The NFL Playoffs will kick off this weekend after a long and strenuous regular season. The playoffs will begin on Saturday, January 3rd with schedules on view and betting odds laid out for each team.
While fans are getting themselves geared up for excitement, sports analysts are busy evaluating how each team would fare up against its opponent. International Business Times reports that "the two AFC games are rematches from this year, while the NFC teams haven't played each other since 2013."
Here is a look at the January 3 and 4 schedule and predictions:
January 3, Saturday
4:20 PM - Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers [NFC]
Arizona has been really struggling with injuries limiting their abilities to score. Although the Cardinals were favored in their game against the Panthers, they "lost four of their last six games and [are] being forced to start Ryan Lindley at quarterback after Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton went down", the International Business Times shares.
The match will be held at the Bank of America Stadium and will be covered by ESPN.
Prediction: Panthers will win -4.5
8: 15 PM - Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers [AFC]
The Ravens and Steelers have met two times this year in the AFC North. For each match, the host team won the game by 20 points, according to the International Business Times.
It is interesting to see who will triumph in their imminent encounter as the Steelers will enjoy a home-court advantage. Considering that the Steelers has a winning record of 43-23 when they are playing in their own field, as revealed by The Big Lead, it is more likely that they will win the match.
The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will grace the grounds of Heinz Field on Saturday with live coverage on NBC.
Prediction: Steelers will win -3.5
January 4, Sunday
1:05 PM Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts [AFC]
Now this is quite a lopsided match. The last time these two teams faced off, the Colts scrubbed the Bengals with a stunning 27-0 shocker, and the match was held before the Colts crowd. And although the Bengals may be looking forward to revenge this time, the stats suggests otherwise, plus the matchup will take place once again at the Lucas Oil Stadium. The match will be covered by CBS.
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts will win -4
4:40 PM - Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys [NFC]
After a very controversial loss against the Green Bay Packers, the Lions are set to face the Cowboys at the AT&T Stadium this Sunday. Nevertheless, this match is going to be the highlight of the playoffs opening as both teams only lost once since Thanksgiving, confirms The International Business Times. The match will have a live telecast via Fox.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys will win -7