Pointwise:
Caro 20 SF 16
Den 30 SD 27
Printable View
Pointwise:
Caro 20 SF 16
Den 30 SD 27
WAYNE ROOT
SUNDAY NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAMES
INNER CIRCLE---DENVER
On Sunday, the San Diego Chargers will invade Mile High Stadium to take on the Denver Broncos. The Chargers ended the season playing some great football. They ended the season beating the Broncos and the Chiefs. They are coming off of a game in which they dominated the Cincinnati Bengals. The Broncos will be well rested and sporting the league’s most potent offense. This year, Peyton Manning threw for 5,477 yard and 55 touchdowns. Running back, Knowshon Moreno, rushed for more than a thousand yards on the season, even being out several weeks an injury. The Denver defense will have to be able to stop the running game of the Chargers if they are to give the offense a chance to get going. After defeating the Bengals 27-10, the Chargers will be looking forward to upsetting the Broncos one more time. However, it is very difficult to beat the same team the same season especially when they last played about 3 weeks ago.Defense used to win in playoff games but not any more. With the rule changes made to the QB's, WR's and the restraints placed upon the defenses, it's all about scoring!! Peyton Manning knows after last season brutal loss against Baltimore that time may be running out. TAKE DENVER
____________________________________________
Pinnacle---CAROLINA....DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME OF THE YEAR
The San Francisco 49ers will invade Bank of America Stadium in order to take on the Carolina PanthersThey played their first playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, who were more than game for this one but did manage to move to round 2. The 49ers had a great season by most standards, but suffered the
consequences of being in the same division with the Seattle Seahawks. This meant that the Niners had to enter the playoffs by way of wildcard birth. Wild Card teams that win their first game and then hit the road for game 2 almost never cover the pointspread.The Panthers got off to slow start this season, but they picked up steam with an 8 game winning streak that placed them on top the NFC South. They have played great on the defensive end of the ball. Quarterback, Cam Newton, has had a solid season, throwing for 3,379 yards and 24 touchdowns. Smart money lit up the Sportsbooks after hearing that Steve Smith is ready to play. Public perception is the 49ers have advantage on defense and maybe even at the QB spot but if you watch the games this year or have looked at the numbers neither are true. Just as dominant will be the Carolina defense, since week 6 Panthers have only given up over 20 points once and they keep it going this week. TAKE CAROLINA
STATSYSTEMS SPORTS DIVISIONAL ROUND REPORT
NFC Divisional Playoffs
#115 SAN FRANCISCO @ #116 CAROLINA
(TV: 1:05 PM EST, FOX. Line: 49ers -1, Total: 42) - While San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick aims to continue his postseason success with a much better performance than his last against Carolina, the Panthers' Cam Newton won't make too much of his playoff debut. Trying for an eighth straight victory that would send them to their third consecutive NFC championship game, Kaepernick and the visiting 49ers look to avenge a regular-season loss to Newton and the Panthers on Sunday.
In perhaps the roughest of his 27 career starts, Kaepernick went 11 of 22 for a season-low 91 yards with an interception, was sacked a career-high six times and rushed for 16 during San Francisco's 10-9 home loss to Carolina on Nov. 10. By holding the hosts to a season-low 151 yards to win their fourth straight in the series, the Panthers also cooled off a 49ers team that at the time was riding a five-game winning streak during which it averaged 34.8 points. "We owe 'em," Kaepernick said after he threw for 227 yards and ran for 98 during a 23-20 wild-card victory at Green Bay on Sunday.
Bucking the elements by not wearing long sleeves, Kaepernick improved to 3-1 in the postseason. He defied the bitter cold and harsh winds to complete 16 of 30 passes, including eight for 125 yards to Michael Crabtree and a key fourth-quarter 28-yard scoring strike to a well-covered Vernon Davis. Kaepernick averaged only 32.8 rushing yards during the regular season, but he often used his legs to keep drives alive against the Packers. His 11-yard run on third-and-8 set up Phil Dawson's 33-yard field goal as time expired. Kaepernick has gained 362 yards while averaging 11.3 per run in his four postseason games.
"Our defensive ends can't get too far past the quarterback or he takes off and it gives him huge lanes," said Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, who took down Kaepernick for two of his three sacks this season. "It's important that everyone stays in their lanes and when someone does get out of their lane we have to cover that up quickly." The Panthers understand containing Kaepernick a second time likely won't be easy, even for a defense that was second in the NFL with 301.2 yards and 15.1 points allowed per contest, while topping the league with 60 sacks. During the 49ers' current seven-game run, Kaepernick has averaged 231.7 passing yards, thrown 11 TDs with two INTs and averaged 6.7 yards per rush while posting a 101.7 passer rating.
"I expect the young man to come out and play well," said Ron Rivera, the once-embattled Carolina coach who will guide the Panthers to their first playoff appearance in five seasons after going 12-4 to win the NFC South. "All you have to do is watch the way he has played down the stretch," Rivera added. Kaepernick also will have a stronger supporting cast this time. Crabtree, who missed the first meeting with the Panthers while recovering from a serious Achilles injury, has 28 receptions for 410 yards and three touchdowns in his last four postseason games. Davis, who left that contest early with a concussion, has 24 receptions for 583 yards with six TDs in six career postseason contests.
Frank Gore was held to 66 yards on 20 carries last weekend, but scored a TD for the fourth straight postseason game. "It's a team game and it's going to take a little bit from everybody," Crabtree said. "I think we got those key players." So do the Panthers, none more important than Newton. After a sub-standard follow-up to his stellar 2011 rookie season, Newton bounced back in 2013 to set career highs in touchdown passes (24), completion percentage (61.7) and passer rating (88.8) while also rushing for 585 yards and six scores. He's helped the Panthers win 11 of 12, leading four game-winning drives during that span.
Now, he will try to push aside the hype of his first playoff experience to help Carolina end a two-game postseason slide. The Panthers are seeking their first playoff victory since a 29-21 win at Chicago on Jan. 15, 2006 in the divisional round. "You don't want to be overthinking things," Newton said. "I have yet to experience a playoff game, but I know the atmosphere will be hectic to say the least." Newton, however, must improve after Carolina's offense was held to 17 or fewer points in two of the past four games. He completed 57.1 percent of his passes for 330 yards with three TDs and two INTs in the last two, but beat New Orleans and Atlanta.
