(Getty)
The stage is set for Championship Weekend.
In the NFC, it’s a battle of the conference’s true best teams. The Panthers and Cardinals have been on a collision course since Week One, and it’ll be a great matchup between two great quarterbacks. The Panthers have opened as the early Vegas favorite, as both teams are in pursuit of a second-ever Super Bowl appearance. Carolina looked dominant against the reigning NFC Champion Seahawks, cruising to an early lead before holding on for a 31-0 victory.
And then there’s Brady-Manning. Again. It’ll be the 17th time these legends square off, and the fifth time they in the postseason. Denver has won the previous two, most recently in 2013, but New England won the regular season matchup between these teams in Week 12. The Patriots opened as a small favorite with oddsmakers, but early betting for New England has increased the spread.
Brady’s Patriots have won 11 of 16 games against Manning’s Colts and Broncos.
Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning in AFC title bout. Manning has won last 2 of their 3 meetings with Super Bowl at stake.
Here’s how the bracket looks heading into Championship Sunday:
Remaining Playoff Schedule
Conference Championship – Sunday January 24
AFC Championship – 3:05 p.m. Eastern on CBS in Denver
NFC Championship – 6:40 p.m. Eastern on FOX in Charlotte
Super Bowl 50
Sunday February 7th, 6:30 p.m. on CBS in Santa Clara
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NFL Playoff Bracket & Schedule 2016: Patriots & Cardinals Advance