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NFL Playoff Bracket & Schedule 2016: Patriots & Cardinals Advance

(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.


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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The last two divisional games will determine who will be hosting on Championship Sunday.