AFC Divisional Playoffs
Ravens ROLB Elvis Dumervil vs. Patriots LT Nate Solder
A second season in Baltimore proved to be a big one for Dumervil, who ranked third in the NFL with 17 sacks. Prior to last Saturday's game at Pittsburgh, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said of the Ravens pass rushers (via Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun), "They are some of the best in the NFL,"
Solder got off to a rough start in 2014, as did the New England offensive line, but both have settled in this season, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). The Patriots allowed just 26 sacks, with Solder giving up six of those traps. But after allowing two sacks in the Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the four-year pro gave up only four sacks in his final 15 appearances.
The one-time Miami Dolphins defender has enjoyed a solid season and was named to his first Pro Bowl this season. Davis totaled four interceptions in 2014 and amassed a team-high 19 passes defensed.
Only Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (129) totaled more receptions this season than Thomas (111), who also ranked second in the NFL with 1,619 receiving yards.
The Broncos wideout also totaled at least 100 receiving yards in 10 games in 2014, including three straight such performances entering this contest.
NFC Divisional Playoffs
Panthers LT Byron Bell vs. Seahawks RDE Cliff Avril
The Seahawks’ sack production dropped off a bit in 2014, but this defense has cranked it up as of late. After totaling just 13 sacks during the team’s 6-4 start, Seattle defenders have racked up two dozen sacks in their last six games—three or more sacks in each contest.
While defensive end Michael Bennett actually led the club with seven sacks and Avril ranked fourth with just five quarterback traps, Pro Football Focus tells us that the latter was responsible for 46 pressures.
It would not be a shock to see Bell rung up for a few sacks on Saturday.
The NFL’s leading rusher was kept under wraps by the NFL’s top-ranked run defense on Sunday.
But it could be a much different story at Lambeau Field against a Green Bay defensive unit that ranked 23rd in the league in rushing defense this season.
Matthews, who led the Packers with 11 sacks, was moved from outside to the inside during the season. He and fellow inside linebacker A.J. Hawk will be seeing plenty of Murray, who totaled a dozen 100-yard rushing games in 2014 (tied for the second-most in a season in NFL history).
