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NFL Playoffs: Predicting the divisional round

By Evan Massey

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the 2014 NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the 2014 NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers have their work cut out for them as they head out to Seattle to face the number one-seeded Seahawks. They handled the Arizona Cardinals with ease, but that game was nothing compared to what they will face in the divisional round of the playoffs.

The Panthers had an up-and-down season all year-long, but made it into the playoffs with a 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 of the regular season. Seattle also had their bumps in the road this season, but are back playing at an elite level at just the right time. Both teams have defenses that are capable of winning football games for their teams, but Carolina has been much more inconsistent this year.

Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch have been an excellent duo once again. They weren’t a very good offense through the air ranking just 27th in the NFL, but they were the number one ranked team on the ground. Carolina on the other hand finished the season as the seventh ranked rushing offense and 19th ranked through the air.

There is no question that both of these teams have the talent to move forward, but the Seahawks are the better team. They have a lot more talent on their roster and are playing better football at this point in time. It isn’t going to be a blowout, but the Seahawks will pull away in the second half and move on to the NFC Championship game.

Next: Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers

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