NFL 2014-15 Playoff Predictions: Will the Seattle Seahawks repeat?

DIVISIONAL ROUND

Oct 26, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs the ball during the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

NFC

Seattle Seahawks (1) vs. Carolina Panthers (4)

There’s no way Seattle will lose this game. Tony Dungy says that Carolina is the one team that can go into Seattle and win, but I respectfully disagree. Carolina would’ve won five straight coming into Seattle, but the Seahawks are rested coming off a bye and are simply a better team than Carolina is. I like the way the defense is playing and how Jonathan Stewart is running, but Seattle won’t drop its first playoff game of the year to a below-.500 regular season team. Winner: Seattle.

Green Bay Packers (2) vs. Dallas Cowboys (3)

This should be a good one. An undefeated road team (Dallas) plays an undefeated home team (Green Bay). Dallas’s defense has played well recently, but I don’t think it will be able to contain Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Eddie Lacy. Dallas is good on the road, but Green Bay is better at home — Dallas didn’t blow out opponents on the road like Green Bay did at home. Winner: Packers.

AFC

New England Patriots (1) vs. Indianapolis Colts (4) 

New England’s had Indianapolis’s number since Andrew Luck became the Colts’ quarterback. I don’t expect that to change in the Divisional playoffs. New England has a solid team, contrary to many people’s expectations before the season — it is much deeper than Indianapolis’s team. The Patriots should coast to victory in this one. Winner: New England.

Denver Broncos (2) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (3) 

It’s Super Bowl victory or bust for Denver. The defense is much better than it was last season and shouldn’t have issues containing a banged up Le’Veon Bell. The unit can’t allow Antonio Brown to get behind the secondary and pick up big chunks of yardage — which is a reason why John Elway signed T.J. Ward. Peyton Manning should be well-rested and will have no trouble moving the ball and putting up points against the Steelers’ banged up secondary. Winner: Denver.

Next: Conference Championships