Even though the 2013 NFL season had some fun distractions, everyone knew deep down that the 49ers, Seahawks, Patriots, and Broncos were going to be the last teams standing. My beef with this NFL season has been the sense of inevitability.
Each squad shares a sordid history with its rival. The Seahawks can thank Jim Harbaugh’s deal for Pete Carroll’s return to the NFL. Payton Manning’s legacy remains in doubt because of his post-season losses to Tom Brady. It's a soap opera on turf, and the winners go to New York.
Let’s get to work!
New England @ Denver -5.5
New England hasn’t played a road playoff game since 2006. History has a funny way of repeating itself, as Brady's last road playoff game was the 2006 AFC title game against none other than Payton Manning.
The Pats are running the ball as good as a team can, racking up six rush TDs last week versus the Colts. But it didn't hurt that Colts QB Andrew Luck tossed four picks to help New England build its impressive lead.
With a healthy Wes Welker, the Broncos predictably improved and were able to shred San Diego's secondary. The Patriots' defense is vulnerable.
With both teams tattered with injuries on both sides of the ball, the contest will depend on which quarterback can carry his team to victory. I can't see Denver allowing New England's running game to gain steam, and with a healthy receiving corps Manning has more tools than Brady to succeed.
San Francisco @ Seattle -3.5
The polar opposite of a shootout in Denver will be the rugby match played in Seattle that evening.
Each team's best unit is their defense, which both Seattle and San Francisco will lean on heavily to win.
Despite the Niners winning two straight road playoff games, Seattle and San Fran playing each other a third time this season will nullify any advantages the Niners have had over other teams.
The NFC title game won't be as brutal as Seattle's 29-3 home win back in September, but the Hawks had last week's middling performance to warm up against San Francisco.
Light one up: We're having a Denver-Seattle Super "Bowl."