The NFL playoffs are into the championship round and here are 5 things to know heading into the weekend about the games in the AFC and NFC:
Could be the last Brady vs. Manning matchup
When the New England Patriots take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday it will be meeting number 17 for Tom Brady and Peyton Manning and it could be the last time the two face off. Manning may retire after the season and if that happens this will be the last time the two hall of fame quarterbacks play against each other. The two had the chance to play earlier in the season, but Manning was injured and Brock Osweiler started the game for Denver and led the team to a win.
Cam Newton and Carson Palmer make Heisman history
The Panthers and Cardinals matchup is notable for a number of reasons, but one of the coolest notes about the game is that it will be the first time that Heisman winning quarterbacks will face off in the NFL playoffs. Newton won the award while leading Auburn to the national title, while Palmer won the award after putting up some big numbers at Southern Cal. Palmer also can become the first USC quarterback to start a Super Bowl if the Cardinals can win.
Will Brock Osweiler play?
Peyton Manning is starting for the Broncos, but there is a chance that Brock Osweiler could end up playing depending on how the game develops. Manning looked good in Week 17 after coming in for Osweiler and helping to lead the Broncos to a win. Manning obviously is the better quarterback based on reputation, but with his health up and down this season and his age and arm strength where it is, some around football have wondered if Osweiler is the better option to play. No one knows what Gary Kubiak really thinks, but he has firmly been behind Manning and it will be interesting to see how the game develops and whether Osweiler gets in if Manning and the Broncos struggle.
Injuries may play a factor
Injuries could be a factor in both games this weekend, as some key players come in banged up. The Panthers have Jared Allen dealing with a broken bone in his foot and he could be out on Sunday. Jonathan Stewart missed some practice this past week, but he is expected to play. Chris Harris will be a game time decision for the Broncos, while Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins are expected to play after leaving the game against the Chiefs last week.
Patriots and Panthers are favorites
The betting lines for the championship games have the Patriots and the Panthers as the favorites to make it to the Super Bowl. Tom Brady is just 2-6 in Denver in his career and the Patriots lost to the Broncos two years ago in the title game when it was in Denver. But the Pats come in as favorites in the AFC, while the 15-1 Panthers are favorites against the Cardinals. This is also the first time since 2004 that the top two seeds in each conference made it to the title game.
