Madden Simulations: Divisional Round

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With the Divisional round of the NFL Playoffs beginning tomorrow, I figured I would follow up my Madden Simulations for the Wildcard round with these. I made sure that all depth charts were as up to date as possible. I even combed through them myself to make sure no injured players were in. Now, let’s see what Madden thought of this weekends Divisional Round games. I just want to reiterate that these games and stats are simulated by Madden NFL 15, none of this is related in any way, shape or form to the real NFL Playoffs.

Saturday January 10’th, 4:35 P.M. ET

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

In the past, the Ravens have given the Patriots trouble, even in Foxboro. The Patriots are considered by many to be favorites in the AFC and make it to the superbowl. Neither quarterback had a great day in this one, which may be due to the cold nature of the game. For the away team, offense was minimal, but it was there. Quarterback Joe Flacco completed 60 percent of his passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns without throwing a single interception. Breakout running back Justin Forsett had an underwhelming night, only being able to collect 89 yards on 25 carries.

Steve Smith was able to provide a bit of a spark though, making Darrelle Revis look absolutely foolish, hauling in eight passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. Things weren’t any better for the Patriots, in fact, they were worse.

Patriots fan’s worst nightmare came true, as Terrell Suggs sacked Tom Brady three times. The pressure from the Ravens majorly affected Brady’s poise in the pocket, as he was only able to complete 61 percent of his passes for 253 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Running back Legarrette Blount was only able to amass 49 yards on his 16 carries. The only bright spot for the Patriots was Danny Amendola, who caught 10 passes for 94 yards. Ultimately though, it wasn’t enough to get past the Baltimore Ravens.

Finals Score: Baltimore Ravens (23) – New England Patriots (7)

Saturday January 10’th, 8:15 P.M. ET

Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks

From the moment this matchup was finalized, people either thought that it would be a close defensive battle, or a blowout in the Seahawks favor. For those that were looking for a close game, this one did not disappoint. The two teams battled it out until the very end. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was nothing spectacular, but he was okay. Newton completed 61 percent of his passes for 276 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Russell Wilson on the otherhand, completed a whopping 75 percent of his passes for 215 yards, two touchdowns and only one interception. Pressure certainly wasn’t an issue for these quarterbacks. The game’s only sack came courtesy of Luke Kuechly. Both running backs were somewhat effective. Beastmode ran for 95 yards and touchdown on 20 carries, while Jonathan Stewart had 59 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Lynch gets the edge though, because of the impact he made in the passing game.

He caught four passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, but one of those was a difference making 76 yard screen pass touchdown. In the end, the Panthers were able to take a three point lead with five minutes left, but it didn’t stick. With about three minutes left, Marshawn Lynch caught the screen pass that gave the Seahawks a four point lead. That was the end for the Panthers, as they couldn’t score on the subsequent drive.

Final Score: Carolina Panthers (20) – Seattle Seahawks (24)

Sunday January 11’th, 1:05 P.M. ET

Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers

Contrary to the other NFC Divisional game, this one figured to be a shootout. It didn’t exactly live up to expectations. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for quite a few yards but wasn’t able to throw a touchdown. How he didn’t throw a touchdown when he passed for 353 yards is beyond me, but it happened.

Tony Romo, on the other hand, was only able to complete 57 percent of his passes for 256 yards, but that goes along with two costly interceptions to A.J. Hawk and Tramon Williams. What Romo couldn’t do, Demarco Murray could. He rushed for 98 yards on just 13 carries. He also gave the Cowboys a touchdown. Eddie Lacy was also very impressive, carrying the ball 14 times for 83 yards and a touchdown. The thing that might have put the game over the edge though, was Jordy Nelson’s 150 receiving yards. Not even Rolando McClain’s 16 tackles could stop the Packers offensive domination.

Final Score: Dallas Cowboys (21) – Green Bay Packers (24)

Sunday January 11’th, 4:40 P.M. ET

Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos

This is an interesting game. Things could really go either way between these two teams. It ended up being a very close game. The Colts got off to an early lead, thanks to a 53 yard run by Daniel Herron. However, maintaining that lead became hard thanks to a 281 yard, four touchdown performance and CJ Anderson’s 100 yard game. Luckily, Colts back Dan Herron was able to rack up 91 yards and two touchdowns.

Even two huge performances from Colts’ receivers Reggie Wayne and Hakeem Nicks, who both put up over 100 yards, was not enough to overcome Andrew Luck’s four interceptions. Chris Harris and Rahim Moore both picked off two. The Colts were down 10 with about seven minutes left, and were able to score on a deep pass to Hakeem Nicks. However, after that they were not able to get the ball back and score again, ultimately loosing by three.

Final Score: Indianapolis Colts (28) – Denver Broncos (31)

I would just like to say one more time, that this article is not a recap, but just a fun prediction article, courtesy of Madden NFL 15.