"I need to be better, not missing throws that I'm capable of making," said Newton, who went 16 of 32 for 169 yards with an interception at San Francisco this season. Newton expects to have receiver Steve Smith back after he injured his knee against the Saints and missed the regular-season finale against the Falcons. Though Smith has not caught more than six passes or recorded more than 69 receiving yards in a game in 2013, he has seven touchdowns in eight career postseason contests. Smith caught six passes for 63 yards Nov. 10 against the 49ers, who have outscored their last seven opponents 182-114.
Carolina has posted a 200-84 scoring advantage while winning seven straight home games since a 12-7 season-opening loss to Seattle. The Panthers last made the playoffs in the 2008 season, also finishing 12-4 to win the South and earn a first-round bye before losing 33-13 to Arizona. Taking the next step after a stellar regular season will again be the focus for Carolina. "It is one of the goals you set for yourself and for your team," Rivera said. "We accomplished that first one (by winning the division) but there is a lot more left to go."
•PREGAME NOTES: The Panthers are the only home underdogs this weekend, and this game also represents the lowest total of the week to boot. The Niners didn't score an offensive touchdown in a 10-9 loss at home to these Panthers earlier this year. Carolina has only been to the NFC Championship Game two other times in its history. San Fran has been there in consecutive seasons. The Panthers are 11-1 SU and 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall. The Niners have won seven games in a row and are 4-2-1 ATS in those games. The Under is 8-1 in Carolina's last nine games, but the Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in this series.
•KEY STATS
-- SAN FRANCISCO is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a top-level team (Win Pct. > 75%) over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 29.6, OPPONENT 18.2.
-- SAN FRANCISCO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games versus poor passing defenses - allowing a completion pct. of 61% or worse over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 30.4, OPPONENT 17.3.
-- SAN FRANCISCO is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) versus good rushing defenses - allowing <=90 rushing yards/game since 1992.
The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 19.3, OPPONENT 24.3.
-- SAN FRANCISCO is 7-0 against the 1rst half line (+7.0 Units) in all games where the first half total is between 18 and 21 this season.
The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 18.6, OPPONENT 6.9.
-- SAN FRANCISCO is 3-12 against the 1rst half line (-10.2 Units) in road games revenging a same season loss against opponent since 1992.
The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 9.9, OPPONENT 17.9.
-- SAN FRANCISCO is 27-6 OVER (+20.4 Units) the 1rst half total revenging a home loss against opponent since 1992.
The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 11.6, OPPONENT 15.2.
-- SAN FRANCISCO is 26-7 OVER (+18.3 Units) the 1rst half total revenging a loss where team scored less than 14 points since 1992.
The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 14.2, OPPONENT 13.1.
-- CAROLINA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after playing their last game on the road this season.
The average score was CAROLINA 31.1, OPPONENT 11.6.
-- RIVERA is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) after playing their last game on the road as the coach of CAROLINA.
The average score was CAROLINA 28.0, OPPONENT 18.6.
-- CAROLINA is 10-0 UNDER (+10.0 Units) off an extremely close win by 3 points or less over a division rival since 1992.
The average score was CAROLINA 18.2, OPPONENT 15.0.
-- CAROLINA is 6-0 UNDER (+6.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
The average score was CAROLINA 21.3, OPPONENT 15.3.
-- CAROLINA is 11-2 against the 1rst half line (+8.8 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was CAROLINA 13.6, OPPONENT 6.8.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
The Panthers edged the 49ers in early November as Carolina cashed outright as six-point road underdogs. Carolina has won four straight meetings with San Francisco since 2004, including home victories in 2007 and 2010.
--CAROLINA is 15-3 against the spread versus SAN FRANCISCO since 1992.
--CAROLINA is 11-7 straight up against SAN FRANCISCO since 1992.
--12 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1992.
--CAROLINA is 13-5 versus the first half line when playing against SAN FRANCISCO since 1992.
--11 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1992.
--49ers are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
--49ers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Carolina.
--Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Carolina.
•RECENT TRENDS
--49ers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Over is 7-1 in 49ers last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Over is 10-2 in 49ers last 12 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing.
--Under is 6-0 in Panthers last 6 vs. NFC.
--Under is 8-0 in Panthers last 8 games following a S.U. win.
--Under is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
_________________________________
AFC Divisional Playoffs
#117 SAN DIEGO @ #118 DENVER
(TV: 4:40 PM EST, CBS. Line: Broncos -9, Total: 54.5) - While the San Diego Chargers enter Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game in Denver as nearly double-digit underdogs, they aren't lacking for confidence after getting the best of Peyton Manning's Broncos at Mile High last month. Coach John Fox's team is out to make sure that doesn't happen again. Denver had outscored opponents by an average of 20.4 points in winning its first seven home games before falling 27-20 to San Diego on Dec. 12. Ryan Mathews ran for 127 yards and a touchdown while the Chargers (10-7) held the Broncos (13-3) to their lowest point total of the season.
"It's tough to say you're confident knowing what you're going against. You don't want to take that the wrong way," Chargers Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle said. "Do we believe we can win (again)? Yes. Do we know what a tough challenge it is and how great we have to play? Yeah. It's not just because it's happened in the past it's going to happen. You still have to play at a high level and do the things necessary as a team to win... We have been the underdog all year. We are out to continue to believe in ourselves." Having averaged 37.9 points during the regular season - the highest of any team in the Super Bowl era - the Broncos were held to fewer than 30 in just three games, two of which came against the Chargers.
Denver won 28-20 at San Diego in Week #10 behind 330 yards and four touchdowns from Manning. "It taught us a lesson," tight end Jacob Tamme said of last month's loss. "We did kind of reboot after that and yes, I think we know that we need to play our best ball going forward and that's what we're planning on doing." While beating the Chargers remains priority No. 1, the Broncos are also eager to prove themselves following last season's divisional round collapse against eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore. Denver gave up a game-tying 70-yard touchdown with 31 seconds left in regulation before falling 38-35 in double-overtime last Jan. 12 - exactly a year to the day of Sunday's clash.
"You don't harp on the first time you fell off your bike, but you remember falling off and you know you don't want to do it again," tight end Julius Thomas said. "So, it's not that we're dwelling on the Ravens or even if it's about the Ravens. It could have been any team that we lost to. But we do have a fresh reminder of if you don't come out and play your `A' game in this tournament, you're going to lose." Coming off a bye, Denver secured the AFC's top seed with a 34-14 win at Oakland in Week 17. The Chargers, meanwhile, won their last four regular-season games to sneak into the playoffs, and they stayed hot with a 27-10 wild-card win at Cincinnati last Sunday.
