NFL Playoff Predictions: Panthers, Newton Can Beat Seahawks

Divisional round weekend is here, which means it has to be time for a few more NFL Playoff Predictions. Read why Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers might have enough in the tank to shock the world and beat the Seattle Seahawks on the road.

Last week: 4-0 

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots, 4:35 p.m., NBC 

For the fourth time in the last six years, Joe Flacco and Tom Brady meet in the postseason. John Harbaugh is looking to continue his dominance at the helm while he has to worried about getting out-coached by one of the best in the business.

Ravens keys to the game

• Have big games from leaders Steve Smith Sr. and Terrell Suggs to build momentum
• Counter the run game with physical linebackers, force New England to be one dimensional
• Get off the field on third-and-longs by backing off blitz

Patriots keys to the game 

• Keep a simple plan on offense
• Don’t abandon the run until necessary
• Attack the middle of the Baltimore offensive line with linebacker blitzes

There’s little to knock on this Patriots team, and Tom Brady has been in full “Tom Terrific” mode when he gets a bye to start the playoffs. Baltimore will have to be physical and simply perfect if they want to cool off Belichick and his impressive squad.

I’ll take the Patriots by four to advance to the AFC Championship.

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Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m., FOX

The cinderella story that is the Panthers’ 2014 season continues on Saturday night with a matchup that could shock the NFL. Ron Rivera’s team truly has nothing to lose, a dangerous reality that could hit the Seahawks head-on once this one kicks off.

Panthers keys to the game 

• Get creative with the rushing attack using multiple formations
• Take shots with young WRs, don’t be afraid to trust Newton’s deep ball
• Win the special teams battle

Seahawks keys to the game 

• Rattle the Carolina offensive line on the first several drives
• Play above-average against the run (that’ll be enough), put game on Newton’s shoulders
• Find a way to sneak TE Luke Willson into the game plan

Call me crazy, but I’m riding with the Panthers in a very close, chippy game. There won’t be anything attractive about this one for the casual fan, but it’s a film-watcher’s dream.

The Panthers find a way to eke out a defensive battle, 21-19.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers, 1:05 p.m., FOX 

Despite the manner in which they got here, the Cowboys are fighting to live another week. Unfortunately for the Dallas group that resides in a dome for eight weeks of the season, they’ll have to face temperatures in the high teens at Lambaeu on Sunday afternoon.

Cowboys keys to the game 

• Get DeMarco Murray touches early and often
• Focus on stopping the run first to earn the ground-game advantage
• Don’t be afraid to get big plays out of guys other than Dez Bryant

Packers keys to the game 

• Force field goals in the red-zone
• Sustain lengthy drives with the ground attack
• Win at the line of scrimmage with extra pass protection help

The Packers thrive at home and should win this game – the reason I’m taking Dallas. Aaron Rodgers is no stranger to letdowns when nobody sees them coming. If Murray can get going along with a few stops on defense, the Cowboys are going to be in it once the 4th quarter rolls around.

Dallas 28, Green Bay 24.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos, 4:40 p.m., CBS

In reality, Peyton vs. Luck might turn into Herron vs. Anderson and Hillman. We love the quarterback matchup here – however, let’s give some love to the running backs and defenses that will make or break this one.

Colts keys to the game

• Rely on big weapons in the receiving corps to have big games
• Generate pass rush up the middle in obvious passing situations
• Keep third downs manageable, leaving opportunities to run

Broncos keys to the game

• Protect Peyton Manning (simple, but the bottom line)
• Find a way to shut down T.Y. Hilton
• Lure Andrew Luck into making bad decisions late in the game

Here, I have yet another road team going into the bye-week squad’s home and pulling off the upset. Indianapolis matches up with Denver too well to pick against them. I look for a tight game that ultimately falls Indy’s way, 22-18.