The NFL Roundup: Divisional Round - Day Two

At some point in our lives we have all heard the phrase, "that's going to be a hard act to follow" and there really is not a more appropriate set of words to describe Day One of the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. Yesterday's games were absolutely incredible, especially when it came to the Packers and Cardinals game But can Day Two be just as exciting? Well the potential is definitely there as the number one seeds take the stage against some pretty quality opponents and here are our thoughts on the potential winners and losers for Day Two of the Divisional Round.

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NFC DIVISIONAL MATCHUP 
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

Scotty's Take
Say what you will about the Seahawks this season, in my opinion they should not have even made the playoffs this year. I am speaking my mind on this one and I have plenty of friends and even family that would hate me for saying this, but they are a shell of their past Super Bowl selves.  I like what they have been able to do with all of the changes that have taken place and their defense is just flat out scary to me with Kam Chancellor playing at full speed and Richard Sherman keeping the top receivers at bay, and I love watching Strong Safety Earl Thomas III play.  Even though he may not say this, he is the one that makes the garbage plays for this team and makes those who doubt his abilities pay the price.   It looks like Beast mode may be back this week, but that is what they said last week when he failed to make the trip to Minnesota, so I'll believe it when I see him on the field. I like Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch both in the backfield, but last week proved that they don't need to be together.  Although let me speak my mind once again, the Seahawks did not outright win the game against Minnesota, they just didn't screw up enough to lose it, which means it will be hard today for them to stop Cam Newton and his legs of glory from running all over them.  The best team in the NFL this year is back and should have everyone healthy once again and they are trying to prove that they are not to be written off after a one loss season.  SET, READY, HUT!  I love the snap count since it never changes and when they are at home, you can hear it with clarity.  This will not be a game that is won in the trenches as most of last week’s games were, it is going to be a big play game, where only the big plays will put points on the scoreboard.  As the Panthers have proven, they can move the ball with ease, even against some of the better defenses, and drop the long pass at will, or Cam Newton run can and will change the outcome of the game.  
WINNER - Carolina Panthers 45, Seattle 24.

John's Take
I think that this particular game just so happens to be the most fascinating Divisional Matchup of the weekend for one particular reason...I simply can't figure either team out. At times, Seattle is frustrating to watch, playing loose on defense and looking confused on offense when suddenly, a light switch goes on and they steal the game out from under you. Then there's Carolina, a squad that boasts the best record in the league, but is still a team filled with question marks. I still can't tell if Cam Newton is a top tier quarterback because of his inconsistent play and while this team has locked up the number seed for the NFC, they have given everyone the blueprint on how to beat them since they tend to go soft when they have a big lead and while they've mopped up nicely when teams come back...that kind of luck runs out eventually and I think that may happen today. This is also a squad that gets cocky and isn't battle tested in the playoffs, something Seattle will take full advantage of. They know what it takes and they are patient during a game, watching and waiting for a big mistake from their opponent and with the return of Marshawn Lynch today...I think the Panthers season may end far sooner than expected.  
WINNER - Seattle Seahawks

AFC DIVISIONAL MATCHUP
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT DENVER BRONCOS

Scotty's Take
Pittsburgh has proven something to me over the past few weeks.  They are not able to win a game without getting in to the minds of their opponents.  Without this, they are a mediocre squad that love to take cheap shots, because they're a flat out dirty football team.  Look at last week’s film and you'll see every offensive linemen trying to give an extra tweak to the arm of an opposing player (even the offensive line coach did it on the sideline).  The Steelers are bruised but not beaten from last week.  Big Ben is looking to take to the field once again, even with an injured shoulder that can hamper his throws downfield and it will not affect his game one bit.  The loss of Antonio Brown due to a concussion will hurt the Steelers more than they would like to admit.  The leader in catches this season for the NFL being on the bench is nothing more than a gift for the Broncos who were torched by him since last time they could not find a way to stop this talented man.  I don't know what to think about having Manning back for this game, I really don't.  Peyton has not looked good since week 8 of last season and yet they would not take him out until finally they disclosed his injury.  But even before he was unable to play, he led the league in interceptions and still does even after sitting for a quarter of the year.  Brock would be my choice to take the field, but that is neither here nor there.  The Broncos have to find a way to make their running game work and the offensive line will have their work cut out for them this game since the Steelers know exactly where the weakness is...the right side.  The defense is solid and I do not see Chris Harris being burned as bad as the last game and Von Miller is over his 'cheese stick' illness.  All the Broncos have to do is put Big Ben on his back a couple times to get him out of the game, but I am more worried about what will happen to Manning, I don't know if he will be able to walk off the field after this game.  
WINNER - Denver Broncos 34, Pittsburgh 18.

John's Take
Second chances are extremely rare in the National Football League. This is a game predicated upon perfection so when the opportunity arises again to do it all over again, you know a team and its players are going to run with it and that may spell bad news for the Pittsburgh Steelers today. After all, in their last matchup against Denver they surprised the Broncos with a second half surge that secured them the win. But for this game, Peyton Manning has returned, no doubt with a chip on his shoulder and a desire to prove everyone wrong that says he has nothing left in the tank or that he's too old to play, and the defense...well they would love nothing more than to shut down the Steelers offense and their season, and considering how decimated Pittsburgh is injury wise, there's a good chance they will get their wish. Denver's only real glaring concern today is their offensive line, or really...Right Tackle Michael Schofield. If the Broncos can't get him any help or if they don't rotate him or replace him with Tyler Polumbus if he struggles again, Peyton Manning might be in for a long day. But considering the gutsy calls Gary Kubiak has made all season, I expect him to make whatever changes necessary to ensure the Broncos make it to the AFC Championship.
WINNER - Denver Broncos