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The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs concludes Sunday with the Dallas Cowboys at the Green Bay Packers in the NFC and the Indianapolis Colts at the Denver Broncos in the AFC. Let's briefly break the games down.
Cowboys (13-4) at Packers (12-4)
When: 1:05 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
Radio: Westwood One: Kevin Harlan, Dan Fouts, Hub Arkush (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 88 (WW1), 93 (Dal.), 85 (GB). XM: 88 (WW1), 225 (Dal.), 85 (GB).
Online Streaming: FOXSportsGO
Odds: Packers -6
The temperature is expected to be in the teens Sunday afternoon, bringing back memories of the 1967 NFL Championship Game in Green Bay commonly referred to the the 'Ice Bowl.' The Packers won that game, 21-17.
Dallas enters this game after defeating the Detroit Lions, 24-20, in the Wild Card round. The game, of course, was marred by controversy when officials ruled pass interference against Dallas on a critical play late in the game and then picked up the flag.
"To be among the final eight teams, it's something we certainly feel good about," says Dallas head coach Jason Garrett. "Challenges are ahead and we're excited to be a part of it."
For Green Bay, the status of quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a concern. Rodgers has been dealing with a quad injury, and has practiced very little. He is expected to play, but how well he can move around won't be known until game time.
"This is a fun team to be on and the guys believe in each other, fight for each other and we stick together," said Rodgers. "Winning the division was important as was getting that home playoff game. We're 8-0 at home so we want to keep that streak alive. This is what we love to do. I love the competition. We're all passionate about this game."
Ed says: After last weekend I doubt anyone in America who isn't a die-hard Dallas fan wants to see the Cowboys win. But make no mistake, despite the unfortunate circumstances of last weekend the Cowboys have a shot here, especially with Rodgers' mobility in question. I am still going to go with Green Bay here, though. Can't bring myself to pick the upset. Pick: Packers
[Cowboys web site: Blogging The Boys | Packers web site: Acme Packing Company]
Colts (12-5) at Broncos (12-4)
When: 4:40 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson
Radio: Westwood One: Tom McCarthy, Rod Woodson, Mark Malone (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 88 (WW1), 93 (Ind.), 85 (Den.). XM: 88 (WW1), 225 (Ind.), 85 (Den.).
Online Streaming: CCBSSports.com/AFCPlayoffs
Odds: Broncos -7
You know the drill here. Andrew Luck vs. Peyton Manning. The future vs. the past. Is it time to pass the torch, or can Manning hang on for one more Super Bowl run?
"We've got a tall order playing Denver at Denver but we're excited about that and up for the challenge," said Luck.
"We're excited and looking forward to the postseason," said Manning, whose Broncos lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl a year ago. "This is always an exciting time for football. This is why you work so hard all season to get this opportunity. Playoff football takes on different twists and turns. You're going to play some really good football teams."
Ed says: Can Manning still summon greatness and lead the Broncos back to the Super Bowl? I just don't know. In fact, I suspect not. Pick: Colts
[Colts web site: Stampede Blue | Broncos web site: Mile High Report]