NFL Playoffs Schedule & Predictions: New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers Preview

By Damon Salvadore First Posted: Jan 17, 2015 09:26 AM EST

And then there were four.

As the NFL Playoffs wind down, the final four teams remaining for a chance to capture the Super Bowl championship are the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers. All four of these franchises have won a Super Bowl since 2004, so they're no strangers to success.

Let's take a look at our first game, which takes place in the NFC.

The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks take on the Packers at home. Last week the Packers narrowly escaped against the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round at Lambeau Field. Aaron Rodgers is battling a torn calf injury, and facing the "Legion of Boom" will be his toughest task yet.

The Seahawks defeated the Packers in Week 1, 36-16. Yes, that was a long time ago, but the Seahawks are a terrible match-up for the Packers. With Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and Byron Maxwell in the secondary, the Packers have to establish the run game with Eddie Lacy. That won't be easy considering the Seahawks have the No. 2 ranked rush defense in the NFL.

The Seahawks have won 10 of their last 11 games, and they're just as good as last season. As much attention as we put on their defense, Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch make a great combination offensively. The Seahawks have the No. 1 rushing offense in the league, and Wilson has proven to be as clutch as any quarterback in the NFL.

The Packers have an outstanding offensive line. Don't be surprised if we see a few trick plays on Sunday. Scoring early is critical for the Packers because limiting the 12th man crowd noise is a must. The Packers come in as underdogs, but anytime you have Rodgers slinging the football, you have a chance.

Schedule

The Seahawks and Packers will play each other on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. EST on FOX at Century Link Field in Seattle, Washington.

Over in the AFC, the Patriots and Colts will be playing each other.

Just like the Packers and Seahawks, the Patriots and Colts played each other this regular season, as well. In Week 11, the Patriots were victorious, 42-20. The Patriots also defeated and eliminated the Colts from the playoffs last postseason, and Patriots fans are hoping history will repeat itself.

The Patriots beat the Baltimore Ravens in a thrilling second round game when they erased two 14-point deficits in the process. Although they won the game, many people remain somewhat skeptical. Against the Ravens, the Patriots had 13 carries for an appalling 14 yards. The Patriots need to get Jonas Gray and LeGarrette Blount going to have a balanced attack. Defensively, the Patriots have been vulnerable lately as well. Cornerback Darrelle Revis played poor against the Ravens, and the Patriots defensive line allowed 136 rushing yards against.

For the Colts, they just have to keep riding the hot streak they're on. The Colts have won seven of their last eight games including two playoff wins over the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos. Surprisingly, the Colts running game has been improving as well as their defense. The Colts defense ranked 19th overall in points against during the regular season, but they've allowed just two touchdowns in their two playoff games thus far.

This should be a close game between two good offenses. The Patriots have Bill Belichick and home field advantage, but Andrew Luck is emerging as an elite quarterback.