—all going to battle on Sunday, the AFC and NFC Championship Games should satisfy even the most jaded fans of the sport.

Here is all the vital viewing information and predictions for the conference-championship round. 

NFC Championship	Date	Time (ET)	TV	Predicted Winner
AFC Championship	Date	Time (ET)	TV	Predicted Winner
Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks	Jan. 18	3:05 p.m.	Fox	Seattle
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots	Jan. 18	6:40 p.m.	CBS	New England

Biggest Potential Difference-Maker: Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Every player who will take the field in the conference-championship round will be looking to be the biggest difference-maker for their respective teams, but few will have the opportunities that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will against the New England Patriots.

Luck opened the playoffs with a wild-card-round victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, but it was the divisional-round win over Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos that really proved his strength as a postseason leader.

Despite throwing two interceptions against Denver, Luck’s confidence was unwavering and he managed to lead the team to the upset victory. Indianapolis has leaned heavily on Luck all season, and nothing will change against New England.

ESPN’s Stats & Info's Twitter account shared a stat that reveals just how much the Colts have relied on Luck:

When asked about the caliber of quarterback his team is facing Sunday, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told Lee Schechter of ESPNBoston.com: “He's got a lot of strengths, no weaknesses. He's got a great future in front of him. He's already done a lot in the time that he's been in the league, and I'm sure by the time he gets done he can pass a lot of guys by.”

New England understands the talent Luck possesses, but the Patriots secondary has several playmakers that could make life difficult for the quarterback. While the pass defense overall gave up an average of 239.8 yards per game (17th in the NFL), cornerback Darrelle Revis and safety Devin McCourty have been two of the most dominant players in the league.

Revis and McCourty better play at their best Sunday—especially considering New England is squaring off against the Indianapolis pass attack that finished the regular season ranked No. 1 overall in the league, averaging 305.9 passing per game.

After outshining Andy Dalton in the first round and outdueling Manning in the second round, Luck will now find himself going toe-to-toe with Tom Brady. The Colts QB didn’t show any fear against Manning and will have to face Brady with the same tenacity this weekend.

If Luck can maintain his composure and protect the football, Indianapolis will stay in contention throughout the game. Whether the Colts defense can stop Brady and the New England offense is a different story, though.

Predicted Final Score: New England 33, Indianapolis 30

*Stats via NFL.com.