San Diego ran for a season-high 196 yards while Philip Rivers completed 12 of 16 passes for a season-low 128 yards with a touchdown and no turnovers. "Going on the road in a playoff game is not going to be easy, regardless of who you're playing," Chargers coach and former Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy said. "We're just worrying about ourselves right now, it's about us, and we're going to keep taking it one week at a time and just keep going, keep plugging away."
The Chargers have run for an average of 170.2 yards during the current five-game win streak and are 10-2 when rushing for more than 102, compared to 0-5 when they don't. It's unclear how much Mathews will be able to contribute, though, after leaving last weekend's game with a lingering ankle injury. With or without Mathews, San Diego is likely to again turn to its ground game early and often in hopes of keeping Manning off the field. Manning, who set NFL single-season passing records with 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns, will have his full complement of receivers with Wes Welker set to return.
Welker has been out since suffering a concussion Dec. 8 against Tennessee, his second in a four-game span. Despite his absence, Welker finished second in the league with 18 receptions in the red zone, one behind Chargers running back Danny Woodhead. "A lot of times teams will decide to go ahead and double Wes," said teammate Demaryius Thomas, who hauled in 14 TD receptions to rank second in the NFL. "So absolutely, it opens up things for me. If I have single-man coverage, it's something that I definitely enjoy and look forward to. "Wes brings a lot to this offense and we're excited to have him back."
Manning has lost his last three postseason games and is 4-6 in his past 10 overall against the Chargers, including playoff losses during the 2007 and 2008 seasons while with Indianapolis. Rivers has posted a 99.1 quarterback rating in going 6-2 all-time in Denver. "I've always appreciated and look forward to, as a fan of his growing up, to go against a Peyton Manning-led team," Rivers said. "The teams that we've both been on have had awesome games, and games have come down to the wire, overtime playoff games and our two games this year were really tight. "They're a No. 1 seed for a reason. This is a heck of a team and it's rare to play an opponent three times in a season and being a division opponent, one we know well, they know us well. It's going to be awesome."
•PREGAME NOTES: The Broncos are the biggest favorites of the weekend, and this one has the highest total on the board even though both games this season were decided by one score and neither got into the 50s. San Diego is the only team to win in Denver this season. The Bolts have gone 6-2-2 ATS in their last 10 playoff games. The Broncos are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight against AFC West teams, but both the loss and the push came against San Diego. The Under is 6-2 in the Chargers' last eight games overall, while Denver has pushed four straight playoff games past the closing number.
•KEY STATS
-- SAN DIEGO is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in road games versus good passing teams with a completion pct. of 61% or better in the second half of the season since 1992.
The average score was SAN DIEGO 24.0, OPPONENT 23.4.
-- SAN DIEGO is 7-1 UNDER (+5.9 Units) versus good passing teams with a completion pct. of 61% or better this season.
The average score was SAN DIEGO 20.8, OPPONENT 19.0.
-- SAN DIEGO is 10-3 UNDER (+6.7 Units) against conference opponents this season.
The average score was SAN DIEGO 23.0, OPPONENT 20.2.
-- SAN DIEGO is 4-18 against the 1rst half line (-15.8 Units) after scoring 25 points or more in 3 straight games since 1992.
The average score was SAN DIEGO 8.1, OPPONENT 12.7.
-- SAN DIEGO is 7-0 UNDER (+7.0 Units) the 1rst half total versus good passing teams with a completion pct. of 61% or better in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SAN DIEGO 10.0, OPPONENT 11.0.
-- SAN DIEGO is 6-0 UNDER (+6.0 Units) the 1rst half total versus good offensive teams - averaging >=350 yards/game this season.
The average score was SAN DIEGO 10.2, OPPONENT 10.2.
-- SAN DIEGO is 6-0 UNDER (+6.0 Units) the 1rst half total versus good offensive teams - averaging >=5.65 yards/play this season.
The average score was SAN DIEGO 9.5, OPPONENT 11.8.
-- DENVER is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) versus excellent passing teams with a completion pct. of 64% or better in the second half of the season since 1992.
The average score was DENVER 21.3, OPPONENT 29.3.
-- DENVER is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus awful passing defenses - allowing a comp. pct. of 64% or worse over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 35.0, OPPONENT 20.7.
-- DENVER is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus poor passing defenses - allowing 235 or more passing yards/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 34.5, OPPONENT 21.2.
-- DENVER is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) off a road win against a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 30.8, OPPONENT 19.3.
-- FOX is 21-4 ATS (+16.6 Units) after 2 consecutive games with a turnover margin of +1 or better in all games he has coached since 1992.
The average score was FOX 24.5, OPPONENT 18.3.
-- DENVER is 14-3 OVER (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 26.4, OPPONENT 29.4.
-- DENVER is 19-6 OVER (+12.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - averaging >=5.65 yards/play over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 29.8, OPPONENT 27.5.
-- DENVER is 10-1 OVER (+8.9 Units) after allowing 99 or less rushing yards in 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 33.5, OPPONENT 20.8.
-- DENVER is 16-4 OVER (+11.6 Units) after scoring 25 points or more in 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 34.3, OPPONENT 23.4.
-- FOX is 15-4 OVER (+10.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 24 or more points/game as the coach of DENVER.
The average score was DENVER 29.7, OPPONENT 30.2.
-- FOX is 16-4 UNDER (+11.6 Units) in home games off 2 or more consecutive unders in all games he has coached since 1992.
The average score was FOX 18.1, OPPONENT 16.5.
-- FOX is 18-5 UNDER (+12.5 Units) versus poor kickoff coverage teams, allowing >= 24 yards per return in the second half of the season in all games he has coached since 1992.
The average score was FOX 22.5, OPPONENT 17.3.
-- DENVER is 14-3 against the 1rst half line (+10.7 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
The average score was DENVER 17.6, OPPONENT 8.5.
-- DENVER is 6-0 against the 1rst half line (+6.0 Units) off a double digit road win over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 20.5, OPPONENT 4.0.
-- DENVER is 12-2 against the 1rst half line (+9.7 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 17.9, OPPONENT 8.4.
-- FOX is 20-5 against the 1rst half line (+14.4 Units) after 2 consecutive games with a turnover margin of +1 or better in all games he has coached since 1992.
The average score was FOX 11.8, OPPONENT 7.8.
-- DENVER is 35-14 OVER (+19.6 Units) the 1rst half total versus excellent punt coverage teams, allowing <= 7.5 yards per return in the second half of the season since 1992.
