We've reached a midpoint in the 2013 NFL campaign. How will the rest of the season play out? Our analysts provide their predictions, covering the major individual awards, playoff teams for each conference and picks for Championship Sunday/Super Bowl XLVIII.
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Judy Battista: Broncos over Bengals. The Broncos' explosive offense has just enough to beat the Bengals' vaunted defense (while the Denver defense harasses Andy Dalton).
Gil Brandt: Bengals over Chiefs. Yes, Arrowhead Stadium -- where I predict this matchup to take place -- is a formidable place to play, but the Bengals have what it takes to pull off an upset (despite Thursday night's underwhelming performance).
Albert Breer: Bengals over Broncos. Through the first month of the season, we saw the uneven Bengals team that quickly departed the playoffs the last two years. What we saw for most of October is what Cincinnati has the ability to be: a team built for January. I'll give them the circumstantial playing-on-Thursday pass for the Dolphins debacle, and keep believing that their depth -- in light of the Geno Atkins injury -- will carry them through.
Bucky Brooks: Broncos over Bengals. The combination of Peyton Manning and the "Big Three" (Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker) is too much for the Bengals' beleaguered secondary. The Broncos drop 40 in the AFC Championship Game to secure their Super Bowl spot.
Jeff Darlington: Broncos over Colts. Whether the postseason shakes out this way or not, I can't help but daydream about the awesomeness of a rematch between Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck when it would matter most.
Elliot Harrison: Broncos over Colts. Indy's playoff run with Andrew Luck comes to an end in Denver, where the Colts will have trouble replicating the pressure they created against Peyton Manning in the friendly confines of Lucas Oil Stadium. Luck won't get enough help from Trent Richardson against a stingy Broncos run defense.
Daniel Jeremiah: Colts over Patriots.Andrew Luck outshines Tom Brady to lead the Colts to the conference title. Robert Mathis finally gets the praise he deserves as one of the NFL's elite defenders.
Kimberly Jones: Broncos over Bengals. The Bengals have a bunch of young talent on both sides of the ball, but how does anyone keep up in Peyton's Place?
Ian Rapoport: Broncos over Bengals. Why change my pick from preseason? The clash of styles would be pretty fun to watch.
Adam Schein: Broncos over Bengals. Denver has too many weapons and Peyton Manning is too good this time around to not make it to the Super Bowl.
Michael Silver: Bengals over Broncos. That was my story before the season, and I'm sticking with it. Only a fierce, talented, disciplined defense can take down Manning. The Bengals fit the bill. Geno Atkins' injury is a huge hit, but Mike Zimmer's bunch boasts quality depth.
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Judy Battista: Seahawks over Saints. Seattle's 12th Man and an ultra-physical defense will throw off the timing of the Saints' offense.
Battista: Midseason musings
At the halfway point, what do we know about the 2013 season? What questions still remain? Judy Battista provides her thoughts. **READ**
Gil Brandt: Seahawks over 49ers. I predict this one to go down in Seattle -- where the Seahawks have proven they have the Niners' number.
Albert Breer: 49ers over Seahawks. I know the Seahawks have the Niners' number. I know, with how I predict the NFC West to play out, the game would be at CenturyLink Field. I know, man for man, Seattle probably is more talented. So call this a gut feeling.
Bucky Brooks: Seahawks over Saints. The 12th Man plays a major role in the Seahawks' defense suffocating the Saints' offensive juggernaut. With the deafening crowd noise helping Chris Clemons and Bruce Irvin jump the snap count, the Seahawks harass Drew Brees into a dreadful performance on the way to claiming the NFC crown.
Jeff Darlington: Seahawks over Saints. If either of these teams can ride home-field advantage through the playoffs, watch out. They both play their best football in front of their amazing crowds.
Daniel Jeremiah: Seahawks over Saints. The Saints score a lot of points against a dominant Seattle defense, but it's not quite good enough to secure a win. Marshawn Lynch runs wild, and the Seahawks pull out a close one.
Kimberly Jones: Saints over Seahawks. Assuming the game is at the Superdome, it comes down to home-field advantage.
Ian Rapoport: 49ers over Panthers. I'm on board with Carolina, thinking they've hit their stride for good. As for the Niners, it's the same as it's always been: run the ball, get after the quarterback and be efficient. San Francisco has all the tools to make a repeat appearance.
Adam Schein: 49ers over Saints. I think San Francisco is going to emerge as a juggernaut in the second half of the season, as Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham return to the field. Frank Gore and Colin Kaepernick beat New Orleans in an epic NFC Championship Game.
Michael Silver: Seahawks over Saints.My original pick was Seahawks over Niners, but I believe Seattle and New Orleans will be the top two seeds -- and both of those teams are exceptionally tough to beat at home. In the end, Russell Wilson goes toe-to-toe with Drew Brees, and the Seahawks' defense and Marshawn Lynch make the difference.
