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The NFL plays are now down to eight teams. Only four will continue on their quest to hoist the Lombardi trophy.
1. Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
To kick off this weekend’s games, we have two rivals who always seem to meet during this time of year. The Baltimore Ravens handled their business last week at Heinz Field where they crushed the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now they head into another hostile environment in Foxborough to face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. This will be the fourth time in just six years these two teams have met in the playoffs. Both of these teams know each other and both of these teams have had crushing losses by each other.
The Baltimore defense loves playing against Tom Brady and he has some tough games against them. They have forced him into some costly turnovers in the past and forced the Patriots to run the ball. The Patriots have been running the ball a lot this year with a committee of running backs. The Ravens will always go as far as Joe Flacco’s arm will take them. Last week, Ravens head coach John Harbugh called Flacco the best quarterback in the league after thrown two touchdowns last week against the Steelers. The Ravens have proven they are just as dangerous on the road in the playoffs as they are at home.
2. Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Carolina Panthers are coming off a victory over early Super Bowl favorite, Arizona. Given the Cardinals were down to their third string quarterback, they know it will not be as easy when they head to Seattle. The Seahawks love to run the ball and Marshawn Lynch requires a lot of attention. The Panthers defense came alive last week and have to build off of that if they even want a chance in today’s game. Carolina set a record, only allowing the Cardinals 78 total yards.
The Seahawks defense appears to have taken form and look like the dominant defenders they were a year ago. The Panthers only had one offensive touchdown last week which likely will not win a game against the Seahawks. Newton also had two turnovers last week which he cannot let happen again. Seattle seems to be getting healthy at the right time as they will get back center Max Unger who missed six games with injuries.