The average score was DENVER 12.7, OPPONENT 11.2.
-- DENVER is 7-0 UNDER (+7.0 Units) the 1rst half total versus excellent passing teams averaging 260 or more passing yards/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 12.1, OPPONENT 9.6.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
These two divisional rivals split a pair of meetings with the road team winning each matchup. Denver held off San Diego in November, 28-20 as seven-point favorites, while the Chargers shocked the Broncos in Denver a month later, 27-20 as 10-point underdogs. Each of the two games finished Under the total.
--DENVER is 20-19 against the spread versus SAN DIEGO since 1992.
--DENVER is 25-19 straight up against SAN DIEGO since 1992.
--22 of 43 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1992.
--SAN DIEGO is 24-20 versus the first half line when playing against DENVER since 1992.
--23 of 41 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1992.
--Chargers are 10-4-2 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
--Chargers are 6-1-4 ATS in their last 11 meetings in Denver.
--Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Denver.
--Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
--Road team is 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Chargers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Under is 4-0 in Chargers last 4 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing.
--Over is 5-0-1 in Chargers last 6 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing.
--Over is 4-0 in Broncos last 4 playoff games.
--Over is 9-1-1 in Broncos last 11 games after allowing less than 15 points.
--Over is 8-1 in Broncos last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play On - Home favorites of 2 to 6 points versus the first half line (DENVER) - good team (outgain opp. by 0.4 to 1 YPP) against an average team (+/- 0.4 YPP) after 8+ games, after gaining 400 or more total yards in their previous game.
ATS W-L Record: 47-17 since 1983. (73.4%, +28.3 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Team favored by 3.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 15, Opponent 7.8 (Average first half point differential = +7.2)
The situation's record this season is: (3-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (7-3).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (10-4).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (22-6).
Ivey Walters -
3% San Diego Chargers +9.5
Ben Burns
Carolina Panthers
PhillyGodFather
Denver/San Diego Under 54.5
Nevada Sports Experts
Playoff GOY 5 Units Broncos -9
Behind the Bets
4* San diego + 10
Sports Unlimited
5* 7point teaser Seattle and Denver
Fezzik
2* San Fran -1
2* San Fran Under 43
Football Outsiders
Chargers
Panthers
H&H Sports
Added
NFL Double Dime Under Panthers
Top defenses clash when 49ers visit Panthers Sunday
by Brian Graham
NFC Divisional Playoffs
Kickoff: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Line: San Francisco -1, Total: 42
The 49ers seek their eighth straight victory on Sunday when they visit a Panthers team that is 11-1 SU (8-3-1 ATS) in its past dozen games, including a 10-9 win at San Francisco on Nov. 10.
The Niners gained a pathetic 151 total yards in that Week 10 loss to Carolina, which countered with only 250 total yards. That improved the Panthers to 15-3 ATS (11-7 SU) all-time in this series, including 7-2 ATS (5-4 SU) at home. This year, they are 7-1 SU (6-1-1 ATS) in Charlotte, where they hold visitors to a paltry 12.0 PPG. But San Francisco's 23-20 win in Green Bay gives the club four straight road victories (3-0-1 ATS), and improves its outstanding road record this season to 7-2 SU (7-1-1 ATS). Its offense has tallied 378 total YPG in its past four contests (three on road), including 159 rushing YPG on 5.2 YPC. The Niners are also 9-1 ATS when facing a top-level team (75%+ win pct.) since 2011, outscoring these elite opponents by an average score of 30 to 18. Not only is Carolina 16-4 ATS after playing its last game on the road under Ron Rivera, but all good NFL teams (60% to 75% win pct.) off an extremely close road win by three points or less, facing a winning team with a line of +3 to -3 are 36-12 ATS (75%) since 1983. Both teams have some injuries of concern for Sunday, as the 49ers could be without CB Carlos Rogers (hamstring) and TE Demarcus Dobbs (knee), while the Panthers have two key players, RB Jonathan Stewart (knee) and DT Colin Cole (calf), who are listed as questionable.
The 49ers are the rare team that has actually scored more points on the road (26.3 PPG) than at home (24.0 PPG) this season. In last week's victory in frigid Green Bay, they ran for 167 yards on just 30 carries (5.6 YPC), and outgained the Packers by 100 yards (381 to 281). San Francisco's ground game has been stellar all season with 139 rushing YPG on 4.4 YPC, thanks mostly to RB Frank Gore, who has 1,194 rushing yards on 296 attempts (4.0 YPC) in his 17 games. Although he had a subpar outing last week (66 yards on 20 carries), Gore was able to score a touchdown for the fourth straight time in a postseason game. For his playoff career, he has compiled 690 total yards and 5 TD in six games, averaging a strong 4.9 yards per carry. QB Colin Kaepernick had another monster postseason performance last week with 325 total yards (227 passing, 98 rushing), improving his playoff record to 3-1. In these four postseason games, Kaepernick has thrown for 256 YPG (9.3 YPA) with 5 TD and 3 INT, while running for 362 yards on an unbelievable 11.3 YPC and three touchdowns. Despite the Panthers' tough run defense, Gore was still able to rush for 82 yards on 16 carries (5.1 YPC) against them while Kaepernick added 16 yards on four rushes. If the duo is not able to run the football, Kaepernick has three talented receivers that can move the ball through the air in TE Vernon Davis and WRs Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree. Although Davis and Boldin have combined for 2,104 receiving yards and 21 TD this season, both were shut down in Week 10 versus Carolina, combining for just four receptions for 25 yards and 0 TD. Crabtree didn't play in that game, but he sure made his presence felt last week in Green Bay with eight catches for 125 yards. That gives him 410 receiving yards and 3 TD over four career playoff games, all in the past two seasons. Defensively, the 49ers have been outstanding in all facets this season. They ranked among the top-seven teams in the NFL in scoring defense (17.0 PPG, 3rd), rushing defense (96 YPG, 4th), total defense (317 YPG, 5th), third-down defense (34%, 6th) and passing defense (221 YPG, 7th) during the regular season. San Francisco was able to limit a great Packers offense to 20 points and 281 yards last week, holding them to 3-of-11 conversions on third downs. The Niners run defense has been outstanding all season (3.8 YPC), and has been even better on the road (88 YPG on 3.6 YPC). In the nine away tilts this year, San Francisco has limited host teams to 299 total YPG on 4.9 yards per play. The unit has also forced at least two turnovers in 15-of-17 games this season, totaling 30 takeaways. But the Panthers are not a team that gives up the ball easily.
