FOOTBALL

In the NFL, it was the divisional playoff round.  First up, it was the #1 overall seed Seattle Seahawks hosting the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees.  The Saints got demolished by the Seahawks a few weeks ago in Seattle, but this is the playoffs, and anything can happen.  Seattle fans were treated to some early scores that gave them a 13-0 lead headed into halftime, but you can’t count out Drew Brees.  Brees threw some touchdown strikes, but Seattle kept piling on the points and got enough to win and head to the NFC Championship Game.  Seattle 23, New Orleans 15.

In the other NFC battle, the San Francisco 49ers headed to Carolina to take on a red hot Carolina Panthers team, boasting arguably the best defense in the playoffs.  But, the Panthers have little playoff experience, and nobody knew if Cam Newton was going to be able to the control the ship in a high pressured playoff game.  Carolina controlled the first half, but in the second Colin Kaepernick and the Niners seemed to score at will.  The Panthers offense can be lackluster at times, and it certainly showed in this playoff game.  The Niners got the win, and will take on their heated rival the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.  That game is going to be incredible!!  San Francisco 23, Carolina 10.

And in the AFC, first up it was the Indianapolis Colts taking on the New England Patriots.  Everybody was counting out the Patriots because of their recent injuries.  Plus, the Colts and Andrew Luck look like they have something to prove right now.  But, in game time, it’s hard to bet against Bill Belichick in the playoffs.  He has mastermind strategies that are hard to crack, and he certainly exploited the Colts’ defense.  Tom Brady and company got the job done, and now head to their 8th AFC Championship Game.  New England 43, Indianapolis 22.

Finally, in Denver, the Broncos were hosting the San Diego Chargers — a team that recently beat them in Denver, and has been on a hot winning streak.  The Chargers upset the Bengals last week, and wanted to prove that they can beat anyone right now.  But, it’s hard to dismiss Peyton Manning playing his best football in the twilight years of his career.  This guy wants a Super Bowl, and remembers losing to the Ravens last year in his first playoff game as a Bronco. Manning and the Broncos came out serious, and beat up the Chargers.  The Chargers launched a modest comeback late, but the Broncos held on.  It will be another Peyton Manning v. Tom Brady showdown in the AFC Championship.  These are definitely the 4 best teams in the NFL, so get ready for some incredible football next weekend.  Denver 24, San Diego 17.

Schedule for Sunday, January 19th:

3:00 pm est: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos

6:30 pm est: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks