NFL Playoffs 2016: AFC, NFC Schedule, Bracket Predictions for Divisional Round

For the first time since introducing the wild card in 1990, all four road squads advanced to the NFL's divisional round. Two won convincingly, and two needed a big break to survive, but all four face a much tougher challenge this weekend.

While the rest-versus-rust argument lives, a couple of opening-round winners prevailed at the expense of at least one key contributor. Barring any gruesome injuries sustained on the coach, the top seeds will instead return recharged and with a fuller depth chart.

None of last week's results should have surprised any attentive fans, and it now shouldn't stun them if the home clubs all turn the tables.

NFL Playoff Schedule

Divisional Round Preview

Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals

Panicked Green Bay Packers fans received reason for hope during the Wild Card Round. After a scoreless first quarter, the sluggish offense rebounded to score 35 points. Just as Washington's four-game winning streak tricked onlookers into picking a team with no rushing defense and a plus-nine point differential, Green Bay's recent resurgence won't stick.

Put the 35-18 victory over Washington—who finished the year 0-4 with four double-digit defeats against teams with winning records—into context. Per Football Outsiders, Washington rated No. 15 in overall Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) and No. 21 in defensive DVOA. The NFC's second-worst playoff participant simply bested the worst one.

Now the Packers face the Arizona Cardinals, who ended the season first in total offense, second in point differential and third in DVOA. Odds Shark pegs them as the upcoming weekend's biggest favorite, giving the NFC West champions a seven-point edge. However, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy won't play the "Nobody believes in us card," per the team's Twitter page: 

When they last met, the Cardinals compiled nine sacks and allowed eight points during a 30-point annihilation. Take away two fumble recoveries converted into touchdowns, and they won't produce another equally lopsided blowout. Yet Green Bay's No. 23-ranked offense isn't healed after averaging 5.0 yards per play against Washington.

In a week of projected close calls, this is the easiest choice. The Cardinals have a deep group of wideouts to exploit Green Bay's depleted cornerbacks, and rookie running back David Johnson brings more to the table than Washington bruiser Alfred Morris. Don't expect another one-sided stomping, but Arizona won't have much difficulty advancing to the NFC Championship Game.

Prediction: Cardinals 28, Packers 20  

Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

It goes against the unwritten rules of sports to openly admit preferring a certain opponent. Yet as Blair Walsh hooked a potential game-winning field goal that would have eliminated the Seattle Seahawks, the average Carolina Panthers fan cursed up a storm.

As a reward for possessing the NFL's best record, the Panthers open their postseason against the Seahawks, who finished first in DVOA and points allowed for the fourth consecutive season. Panthers safety Roman Harper, however, doesn't seem overly concerned about a matchup they already overcame earlier in the season.

"We are the better team," Harper bluntly said on Monday, per the Associated Press' Steve Reed. 

It played out that way on Oct. 18, when Greg Olsen secured a 27-23 victory by scoring with 32 seconds remaining. The tight end, who registered 131 yards on seven catches, will once again prove a major factor in the most intriguing postseason contest yet. Seattle carries a rare weakness against tight ends, finishing the season No. 26 in DVOA against them.

Carolina won despite two interceptions from Cam Newton, who has tossed one pick over his last eight bouts. The previous battle could have gone either way, and this one will follow suit. Better weather will beget more offensive production from Russell Wilson and Co., but the defense now gets an uncomfortable matchup after dispatching a Minnesota Vikings squad bereft of any passing offense.

Throw in home-field advantage for the Panthers, who won their last three games at Bank of America Stadium by a combined 94 points, and they get the slight edge.

Prediction: Panthers 24, Seahawks 23

Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots

In terms of point differential and DVOA, the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs are the best AFC teams standing. While Kansas City hasn't lost since Oct. 18, New England ended the season on back-to-back setbacks. Even with the game at Foxboro, a Chiefs upset shouldn't stun the world.

Tom Brady won't match Brian Hoyer's four interceptions, but it takes a strong pass rush to contain the future Hall of Fame quarterback. The Chiefs, who have allowed 11.6 points per game during their 11-game winning streak, welcomed back Justin Houston alongside Tamba Hali and Dee Ford to make Hoyer's life miserable and shut out the Houston Texans.

Meanwhile, Brady has recorded 6.44 yards per pass attempt over New England's final six games, four of which resulted in losses. Yet a much-needed bye could prove the faltering team's saving grace. The quarterback will especially welcome the return of wide receiver Julian Edelman, who caught 6.7 passes per game during the team's 9-0 start. He expressed his eagerness to return, per ESPN's Mike Reiss:

Kansas City, on the other hand, may play without top receiver Jeremy Maclin. While he didn't suffer a third ACL tear on Saturday like initially feared, his availability is in question, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Maclin's absence would make Travis Kelce the team's lone remaining offensive threat, and even a struggling Pats offense is good for 20 points. The Chiefs are tantalizingly close to pulling off an improbable Super Bowl run, but look for the refreshed Patriots to narrowly survive.

Prediction: Patriots 23, Chiefs 17

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos

A showdown between Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning typically warrants must-see status. Temper expectations for this weekend.

Replacing Brock Osweiler in Week 17 in his first action since throwing four picks against Kansas City on Nov. 15, Manning is once again Denver's starting quarterback. Head coach Gary Kubiak discussed the veteran's progress with ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold.

"I feel really good about this, I feel good about how far Peyton has come, where he’s at physically, mentally, everything," Kubiak said. "I could see it happening the last two weeks. I’m excited for him to get going."

Important reminder: Manning completed five passes for 69 yards in relief duty against the San Diego Chargers. He handed Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson the football with aplomb, but everyone fired up the "Peyton Manning is back!" feel-good narratives as he jogged onto the field.

Denver's rushing duo combined for 210 yards and a score each in its 27-20 victory over San Diego, earning the No. 1 seed despite four other AFC playoff squads (Steelers included) rating higher in DVOA and point differential. Pittsburgh's No. 5 defense is a poor draw for a run-reliant offense, and a ball-hawking defense will welcome the charitable Manning.

If only the Steelers were healthy. Roethlisberger suffered a shoulder injury, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler, during their ugly win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He returned to lead them on a scoring drive fueled by Bengals penalties, but ESPN Stats & Info highlighted his restricted abilities:

The Steelers also must wait on the status of star wide receiver Antonio Brown, who suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit during the final drive. Per ESPN's Bob Holtzman, a concussion could sideline the league's reception leader on Sunday:

DeAngelo Williams, who missed last weekend's victory with a foot injury, is also uncertain for Sunday. ESPN's Jim Trotter provided an update on the veteran running back:

It's too early to make an accurate prediction without knowing the prognosis of Pittsburgh's starting quarterback, running back and wideout against the league's top-rated defense. At full force, this prolific unit posted 34 points on Denver earlier this season. Even if Roethlisberger and Co. play hurt, the Broncos appeared to have caught a major break.

Prediction: Broncos 20, Steelers 16

Advanced stat courtesy of Football Outsiders.