Carolina has been able to win 11 of its past 12 games because it has committed a total of 10 turnovers during this stretch. QB Cam Newton has completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,494 yards (208 YPG), 7.2 YPA, 18 TD and 8 INT during this 12-game stretch, but has also kept drives alive with his legs this season with 585 rushing yards (5.3 YPC) and six touchdowns. But he was bottled up in the Week 10 win in San Francisco, throwing for just 169 yards on 5.3 YPA, and rushing for a mere 15 yards on eight carries. Despite that lousy performance, Newton helped the Panthers finish the regular season fifth in the NFL in offensive time of possession (31:53), fourth in third-down conversions (44%) and seventh in red-zone efficiency (58% TD rate). But despite having a ball-control, drive-sustaining, TD-converting offense with a limited amount of turnovers, they somehow average only 317 total YPG (26th in NFL) with 22.9 PPG (18th in league). A big part of that has to do with a passing offense that doesn't gain a lot of yards (190 YPG, 29th in NFL) and doesn't get a ton of big plays either (10.4 yards per reception, 23rd in league). Top WR Steve Smith (745 rec. yards, 4 TD) missed the season finale with a knee injury, but he is probable for Sunday. Smith secured six catches for 63 yards against the Niners in Week 10, and he has had some huge performances in his eight career playoff games, totaling 782 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. TE Greg Olsen led the Panthers in receptions (73), receiving yards (816) and touchdowns (six) this year, but he had just one catch for 14 yards in the win over San Francisco. Carolina's running game has been strong this season (127 YPG, 11th in NFL), and was able to grind out 109 yards on 31 carries (3.5 YPC) in that victory. RB DeAngelo Williams (843 rush yards, 4 TD) led the way with 46 yards on just eight attempts (5.8 YPC), and he may have to carry a bigger workload if Jonathan Stewart (180 rush yards, 3.8 YPC) cannot suit up. On defense, the Panthers are sound in all facets. They finished the regular season with a league-leading 60 sacks, while ranking second in the NFL in scoring defense (15.1 PPG), second in total defense (301 YPG), second in rushing defense (87 YPG) and third in red-zone defense (42% TD rate). Although Carolina allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 66.6% of their passes (3rd-worst in NFL), the club still finished sixth in passing defense (214 YPG) with more interceptions (20) than touchdowns allowed (17). For the season, the Panthers forced at least one turnover in 15 of 16 games, and tallied 2+ takeaways 10 times, including the win over the Niners.
Broncos seek payback Sunday vs. Chargers
by Brian Graham
AFC Divisional Playoffs
Kickoff: Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET
Line: Denver -10, Total: 54.5
The sizzling-hot Chargers try to win their fourth straight road game in Sunday's divisional playoff game when they visit the top-seeded Broncos for the second time in a month.
San Diego's 27-10 blowout win at Cincinnati to open the playoffs gives the team at least 26 points in each of five straight wins overall. During that run, the club held a 177 to 18 rushing advantage in its 27-20 upset victory in Denver on Dec. 12. That was the Broncos' lone home loss this year, where they are 5-2-1 ATS and have racked up 39.5 PPG and 456 total YPG. Denver QB Peyton Manning is 9-9 in his playoff career, including 0-2 versus the Chargers, but since joining the Broncos, he has torched San Diego for 300 passing YPG, 12 TD and 3 INT in four meetings. San Diego QB Philip Rivers is a mediocre 4-4 in his playoff career with 244 passing YPG, 9 TD and 9 INT, but he has usually played very well in this series, going 10-6 with 232 passing YPG, 27 TD and 13 INT in his career versus Denver. Since 1992, the Chargers are 19-8 ATS (70%) when the total is at least 49.5 points, and 39-23 ATS (63%) after 3+ straight wins. But the Broncos are 8-0 ATS off a road victory versus a division rival in the past three seasons, and John Fox is 21-4 ATS (84%) after two straight games with a turnover margin of +1 or better as an NFL head coach. San Diego has major injury concerns as top RB Ryan Mathews left last week's game with a recurring ankle ailment and is questionable for this contest. Two key offensive linemen for the Chargers, OT D.J. Fluker (foot) and C Nick Hardwick (stinger) were also injured in the win over the Bengals and are questionable for the game. Denver is pretty healthy after its bye week, with WR Wes Welker (concussion) cleared to play and DE Derek Wolfe (illness) also listed as probable. But C Steve Vallos (concussion), S Duke Ihenacho (concussion) and CB Kayvon Webster (thumb) are all questionable for Sunday's game.
The Chargers offense was very efficient during the regular season, leading the NFL in both time of possession (33:35) and third-down conversions (49%), but in last week's win, they had the ball for just 29:28 and converted only 4-of-12 third downs. San Diego was outgained 439 to 318 by the Bengals, but was able to win easily thanks to a +4 turnover margin. Even with RB Ryan Mathews missing a good part of the second half last week with his ankle injury, the team still rushed for a season-high 196 yards on 40 carries (4.9 YPC). That gives the Chargers 140+ rushing yards in each of the past five games (170 rushing YPG), including 177 yards on 44 carries (4.0 YPC) in the win at Denver on Dec. 12. Mathews had 127 of those yards, but if he cannot play, RB Danny Woodhead and veteran RB Ronnie Brown will look to build on their combined 129 yards on 21 carries (6.1 YPC) last week, including a 58-yard TD scamper from Brown to seal the victory late in the fourth quarter. San Diego should also be able to move the football through the air, as it had the NFL's fourth-best passing attack (271 YPG) during the regular season. QB Philip Rivers has been outstanding in his nine road games this season, completing 72% of his passes for 2,624 yards (292 YPG), 8.8 YPA, 16 TD and 6 INT. He has also thrived in the Denver thin air in his career, going 6-2 and completing 64.4% of his passes for 2,001 yards (250 YPG), 8.9 YPA, 13 TD and 7 INT in his eight career visits to Sports Authority Field. In the Dec. 12 victory there, he threw for only 166 yards, but still tossed a pair of touchdown passes to dynamic rookie WR Keenan Allen. Rivers also leans heavily on Woodhead and TE Antonio Gates, as all three players had more than 70 receptions during the regular season. Gates has had a wonderful career, but his numbers versus the Broncos aren't that special (48 receiving YPG, 6 TD in 19 games). San Diego's defense has done a great job of keeping the Broncos' explosive offense in check this year, holding them to 24.0 PPG on 346 total YPG, which is well below their season averages of 37.9 PPG and 457 total YPG. But this defense still has plenty of holes. Despite being on the field for just 27:42 per game this season, this unit has allowed 371 total YPG, including 107 rushing YPG on 4.5 YPC and 263 passing YPG on 7.5 net YPA. The Chargers have allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 66% of their passes for 24 touchdowns. These numbers have been even worse on the road where they surrender 399 total YPG on 4.8 YPC and 7.8 net YPA. But the defense has done a great job of forcing turnovers recently, compiling 14 takeaways over the past seven games. San Diego is 6-1 (SU and ATS) when it wins the turnover battle this season, something that is obviously key going up against what is clearly the best offense in the NFL.
