NFL Expert Picks 2016: Early Predictions For AFC, NFC Second Round Games

Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals 2015 — Every early prediction calls for Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals to eliminate the Green Bay Packers in Saturday's NFC Divisional Round playoff. Getty Images

If the experts are right, the New England Patriots will face the Denver Broncos for the AFC title and the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will duke it out for the NFC crown.

Based off the 11 select experts below, and their early predictions for this weekend’s AFC and NFC Divisional Round playoffs, the Cardinals stand out as the overwhelming favorite with every prognosticator choosing them over the Green Bay Packers.

Next up are the Panthers, who host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, with nine selections, followed by the Broncos’ eight picks to prevail over the hobbled Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Patriots have seven picks to beat out the Kansas City Chiefs when they meet Saturday in Foxboro.

Perhaps coincidentally, and perhaps not, the trend of early predictions fall right in line with Las Vegas odds makers.

Unlike last weekend’s wild-card round, which saw three of the four road teams favored to win, the home squads are expected to rule the divisional round. New England’s a five-point favorite over K.C., Denver, -6.5 over Pittsburgh, Arizona holds the biggest advantage at -7 over the Packers, and Carolina has the slimmest spread at -2.5 against two-time defending NFC champion Seattle.

However, in the wild card round all the road teams won out.

Like most every other year, injuries will play a significant factor in how each matchup plays out. The Patriots are welcoming back No. 1 receiver Julian Edelman from a broken foot, and how he adjusts to full-game speed after missing seven straight games will play a major role in New England’s title defense.

The Broncos are hoping quarterback Peyton Manning is completely healthy after a foot injury sidelined him since Week 10, while the Steelers will fret over quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s shoulder and if receiver Antonio Brown can recover from a concussion in time to play.

Here are the expert picks, and our selections as well.

Expert Picks

Dave Richard, CBS Sports

Picks: Patriots, Broncos, Cardinals, Panthers

Jamey Eisenberg, CBS Sports

Picks: Patriots, Steelers, Cardinals, Panthers

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

Picks: Patriots, Broncos, Cardinals, Panthers

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

Picks: Chiefs, Steelers, Cardinals, Panthers

Mike Golic, ESPN

Picks: Chiefs, Broncos, Cardinals, Seahawks