Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch vs. Falcons LB Sean Weatherspoon

Top NFL Divisional Playoff Matchups

The Falcons are a team that misses a lot of tackles. Weatherspoon, their most dynamic linebacker, is going to need to have a strong game against Lynch, who finished third in the NFL with 1,590 rushing yards. Otherwise, Seattle will control the tempo of the game and keep Atlanta’s high-powered passing attack off the field. (AP Photos)

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What to Watch By Jordan Raanan, XFINITY Sports

It’s not quite Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning (yet) on NFL divisional playoff weekend. It’s close though.

There are some really great matchups within the games this weekend. Who wins these battles could go a long way to deciding who advances to championship weekend. Here are the top matchups on NFL divisional playoff weekend: (AP Photos)

Jordan Raanan has covered the NFL since 2005. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan, on Facebook or email him at jraanan@hotmail.com.

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Broncos DE Von M... Miller didn’t notch a sack when the Broncos and Ravens met in Week 15. He still managed to consistently pressure Joe Flacco. Pick or choose: Miller vs. Oher (or Bryant McKinnie) is an advantage to Denver. Oher is the better of the two matchups. The Ravens right tackle will need to do better than he did during a sub-par regular season to contain the dangerous Miller. (AP Photos)

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Broncos WR Demar... Brown is a special teamer who has been thrust into the Ravens lineup because of injuries. The second-year pro is the third cornerback, and plays on the outside when he comes onto the field. Against Denver, that will be often. Brown could find himself matched against Thomas, fresh off two straight 100-yard games and a 1,434-yard season. (AP Photos)

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49ers RB Frank G... The 49ers can pass, but their offense is still based off the run. Frank Gore (1,214 rushing yards) is San Francisco’s top running threat. It’s no coincidence that Gore had 63 yards or less in the 49ers’ four losses. How he fares against Green Bay’s average run defense is likely to determine the outcome Saturday night in San Francisco. (AP Photos)

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Packers WR Randa... The 49ers couldn’t stay with Cobb when these teams met in Week 1. The Packers slot receiver had nine catches on nine targets for 77 yards. Rogers will try and slow him down this time, even though Cobb has the clear speed and quickness advantage in this matchup. (AP Photos)

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Patriots QB Tom ... Brady guides the league’s top-ranked offense. Phillips presides over one of the NFL’s best defenses. It’s going to be a game of cat and mouse between the two Sunday in Foxborough. Phillips will have to find a way to confuse Brady with his various blitz packages if the Texans hope to have any chance on the road. (AP Photos)

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Patriots DT Vinc... Overall, New England's defense is not good (25th in the NFL). Against the run, they were ninth. The Texans, however, bring one of the best offensive lines to Foxborough. Pro Bowl guard Wade Smith and center Chris Myers must neutralize Wilfork, one of the most physically dominant defensive linemen in the NFL, in order for the Texans to be successful on the ground. And Houston’s success in the pass game is predicated off their ability to run the ball. (AP Photos)

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Falcons WRs Rodd... It's probably the best wide receiver duo vs. the best cornerback tandem. It’s four very physical players going against each other for the better part of 60 minutes. This is going to be fun. (AP Photos)

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Seahawks RB Mars... The Falcons are a team that misses a lot of tackles. Weatherspoon, their most dynamic linebacker, is going to need to have a strong game against Lynch, who finished third in the NFL with 1,590 rushing yards. Otherwise, Seattle will control the tempo of the game and keep Atlanta’s high-powered passing attack off the field. (AP Photos)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.