The Broncos are known mostly for their passing offense orchestrated by Peyton Manning, but they have been able to run the ball effectively for the most part this season with 12 games of more than 100 rushing yards. Two of the exceptions were against the Chargers though, when they averaged a paltry 51.0 rushing YPG on 3.1 yards per carry. But RB Knowshon Moreno finished the year with 1,038 rushing yards and 10 TD, while adding another 548 yards and 3 TD through the air. In his seven career games in this series, Moreno has rushed for 307 yards on just 70 carries (4.4 YPC), while gaining another 194 through the air. The Broncos have just punished teams with their air attack all season with 340 YPG on 8.3 YPA. Manning is coming off the best statistical season in NFL history, completing 68.3% of his throws for 5,477 yards, 55 TD and only 10 INT. But in his 9-9 playoff career, his numbers are below his lofty standards (292 passing YPG, 7.7 YPA, 31 TD, 21 INT). But in his two seasons with the Broncos, Manning has played 17 home games where he's completed 68.4% of his passes for 5,492 yards (323 YPG), 8.1 YPA, 52 TD and just 10 INT. This includes his 290 passing yards, 3 TD and 2 INT in last year's home playoff loss to Baltimore, which marked the eighth time in Manning's career that he lost his first postseason game. To prevent that from happening again, he will continue to spread the ball between his four talented receivers, WRs Demaryius Thomas (1,430 rec. yards, 14 TD), Eric Decker (1,288 rec. yards, 11 TD) and Wes Welker (778 rec. yards, 10 TD), and TE Julius Thomas (788 rec. yards, 12 TD). Despite all these players catching double-digit TD passes this year, none of these four receivers scored a touchdown in the Week 15 loss to San Diego, as WR Andre Caldwell (200 rec. yards, 3 TD) caught both Manning TD throws that day filling in for the injured Welker. Defensively, the Broncos have had their problems, especially in the red zone where they ranked 25th in the NFL by allowing 62% of their opponents' drives to end in touchdowns. They have stopped the run pretty effectively, ranking among the top-10 teams in the league in both rushing YPG (102) and YPC allowed (3.9), but have been burned through the air for 254 passing YPG (27th in NFL), 6.6 net YPA and 29 touchdowns (T-7th most in league). Denver has also seen a substantial decrease in sacks this year (41 sacks, T-13th in NFL), compared to a league-high-tying 52 sacks last season. The Broncos do have some playmakers on defense though, posting multiple takeaways in half of their games this season, including 15 takeaways in their past nine contests.
NFL Divisional Weekend trends Bye might not mean Super Bowl
by Marc Lawrence
Once again, after expanding its playoff format to 12 teams in 1990, the NFL left the door wide open to the possibilities of a Wild Card team running the table and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Since the Wild Card system began in 1970, only 10 wild card teams have advanced all the way to the Super Bowl. Of those, only six won the Super Bowl. And of those 10 wild card teams, only four teams managed to win three games on the road to make it to the Super Bowl - the last three of whom captured the crown.
In fact, five of the last seven Super Bowl champions have played in the first round of the playoffs, including the Baltimore Ravens last season.
Will the trend continue this season or will the top seeded teams have their say? And speaking of top ranked teams, the No. 1 seed from the NFC has not won a Super Bowl since 1999.
It’s important to remember that 39 of the last 47 Super Bowl winners have owned a Top 10 ranked defense. (Are you listening Carolina, New Orleans, San Francisco and Seattle?)
Remember, it’s not always the best team that wins in the NFL playoffs… it’s the hottest.
Before we crown anyone just yet, let’s first check a few Divisional Round angles in the NFL playoffs that are noteworthy. All results are since 1990 and are ATS (Against The Spread), unless noted otherwise.
Bye And Large Top Seeds Up To Speed
No. 1 seeds enjoy the luxury of not only hosting a game in this round but also play with an added week of rest.
For the most part these teams have met with modicum of success, going 67-25 SU and 48-42-2 ATS in this role.
The best the NFC has to offer has gone 37-9 SU and 28-17-1 ATS, including 22-8-1 ATS as favorites of 6 or more points. The NFC spotlight shines on top-seeded Seattle this Saturday.
While not up to par with the NFC, top seeds from the AFC have gone 30-16 SU and 20-25-1 ATS, including 7-2 SU and ATS when facing a foe off a Wild Card round spread win of more than 17 points. No. 1 seed Denver will look to improve on those numbers when they host division rival San Diego on Sunday.
Success Breeds Success
Speaking of the added benefit of an extra week to prepare this time of the year, rested hosts in this round that enjoyed success last season use that experience to their advantage.
That’s confirmed by the fact that teams that won 11 or more games last year are 32-6 SU and 24-13-1-1 ATS at home with a week to prepare in Divisional Round contests.
Denver, New England and Seattle all fit the bill this season, rather cautiously though as teams in this role are just 8-4 SU and 4-8 ATS the last seven years.
On the flip side, teams that were losing teams last years (seven or fewer wins) are just 4-24 SU and 11-16-1 ATS in this round, including 1-13 SU and 3-11 ATS when playing off an upset, underdog win.
New Orleans and San Diego look to oblige this week.
