Phew. The first back-to-back tripleheader NFL playoff weekend is over. The "super wild-card" round brought six dramatic games and delivered us into the traditional four-game divisional round.
We're going to get the third Brady-Brees matchup in five months, along with a look at the top two contenders for the MVP and some relative playoff newcomers. There is an entire week remaining for hype and analysis, so for now, here is our top-line look at the divisional matchups, set for Jan. 16-17.
Note: Odds and game lines are via Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill. Predictions are from ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI).
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Super Bowl chances
NFC
(6) Los Angeles Rams at (1) Green Bay Packers
4:35 p.m. ET, Saturday, Jan. 16, Fox | Preview
Opening line: Packers -7 (46.5)
FPI prediction: Packers, 65.1% (by 5.1 points)
What to watch for: The matchup of the expected MVP against arguably the NFL's best defense is going to be a highlight of the divisional weekend. It's a pretty good bet that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will win the MVP and, for that matter, Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. If you're having trouble picturing the Rams winning at Lambeau Field, it's because they've done so only once in the past 24 years.
