NFL Playoffs: City Of Champions Staff Picks The Divisional Round Winners

San Francisco 49ers (13-4) at Carolina Panthers (12-4), Sunday at 1:05 p.m. ET on FOX

Gajtka:Both teams rely on defense, as was evident Nov. 10 when the Panthers edged the Niners 10-9 in San Francisco.Colin Kaepernickshould have difficulty finding open lanes to pass or run againstLuke Kuechlyand friends, although I anticipate the same conundrum forCam Newton. This one stays low-scoring, at least by modern NFL standards.Prediction: Panthers17, 49ers 14.

Nov 10, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback

(7) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive end

(76) during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The Carolina Panthers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 10-9. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Shetler:Kaepernick had a tough time the last time the two teams met thanks to a suffocating Panthers defense. I expect something similar, but I’m taking the 49ers on the road in a nailbiter. San Francisco may be the hottest team in football and they will make enough plays at the end of the day.49ers20, Panthers 17.

Weiss:Panthers are too inexperienced and needSteve Smith. Smith is nowhere near 100 percent andCam Newtonneeds a reliable receiver. 49ers have been here before and that will help a lot.49ers28, Panthers 20.

Snyder:Smith, one of Newton’s favorite targets, is hurting with a knee injury. I think San Fran scores just enough to escape with the victory.49ers21, Panthers 17.

Tunno:Michael CrabtreeandAnquan Boldincome up with big catches on important third downs throughout the game, and Kaepernick outduels Newton to get to his second consecutive NFC Championship game.49ers24, Panthers 20.

McDowell:The Panthers sacked Kaepernick six times when they met up earlier this season. I still think Kaepernick will struggle but I don’t think the Panthers defense will be able to save Newton’s erratic arm in the playoffs.49ers 17, Panthers 13.

STAFF TOTAL: 49ERS 5-1