Clint Eastwood Says
Here’s a brief capsule of this year’s Divisional Round combatants along with some relevant Good, Bad and Ugly trends…
New Orleans at Seattle (-8, 47.5)
Good: Seahawks 15-1 SU and 12-4 ATS home behind QB Russell Wilson
Bad: Saints 1-5 SU and ATS away all-time in the playoffs
Ugly: Seahawks 0-3 SU and ATS vs. Saints when New Orleans off SU and ATS win
Indianapolis at New England (-7.5, 53)
Good: Colts QB Andrew Luck 6-1 SU and ATS as a dog vs. greater than .667 opp
Bad: Visiting team 5-13 ATS in Colts postseason games
Ugly: Pats QB Tom Brady 0-6 ATS playoffs w/rest vs. opp off back-to-back wins
San Francisco at Carolina (+2, 42)
Good: Niners QB Colin Kaepernick 7-1 SU and 7-0-1 ATS away vs. non div opp
Bad: Playoff road favorites off playoff road favorite win are 1-3 ATS
Ugly: Niners are 3-15 ATS all-time vs. Panthers, 0-5 ATS last five away
San Diego at Denver (-10, 54.5)
Good: Chargers QB Phillip Rivers 4-1 ATS as a playoff dog
Bad: Broncos 2-6 SU and ATS last eight playoff games
Ugly: Broncos QB Peyton Manning 1-6 ATS home favorite vs. San Diego
Highway Blues
Life on the road for Wild Card round teams who won at home has been rocky at best, especially if those who grabbed the cash as well.
These highwaymen are just 13-37 SU and 18-30-2 ATS in this role against well-rested higher-seeded foes.
And if these same Wild Card winners take to the road against .750 or less opponents, they dip to a filthy 3-24 SU and 8-18-1 ATS in these affairs.
Indianapolis will try its best to avoid becoming road kill this week.
Stat Of The Week
In NFL Divisional Round playoff game history since 1990, there have been only two home underdogs. They both won the game straight up.
NFL weather report: An early look at Divisional Weekend
If you thought the frigid weather had an affect on last weekend's games, just wait till you see what's on tap for all four games of the NFL's Divisional Round this Saturday and Sunday. It may not be as cold, but watch out for plenty of wind, rain and maybe a little more snow.
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (Pick'em, 42)
There is a 54 percent chance of rain with temperatures in the mid 50s. There will be a seven mph wind blowing across the field.
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos (-9.5, 54)
There is a 14 percent chance of snow with temperatures in the low 40s. There will be a seven mph wind blowing across the field.
NFL Injury Report: Two injuries undervalued by oddsmakers
The NFL playoffs are in the second round as teams move closer towards making the Superbowl. Here are some notable injuries that may have an impact on the scoreboard.
Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers (Knee, Questionable)
The Panthers have been fantastic defensively all season and the team’s +11 turnover ratio is a huge reason why they locked up a first round bye. Despite his age, Smith has proven once again that he’s capable of being a high-impact wide receiver. Over 15 regular season games Smith had 64 receptions for 745 yards and four touchdowns, ranking him second on the team in receptions, total yards, and touchdowns. Carolina will be missing their star player and motivator Saturday hosting a 49ers team coming off a high defeating Green Bay on the road.
The Panthers are 1-point home favorite over San Francisco. The total is 42.
Eric Weddle, S, San Diego Chargers (Hamstring, Questionable)
The Chargers travel to Denver facing a Broncos team ranked first in points scored, passing yards and total yards. Safety Eric Weddle leads the Chargers in combined tackles with 115 and interceptions with two. The Chargers weakness of pressuring the quarterback and getting sacks may come back to haunt them against a Broncos team who has 75 percent of their offensive touchdowns coming through the air (55/73). Even though the Chargers and Broncos split their regular season series win total, oddsmakers don’t feel the post-season match up will be close.
The Chargers are 9-point road underdogs against the Broncos. The total is 54.5.
49ers at Panthers: What bettors need to know
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (Pick, 41)
Two of the league's hottest teams will square off when the second-seeded Carolina Panthers host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday with a berth in the NFC Championship Game at stake. It's a rematch of a Week 10 battle in San Francisco, a defensive duel in which the Panthers prevailed 10-9 as part of an eight-game winning streak and an 11-1 finish to close the regular season. The 49ers have ripped off seven consecutive victories and are seeking their third straight trip to the NFC title game.
Cam Newton, the top overall pick in the 2011 draft, has Carolina in the postseason for the first time in five years, but he has been overshadowed by fellow third-year Colin Kaepernick. San Francisco advanced to the Super Bowl last season behind Kaepernick, who had the worst game of his pro career against the Panthers in November. "They got us the first time," 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman said. "What’s on our minds is to get them now. It’s the playoffs. Win or go home."
TV: 1:05 p.m., Fox.
LINE: This game opened as a Pick. The total has dropped to 41 from the opening 43.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-50s with clear skies. Wind will blow across the field at 6 mph.
ABOUT THE 49ERS (13-4): Wide receiver Michael Crabtree missed the first matchup against Carolina while recovering from surgery on his Achilles' tendon, but he offered a reminded of what an impact player he can be with eight catches for 125 yards in last week's 23-20 win at frigid Green Bay. Tight end Vernon Davis also was a non-factor in the earlier meeting after suffering a second-quarter concussion, but he reeled in a 28-yard scoring pass last week for his sixth TD reception in six postseason games. Having the duo on the field should make life easier for running back Frank Gore and Kaepernick, who was held to 91 yards passing by the Panthers. The 49ers have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season, but are giving up an average of 21.3 points in the last three games after holding nine of the previous 11 opponents to 17 points or fewer.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (12-4): Newton threw for his lowest yardage total (3,379) in his three seasons but established career highs in touchdowns (24) and completion percentage (61.7) while showing his mettle at crunch time by directing four game-winning drives. Newton is also an integral part of a running game that features DeAngelo Williams as well as contributions from Mike Tolbert and Jonathan Stewart, who expects to play for the first time in a month. A major concern is the status of veteran wide receiver Steve Smith's sprained left knee, with Panthers coach Ron Rivera admitting after Thursday's practice that Smith was not his "normal self." These is little concern over a defense - led by Greg Hardy, Charles Johnson and tackling machine Luke Kuechly - that registered a league-high 60 sacks and allowed the second-fewest points per game (15.1).
TRENDS:
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Carolina.
* 49ers are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
* 49ers are 4-1 ATS in their last five Divisional Playoffs games.
* Panthers are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven home games.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. The Panthers are 7-1 at home, with the only loss coming to Seattle 12-7 in Week 1.
2. Crabtree has 28 catches and three touchdowns in his last four postseason games.
3. Kaepernick has 362 rushing yards in four playoff games for San Francisco, which can tie Pittsburgh for the most championship game appearances (15) since 1970 with a win.
