NFLNBAMLBNHLWNBASoccerGolf
Featured Video
EPIC NFL Thanksgiving Slate 🙌
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 08:   Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers scrambles in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on December 8, 2014 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 08: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers scrambles in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on December 8, 2014 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

NFL Playoffs 2015: Schedule, Odds and Predictions for Sunday's Games

Rob GoldbergJan 17, 2015

No matter what you believe heading into Championship Game Weekend, all of the four remaining teams have what it takes to win the Super Bowl.

The home teams are clearly the favorites on Sunday, but four elite quarterbacks playing with defenses peaking at the right time should create an exciting pair of games.

In order to keep up with all of the action, here is a guide for what you need to know as well as predictions for the AFC and NFC Championship Games.

TOP NEWS

Colts Jaguars Football
Rams Seahawks Football
Mississippi Football

Seattle Seahawks (-7.5) vs. Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers might be the best quarterback in the NFL right now, but facing the Seahawks defense is not an easy task, especially in CenturyLink Field.

During Seattle's current seven-game winning streak, the defense is allowing just eight points per game. Five of the opponents were held to single digits.

"I think we’re No. 1 right now in our era. It’s all based off era. Everybody’s different," defensive end Michael Bennett told Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel. "Right now, we feel like we’re the best and we’re playing the best. I feel like we’re No. 1 right now.” 

The defensive line is going to put pressure on Rodgers, while the loaded secondary will smother the likes of Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.

On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks offense runs through Marshawn Lynch, but Russell Wilson continues to show his ability to come through when needed. Will Brinson of CBS Sports noted how well the quarterback fared last game on third downs:

This type of effort, along with a great defense, is a big reason he has had so much success against the best quarterbacks in the NFL:

Rodgers will be able to move the ball as well as just about any team against Seattle to keep this game close, but the home team should be able to pull out the win in this one.

Prediction: Seahawks 24, Packers 20

New England Patriots (-6.5) vs. Indianapolis Colts

The New England Patriots have been almost unstoppable over the second half of the season, beating just about every quality opponent in convincing fashion. This included a 42-20 blowout at Indianapolis in Week 11.

Still, the Colts have shown the ability to succeed in rematches over the past few years, according to Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star:

Last week's win over the Denver Broncos represented the 12th win in these circumstances for Andrew Luck, including his third in the playoffs. The young quarterback also completely outplayed his predecessor, as Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network noted:

Meanwhile, the Colts defense has stepped up its play lately, especially against the pass. Peyton Manning and Andy Dalton were both limited over the past two games, with the Bengals and Broncos kept to just a combined 23 points.

As well as Tom Brady has played lately, the run game has been too inconsistent, and the Indianapolis defense should be able to slow down the one-dimensional attack.

Andrew Luck will have to avoid costly turnovers, but this team has what it takes to pull off the upset.

Prediction: Colts 31, Patriots 28

Spread info courtesy of Odds Shark.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.

EPIC NFL Thanksgiving Slate 🙌

TOP NEWS

Colts Jaguars Football
Rams Seahawks Football
Mississippi Football
Packers Bears Football

TRENDING ON B/R