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Top 10 Storylines From Divisional Round of 2015 NFL Playoffs

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By @DanParzych

Top 10 Storylines From Divisional Round of 2015 NFL Playoffs

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Between Peyton Manning facing his old team in the Indianapolis Colts to the Green Bay Packers holding off for a win against the Dallas Cowboys--it's safe to say the Divisional Round of the 2015 NFL Playoffs lived up to all of the hype.

To help prepare for next weekend's championship games, here's a look at the top 10 storylines from the Divisional Round this past weekend.

10. Health of Aaron Rodgers and "New York Bozo"

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Al Bello/Getty Images)

10. Health of Aaron Rodgers and "New York Bozo"

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Al Bello/Getty Images)

It's amazing how Aaron Rodgers looked like a completely different quarterback in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys to help the Green Bay Packers advance to the NFC Championship game. Obviously, there's still going to be concerns over Rodgers' calf heading into Seattle, but as the quarterback showed us on Sunday--he can still play at a high level.

As for "New York Bozo"--it doesn't look like that's going to become the next "Omaha."

9. Steve Smith Can Still Play Football

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

9. Steve Smith Can Still Play Football

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Remember when the Carolina Panthers cut Steve Smith because they thought he was too old? Smith caught one of the team's four touchdowns against the New England Patriots and the wideout has already made it clear he would love to play for the Baltimore Ravens again in 2015.

After catching 79 passes in 2014--it's safe to say Smith still has a few good years left in him.

8. Kelvin Benjamin Has a Bright NFL Future

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Harry How/Getty Images)

8. Kelvin Benjamin Has a Bright NFL Future

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Harry How/Getty Images)

Nobody really gave the Carolina Panthers much of a chance against the Seattle Seahawks and they actually looked like they were capable of pulling off the upset before their fourth quarter collapse.

Despite the loss, the Panthers have to be excited about what the future holds for Kelvin Benjamin--who managed to find the end zone twice against the Seahawks.

7. Danny Amendola Earned His Entire Contract in One Game

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

7. Danny Amendola Earned His Entire Contract in One Game

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

It's been no secret that Danny Amendola has been sort of a bust with the New England Patriots over the last two years as he's managed to find the end zone only three times during the regular season.

Against the Ravens, Amendola earned every penny of his contract by finding the end zone twice--including a key 51-yard touchdown catch on a trick play to tie the game in the third quarter.

6. Every Team Should Fear Kam Chancellor

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

6. Every Team Should Fear Kam Chancellor

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

As if two impressive leaps over the offensive line on blocked field goal attempts wasn't enough, Kam Chancellor made a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Seattle Seahawks against the Carolina Panthers.

It's amazing to see the type of energy Chancellor brings to Seattle's defense and we can't wait to see him face Rodgers next Sunday.

5. Tom Brady Tells John Harbaugh and Ravens "Study the Rule Book"

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

5. Tom Brady Tells John Harbaugh and Ravens "Study the Rule Book"

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens were caught completely off guard by the New England Patriots when they lined up with four offensive lineman and an ineligible wide receiver--which was a genius move by Bill Belichick and a key turning point in the game.

John Harbaugh's reaction was obviously priceless, but nothing tops Tom Brady's comments about how the Ravens should "study the rule book" to learn the Patriots did nothing illegal.

4. Andrew Luck is the Real Deal

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

4. Andrew Luck is the Real Deal

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Remember when there was a debate about how the Indianapolis Colts made a mistake by selecting Andrew Luck as the No. 1 pick instead of Robert Griffin III?

Well, it's safe to say that's not even close to debatable any more as Luck helped the Colts advance to the AFC Championship with a huge road win against the Denver Broncos. It's only been three seasons, but it's only a matter of time before Luck earns that first Super Bowl ring.

3. Russell Wilson is a Future Hall of Famer

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

3. Russell Wilson is a Future Hall of Famer

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Speaking of great quarterbacks, Russell Wilson makes playing in the NFL look easy as he's now 5-1 in the postseason.

Wilson reminds us of Tom Brady considering he always seems to find a way to display impressive numbers despite the fact his wide receivers on offense are "average" at best. It's still way too early, but if Wilson already looks like a Hall of Famer at this point in his career.

2. Peyton Manning Needs to Consider Retirement

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

2. Peyton Manning Needs to Consider Retirement

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

26 of 46 for 211 yards with one touchdown is not what you expect from a quarterback like Peyton Manning with the type of weapons on offense for the Denver Broncos, but that's what happened for the future Hall of Famer against the Indianapolis Colts.

When looking at how many times he overthrew wide receivers on Sunday, it's clear Manning needs to strongly consider retirement as old age finally appears to be catching up with the quarterback.

1. Dez Bryant's No Catch Against Packers

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)

1. Dez Bryant's No Catch Against Packers

2015 NFL Playoffs
(Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)

Yes, the Dez Bryant "no catch" against the Green Bay Packers is a terrible and stupid rule--but it's still the rule at the moment.

Whether you want to admit it or not, the officials made the right call on Bryant's non-catch and give Mike McCarthy credit for picking the perfect time to get his first correct challenge of the season.

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