Chargers at Broncos: What bettors need to know
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos (-8.5, 54)
Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos get a chance to avenge their only home loss when they host the sixth-seeded San Diego Chargers in the AFC divisional round on Sunday. Manning guided Denver to the top seed behind a record-setting offense that surpassed 600 points for the first time in league history. The Broncos were held under 30 points only three times and two of them came against the Chargers, who lost a 28-20 decision in San Diego before pulling out a 27-20 win in Denver on Dec. 12.
Manning set league single-season records for touchdowns (55) and yards (5,477) but he is trying to end a streak of three straight postseason defeats, including a 38-35 loss in double overtime last season when the Broncos were also the No. 1 seed. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is 6-2 in his career in Denver and is relishing the matchup with Manning. "I've always appreciated and look forward to, as a fan of his growing up, to go against a Peyton Manning-led team," Rivers said. "It's going to be awesome."
TV: 4:40 p.m., CBS.
LINE: The Broncos opened -10 and are now -8.5. The total opened 54.5 and is down to 54.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-30s with a 13 percent chance of snow. Wind will blow across the field at 20 mph.
ABOUT THE CHARGERS (10-7): San Diego ran its winning streak to five games with a 27-10 win at No. 3 seed Cincinnati last weekend, but enter Sunday's matchup with major concerns about running back Ryan Mathews' availability. Mathews averaged 118.3 yards in the final four games of the regular season, including 127 in the victory over the Broncos that helped the Chargers control the ball for more than 38 minutes, but he aggravated an ankle injury in the third quarter last week and did not return. Rivers put up pedestrian numbers against the Bengals (12-of-16, 128 yards, 1 TD), but he completed a league-high 69.5 percent of his passes during the regular season. San Diego's defense ranked 29th in passing yards allowed (258.7 yards) but limited opponents to an average of 16.3 points over the last six games.
ABOUT THE BRONCOS (13-3): Wide receiver Wes Welker returns to the lineup after missing the past two games with a concussion, giving Manning his full array of weapons - Denver is the only team in history to have five players score at least 10 touchdowns. Manning threw for 330 yards and four TDs - three to Demaryius Thomas - in the first matchup with the Chargers, but he was held shut down after scoring on the opening possession of the second half. Eric Decker established career highs in yards (1,288) and receptions (87) while tight end Julius Thomas hauled in 12 scoring passes, including a 74-yarder at San Diego. Knowshon Moreno yielded more playing time to rookie running back Montee Ball down the stretch, but the onus will be on a defense that allowed 24.9 points and 254.4 passing yards per game.
TRENDS:
* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Denver.
* Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Broncos are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight vs. AFC West.
* Over is 4-0 in Broncos last 4 playoff games.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Manning is 9-11 in the postseason and has lost his first game on eight occasions.
2. San Diego led the league with 39 10-play drives during the regular season and had two more for TDs in last week's win at Cincinnati.
3. Manning (5,679) needs 177 yards to surpass Joe Montana and Brett Favre for the second-highest total in postseason history behind Tom Brady (5,949).
Divisional Round Tale of the Tape: 49ers at Panthers
By MONIQUE VÁG
The Panthers host the 49ers in a rematch of the regular season defensive battle where the Panthers came out on top 10-9.
Check out the matchup in our betting tale of the tape.
Offense
The 49ers are coming off a victory on the road against Green Bay in the Wild Card round. The 49ers finished the regular season ranked third in rushing yards averaging 137.6 and 11th in points scored with 25.4 (11th). Quarterback Colin Kaepernick completed 243-of-416 passes with a 58.4 percent completion percentage and had 21 TDs and eight INTs. The 49ers showed continued success rushing the ball into the postseason, putting up 167 yards last week. Colin Kaepernick had 227 yards and completed 16 of his 30 attempted passes (53.3 percent). Kaepernick was the leading rusher with 98 yards on seven attempts with a long of 42 yards.
The Panthers offense have shown great ability to rush the ball as well averaging 126.6 yards per game. The Panthers have completed 44 percent of their third down conversion attempts (91-for-208) and 77 percent of fourth down attempts (10-for-13). DeAngelo Williams has been the Panthers leading rusher with 201 attempts for 843 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Cam Newton is tied for the most touchdowns on the team (six) and has rushed for 585 yards on 111 attempts. Newton has an 88.8 quarterback rating and completed 292 of his 473 pass attempts (61.7 percent).
Edge: 49ers
Defense
The 49ers have a defense ranked no worse than seventh in points allowed, passing yards, rushing yards and total yards. The 49ers have eight players with 40 or more combined tackles lead by NaVorro Bowman with 145 tackles and fumbles recovered with four. Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks lead the team in sacks as both tallied 8.5. The 49ers are hoping Aldon Smith is healthy enough to give their pass rush a much needed lift.
The Panthers are no worse than sixth in points allowed, passing yards, rushing yards and total yards. 2012 Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly is showing continued success leading the team in combined tackles with 156 and interceptions with four. The Panthers have two defensive players this year with over 10 sacks including defensive end Greg Hardy, who ranks third in the NFL with 15.
Edge: Panthers
Special Teams
The 49ers are averaging 22.7 yards on kick returns ranking them 18th and they average 8.9 yards on punt returns (17th). The 49ers have shown some explosiveness returning kicks with two runs of over 40 yards including a long of 47. LaMichael James was San Francisco's leader in kick returns with 12 returns for 321 yards averaging 26.8 yards per return. James had 23 punt returns averaging 10.9. Kicker Phil Dawson in the regular season went 32-for-36 in field goals with a long of 56 yards.
The Panthers are averaging 21.9 yards on the kick return ranking them 24th and are ranked 12th in punt returns averaging 10.5 yards. Ted Ginn had 26 punt returns averaging 12.2 yards and was Carolina's leading kick returner with 25 returns for 595 yards averaging 23.8 a return. Kicker Graham Gano was 24-for-27 on field goals with a long of 55 yards.
Edge: 49ers
Notable Quotable
“I mean, the guy’s played in a few big games, I think, in his career and seems to do pretty well in them. We don’t get too wrapped up in what everybody else thinks. If we worried about that, we sure wouldn’t be sitting here getting ready to be hosting a divisional round game, if we really got too concerned with what everybody predicted. It’s just not a really big priority around here.” - Panthers tight end Greg Olsen on quarterback Cam Newton's ability to play in high pressure games.
"A lot of people talk about different things for receivers, 40-times or three-cones, how fast they run around the little orange cones, etcetera, but pretty darn important to catch the ball for a receiver. I just have never personally seen anybody catch the ball better than Michael Crabtree does." - 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh following the 49ers win in Green Bay.