CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Green Bay 36-16. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
NFC
Seattle Seahawks (1) vs. Green Bay Packers (2)
Green Bay is not the same team it was when it went into Seattle for the season opener. Aaron Rodgers (provided that he’s healthy — actually, even when he’s on one leg) is on fire, and the Packers’ defense has been playing well. Meanwhile, Seattle’s offense has been a bit stagnant, as we saw in the win over St. Louis (only 13 offensive points). Russell Wilson makes some amazing plays, but still hasn’t developed fully as a complete pocket passer.
This game may come down to two matchups that look obscure on paper: Randall Cobb vs. Byron Maxwell and rookie receiver Davante Adams vs. Seattle’s nickel corner Jeremy Lane. Richard Sherman will probably spend most of his time covering Jordy Nelson, which will allow Cobb and Adams to have matchups against Seattle’s second and third corners. If they win those matchups, Rodgers will get the ball to them and move the offense. I think Cobb will be able to get the best of Maxwell, and Adams vs. Lane is a toss-up — but I give the advantage to Adams based on the way he’s been playing lately. The Packers will take a tightly contested road game with the score being something around 27-23. Winner: Green Bay.
AFC
New England Patriots (1) vs. Denver Broncos (2)
It seems like I’m not taking any risks going with the first and second seeds in the conference championship games, but there isn’t really anywhere else to go here. I think all the wild card teams aren’t strong teams, and these top two teams in both conferences are built for the playoffs. Anyway, this is “Manning vs. Brady” again. It’s the same matchup as last year, except it’ll be on Foxborough turf.
The Pats have proved all year that they can beat anybody at home, epitomized by the blowout win over the Broncos. This time, in contrast to last season’s AFC Championship game, Brady will have Rob Gronkowski in the lineup, a matchup nightmare for any team. New England’s defense has been playing much better and the Broncos’ offense doesn’t look as good as it was last season. It’ll be a close game, but the Patriots will advance to the Super Bowl. Winner: New England.
Next: Super Bowl XLIX