The narrow percentage, compared to the others, might have more to do with the always dangerous Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers rather than how well Washington’s played of late. Rodgers has struggled with injuries to his primary weapons and offensive line all season, but in the playoffs he’s been quite reliable completing better than 65 percent of his passes for 23 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions and an average passer rating of 101.0.
Considering Seattle’s defending its two-time NFC crown, and the stellar play of quarterback Russell Wilson and one of the league’s most dominant defenses, it certainly makes sense to pick the Seahawks. There’s also the unexpected return of No. 1 running back Marshawn Lynch, who missed the last seven games while recovering from abdominal surgery but has averaged 101.0 rushing yards per game in each of Seattle’s two trips to the Super Bowl.
However, the weather is expected to play a significant role when the two squads meet on Sunday. Temperatures are predicted to reach a frigid-high of six degrees Fahrenheit and a low of minus-five degrees in Minneapolis, which could create havoc between Seattle and Minnesota, especially when it comes to handling and throwing the football.
Injuries remain a constant factor and it could affect the Steelers chances of upending rival and AFC North champion Cincinnati. Pittsburgh is expected to sit top running back DeAngelo Williams (foot) and will instead play fourth-year back Jordan Todman and second-year rusher Fitzgerald Toussaint.
Of course, one key injury also plays a role for the Bengals. On Friday, Cincinnati ruled quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) out of the matchup and second-year quarterback AJ McCarron will make the first postseason start of his career after going 2-1 in Dalton’s stead.
Below are a select number of expert predictions.
Expert Predictions
Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports
Picks: Chiefs, Steelers, Seahawks, Redskins
Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News
Picks: Chiefs, Bengals, Seahawks, Redskins
Eric Allen, ESPN
Picks: Chiefs, Steelers, Seahawks, Redskins
Chris Mortensen, ESPN
Picks: Chiefs, Bengals, Seahawks, Redskins
Merril Hoge, ESPN
Picks: Chiefs, Steelers, Seahawks, Packers
FiveThirtyEight
Picks: Chiefs, Bengals, Seahawks, Packers
Peter Schrager, Fox Sports
Picks: Chiefs, Bengals, Seahawks, Packers
Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk
Picks: Texans, Steelers, Seahawks, Redskins
Nate Davis, USA Today
Picks: Chiefs, Steelers, Seahawks, Redskins
Neil Greenberg, Washington Post
Picks: Texans, Steelers, Seahawks, Redskins
Bobby Ilich, International Business Times
Picks: Chiefs, Steelers, Seahawks, Packers
Greg Price, International Business Times
Picks: Chiefs, Bengals, Seahawks, Packers
Anthony Riccobono, International Business Times
Picks: Chiefs, Steelers, Seahawks, Redskins
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