The quarterbacks will get most of the headlines, but the game could hinge on New England's tight end.
Denver's offense vs. Seattle's defense is a legendary matchup for the ages. But Seattle's offense vs. Denver's defense is the matchup that will probably decide this game, and the Seahawks have the advantage of being better and healthier.
The secret to this year's NFC Championship game is that the Seattle defense played like more than the sum of its parts this year ... and the San Francisco defense played like a bit less than the sum of its parts.
Two men enter, then 90 other men follow them. But the most important storyline for this game does not concern who is on the field, but who is not.
In Seattle Saturday afternoon, everything is coming up Seahawks except recent playoff history. For Carolina's rematch with San Francisco, the difference may be the players who didn't get on the field nine weeks ago.
The Colts and Patriots meet for the 11th season in a row, but is New England still too balanced and well-coached for an Indianapolis upset? On Sunday, another rested Peyton Manning team will take on a hot sixth seed. This AFC slate sounds too familiar.
The incredible regressing Chiefs defense meets the incredible regressing Colts offense on Saturday; Sunday features a sixth seed that could catch lightning in a bottle and, as usual, Andy Dalton.
We know Drew Brees and the Saints offense can score, but can their defense stop the Eagles' running game or the super-hot Nick Foles? And can Aaron Rodgers overcome the weaknesses of the Packers' defense and special teams?
We debate Rex Ryan's head coaching credentials, the cost of accepting established mediocrity, and look ahead to all the games with playoff implications.
The lack of a good secondary receiver in Detroit, the homefield advantage of the Saints, and a Strangers With Candy coaching suggestion for the Raiders.
