NFL PLAYOFFS
AFC
#1 Titans (13-3) BYE
The Titans face an uphill battle in the playoffs without Offensive ROTY Marcus Mariota. With another matchup with New England possibly looming, they could be in trouble when it's their time to shine.
#2 Bengals (12-4) BYE
The Bengals haven't won a playoff game under Marvin Lewis, but with a breakout season from Andy Dalton, they have never been as confident as they are now.
#6 Bills (10-6) @ #3 Patriots (11-5)
The Bills are in the playoffs for the first time since 1999. This is the first time in the Super Bowl era that these two teams face off against each other in the playoffs.
These two teams split the season series at a game a piece. Tom Brady had another huge season, but more surprising was the kind of season E.J. Manuel had when he wasn't even expected to be the starter.
PREDICTION: Patriots 31, Bills 24
The Bills will fight, but in the end, Tom Brady is way too experienced to be caught slipping in the Wild Card round.
#5 Steelers (11-5) @ #4 Broncos (10-6)
One of the more storied playoff rivalries, the Steelers and Broncos once again face off in the playoffs. The last time they did was the "3:16" game where Tim Tebow lead the Broncos to an overtime victory over the Steelers.
These two teams met on Week 15 in a game that ultimately altered the playoff race. The Broncos ride a four-game winning streak into this rematch with the Steelers. Both teams are missing receiving threats (Emmanuel Sanders for the Broncos, and Martavis Bryant for the Steelers).
PREDICTION: Broncos 38, Steelers 35
This will be Peyton Manning's final playoff run. He will be damned to have it end in the first round.
NFC
#1 Packers (14-2) BYE
Lead by MVP/Offensive POTY Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have generally met all expectations, even exceeding some, en route to their best season since going 15-1 in 2011.
#2 Seahawks (13-3) BYE
Seattle looks to make it three consecutive Super Bowl appearances. They face a tough road without Michael Bennett, but they should be able to manage.
#6 Lions (9-7) @ #3 Cowboys (11-5)
A rematch of last years NFC Wild Card matchup, the Lions look to get the better end of things this time around. The Cowboys are without Greg Hardy and Brandon Carr, so this could be a problematic game for them against Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.
PREDICTION: Lions 24, Cowboys 21
It will be close, but in the end, the Lions have enough firepower to match up with the Cowboys. They'll atone for last seasons disappointing loss.
#5 Saints (9-7) @ #4 Buccaneers (10-6)
This is the first time these longtime divisional foes face off in the playoffs. The Buccaneers ride a five game win streak into the playoffs, and face a Saints team that just barely made it in. The Buccaneers swept the Saints in the regular season, so it will be interesting to see how the Saints respond in this game.
PREDICTION: Buccaneers 24, Saints 10
Jameis Winston be the catalyst in the Buccaneers possible playoff run, and it starts with getting a third victory over the Saints.