Open Thread: Seattle vs. Carolina, Pittsburgh vs. Denver

The New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals advanced from Saturday's NFL divisional playoff match-ups to their respective conference championship games and will face two of the remaining four teams seen in Sunday's games.

Former Wisconsin Badgers running back James White carried the ball only one time for five yards against the Kansas City Chiefs, but caught two passes for 39 yards in the Patriots' 27-20 victory at Foxboro Stadium.

Though the Green Bay Packers lost 26-20 in heartbreaking fashion to the Arizona Cardinals, one of the bright spots revolved around former Wisconsin walk-on Jared Abbrederis. The Wautoma, Wis. native and UW's all-time receptions leader caught four passes for 55 yards, establishing himself as a target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers when standout wide receiver Randall Cobb was held out the rest of the game with a chest injury. All four receptions went for a first down.

Abbrederis' emergence is a sign there will be depth at wide receiver next season, with a returning Jordy Nelson, Cobb, Ty Montgomery and Jeff Janis -- who himself had an amazing game, including both a 60-yard and game-tying 41-yard Hail Mary from Rodgers on Green Bay's last series.

Here's Sunday's NFL playoff match-ups, with former Wisconsin players highlighted:

Who ya got today #Badgers fans, @DangeRussWilson & the @Seahawks or @BradNortmanisms & the @Panthers?

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 17, 2016

Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers (12:05 p.m. CT, Fox)

• Seattle Seahawks -- Quarterback Russell Wilson (4,024 yards passing, 68.1 completion percentage, 34 touchdown passes, 110.1 quarterback rating; 553 yards rushing, 5.4 yards per carry)
• Carolina Panthers -- Punter Brad Nortman (45.4 yards per punt, 65 long, 20 punts inside opponent's 20-yard line)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos (3:40 p.m. CT, CBS)

• Pittsburgh Steelers -- None
  
• Denver Broncos -- Tight end Owen Daniels (46 receptions, 517 yards, 3 touchdowns)