2 of 5

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks

saints
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, January 11 at 4:35 p.m. EST on FOX

Where: CenturyLink Field

Weather: High 49, Low 41

Line: Seattle (-7.5)

The New Orleans Saints have one of the best quarterbacks in football in the last 10 years and the best tight end in football as well. Drew Brees will have a hard time, however, passing on one of the best secondaries in the NFL -- if not the best -- and if his connection with Graham doesn't happen successfully, the Saints will have a hard time pulling this one out on the road.

Russell Wilson couldn't quite get the Seahawks to the Super Bowl last season, but one more year of maturity and a better overall season may end up getting him there. The Seahawks are going to be the team to beat moving forward.

PREDICTION: Saints 20, Seahawks 28

3 of 5

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots

patriots
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, January 11 at 8:15 p.m. EST on CBS

Where: Gillette Stadium

Weather: High 53, Low 47

Line: New England (-7.5)

Saturday night will feature an intriguing matchup between the up-and-coming Indianapolis Colts and the we've-been-there-before New England Patriots. Andrew Luck will have a hard time playing against a tough team like the Patriots in the playoffs after struggling mightily against the Kansas City Chiefs' defense. Luck can be relatively turnover prone, but if he can take care of the ball, there's no reason why he won't be able to lead the talented Colts offense.

New England is simply far more experienced and that could be the difference-maker in this one -- other than home-field advantage. Tom Brady is tough and this is the kind of playoff atmosphere he thrives in -- no Rob Gronkowski will only make him stronger.

PREDICTION: Colts 17, Patriots 27

4 of 5

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers

49ers
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

When: Sunday, January 12 at 1:05 p.m. EST on FOX

Where: Bank of America Stadium

Weather: High 61, Low 38

Line: San Francisco (-1)

While the San Francisco 49ers are traveling to Carolina for this contest, they are still a far more experienced and talented team. Although Colin Kaepernick hasn't had the ideal season, he is still one of those players that can instantly change the outcome of the game with is arm and his legs.

This could be more of a defensive battle than anything, but Frank Gore and Vernon Davis could be difference makers in the run and receiving game, respectively. Cam Newton is one of the best young quarterbacks in football, but the stage may just be too big for him in this one.

PREDICTION: 49ers 21, Panthers 20

5 of 5

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

broncos
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

When: Sunday, January 12 at 4:40 p.m. EST on CBS

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High

Weather: High 44, Low 27

Line: Denver (-9.5)

The San Diego Chargers are easily the biggest surprise of the 2013 season and they have taken down the Denver Broncos earlier in the season. Oh yeah, and that game was on the road. However, Peyton Manning will not let that happen again as he is possibly the MVP of the league and as title hungry as any player in the league.

Philip Rivers has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league this season, but the fact that the Chargers don't have a very solid defense will hurt them against the best offense in football.

PREDICTION: Chargers 27, Broncos 38


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