NFL Playoff Schedule 2015: Patriots vs. Colts in the AFC Championship

Tonight, the fourth-seeded Indianapolis Colts traveled to Denver and defeated Peyton Manning and the two-seeded Broncos 24-13.

The result means that for the second year in a row, and the fifth time since 2003, the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts will be facing off in the playoffs. Unlike a year ago, a divisional round match-up that New England won 43-22, this year's match-up will be for a bid to the Super Bowl.

New England and Indianapolis faced off earlier this regular season - a week 11 game that saw the Patriots victorious 42-20, while riding Jonas Gray to 201 yards and four touchdowns.

The rivalry may not be what it used to be back when Peyton Manning was at the helm. However, Chuck Pagano and Andrew Luck's Colts have advanced a round further in the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. You can be sure they will put the recent lopsided results between the two teams behind them. In fact, their recent losses may even play as an advantage to them.

The 2015 AFC Championship will take place next Sunday, January 18th. The game will kick-off at 6:40 PM ET and will be broadcast to a national audience on CBS. Phil Simms and Jim Nantz will be on the call.

What are your early thoughts on the match-up?