NEW YORK (Sporting Alert) — The road to the NFL Super Bowl continues on Sunday with two exciting games, as defending champions Seattle Seahawks set to fend off another challenger.
Seattle (13-4) comes into this game on good form, following another impressive performance in last Saturday’s 31-17 win over the Carolina Panthers in the divisional playoff round, while their opponents, Green Bay Packers, enjoyed a 26-21 victory against the Dallas Cowboys in their outing.
“It’s going to be one of those for the ages,” said Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson ahead of the NFC Championship clash.
“You look forward to that.”
The win last Saturday was the seven successive for the Seahawks, who is ranked No. 1 in rushing yards (172.6) and opposition passing yards (185.6) — areas in which the Packers are ranked 11th and 10th, respectively.
According to Elias Sports, when Green Bay and Seattle battle on Sunday in the NFC Championship it will be the second time a conference championship game will feature the league’s top scoring offense and the top scoring defense.
The Seahawks’ defense have been outstanding again this season, but face a tall order in trying to stop ever a less than 100-percent Aaron Rodgers and the Packers (13-4) offense.
Game two on the day comes from the AFC Championship where the Indianapolis Colts travel to face the New England Patriots, who will be aiming to join the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cowboys as the team with the most Super Bowl appearances (8).
New England is being backed to win this game by at least a touchdown, but veteran quarterback Tom Brady is just happy to have gotten this far after overcoming the Baltimore Ravens, 35-31, in the divisional playoff game a week ago.
“We’re very fortunate to be in this position to have a chance to play in it,” Brady was quoted as saying in the building up for the match.
“I think more so than anything, you’re just excited for the opportunity to be able to do it.
“It’s hard to do and our team found a way to get there this year so hopefully we can take advantage of the opportunity.”
Brady will undoubtedly be the man in the spotlight on Sunday, but the experts believe tight end Rob Gronkowski, who is fit again after battling through injuries last season — could be the man who very well might change the game.
Gronkowski had 1124 yards receiving this season and 12 touchdowns in an exciting regular season for the Patriots, who are averaging 29.3 yards per game and allowing 19.6.
He also has a productive record against the Colts in his four career games — making 17 catches on 19 targets for 297 yards and five touchdowns.
The Colts, in the meantime, which eased to a 24-13 win over Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos last weekend, are the underdogs heading into this fixture, but are being led by quarterback Andrew Luck, who threw two touchdown passes in that win.
He had 40 TDs in the regular season and leads an Indianapolis side that is ranked first in passing yards.
Playoffs – Conference Championships
SUN, JAN 18 TIME (ET) TV STADIUM
Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks
Stadium: At CenturyLink Field
Game Time: 3:05 PM
Live TV Channels FOX
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots
Stadium: At Gillette Stadium
Game Time: 6:40 PM
Live TV Channels: CBS
