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Carolina Convincingly Claims South, Playoff Spot

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Who would of thought? Atlanta had been playing fairly well as of late, but the Carolina Panthers have stepped up, especially during the last two weeks. The end result…an NFC South Championship, a playoff berth and a home game.

In reality, Carolina’s defense has played much better, averaging about 11 points per game in the last four weeks. Before winning their fourth straight game, they had lost six in a row. I can’t remember if that has ever happened before. And Carolina is plus eight in the turnover battle over the last month.

Offensively, we have seen flashes of what was expected the whole season during the last month. The past two weeks, things have looked more congealed for sure. Well here is the rest of the NFC playoff picture and a breakdown on the wild card games.

NFC playoff picture

Seattle and Green Bay have the first round byes. Both have their second round advantages by hosting at home. Seriously, who want to play in the frozen tundra in Green Bay? It’s just as bad by going to Seattle. Hearing the roar of the 12th man with likely rain and dismal conditions in that environment could be hard enough to overcome before even thinking about the team ahead of you.

6)Detroit at 3)Dallas (4:30pm Sunday 1.4.15)

Detroit may have Calvin Johnson at receiver and a great rush defense, but they haven’t met the Cowboys offensive line and Demarco Murray just yet. While the Cowboys bring quite a challenge for Detroit’s defensive line, I think Dallas could really hurt Detroit down the field. If the Cowboys don’t melt down like they have in past year’s then Dallas is just better overall and at home. Cowboys 28-17.

5)Arizona at 4)Carolina (4:30pm Saturday 1.3.15)

Carolina has been coming on strong lately, but Arizona has one of the best defenses in the league. The last time the two teams met in the playoffs, it was in Charlotte. A guy by the name of Kurt Warner turned six Carolina turnovers into a beat down of the Panthers in 2008, 33-13.

This time around, Arizona has been battling injuries, unsure of their own quarterback situation and have lost four the last six games due to those circumstances.

I have been picking against Carolina for the last month now. Why quit when it’s working? Arizona 17-16.

AFC playoffs

New England and Denver nabbed the first round byes. While New England is probably playing it’s best football right now, Denver has struggled down the stretch. First, let’s think about the wild card games coming up.

6)Baltimore at 3)Pittsburgh (Saturday 8pm)

I do believe in Ben Roethlisberger. If a healthy Le’veon Bell isn’t in the Steelers lineup, then I don’t like their chances of advancing. I also don’t believe in an aging defense either, but they are good enough overall to make some noise.

Baltimore: Joe Flacco, Steve Smith, Torrey Smith, Justin Forsett and that’s just their offensive play makers. Defensively, the Ravens have 18 sacks in the last four games, winning three of them.

Although the Steelers are at home, the run game may be nonexistent…24-20 Baltimore

5)Cincy at 4)Indy (Sunday 1pm)

Indy: Andrew Luck is as good a quarterback a team could ask for. That being said, they still have issues. Daniel Herron has helped their run game, but it’s still not great. The Colts defense is still suspect, plus T.Y. Hilton and Reggie Wayne are both hurt. Cincy: I trust Andy Dalton like Jimbo Fisher. Very little. Especially on the road and playing an offense as explosive as Indy. Indy…21-17

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