No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Chicago Bears
The Packers and Bears split the regular-season series in the NFC North.
Green Bay was only a minute away from securing the regular-season sweep until Chicago manufactured a comeback to win in overtime in Week 16.
That was Chicago’s most-recent win. The Bears dropped a shootout to the 49ers in Week 17 and fell to the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
Green Bay is in worse shape, though, as it enters the postseason on a four-game losing streak. Its last win was in Week 14 against the Bears.
No. 6 San Francisco 49ers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia rested its starters in Week 18, a decision that cost it the shot at the No. 2 seed. The Eagles had an up-and-down season to get to the NFC East title, but they are the reigning Super Bowl champion and have a defense that allowed 30 points from Weeks 15-17.
San Francisco struggled against Seattle’s defense in Week 18, which is a bad sign for the 49ers in a matchup against another tough defensive unit.
The 49ers can match the Eagles in offensive playmaking ability, but its defense gave up 102 points in the last four weeks.
No. 5 Los Angeles Rams at No. 4 Carolina Panthers
The Los Angeles Rams head back to Bank of America Stadium, where they lost to the Carolina Panthers in Week 13.
The Rams outgained Carolina 379-358, but they came up short because of three turnovers, including two interceptions from Matthew Stafford.
Since that game, the Panthers are 1-3 and they needed help from the Atlanta Falcons to claim the NFC South title. Bryce Young is at a severe disadvantage in playoff experience in comparison to Stafford.
The edge in experience plus Carolina’s recent form should make the Panthers a clear underdog in the matchup.