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 Kaepernick should have difficulty finding open lanes to pass or run against Luke Kuechly and friends, although I anticipate the same conundrum for Cam Newton. This one stays low-scoring, at least by modern NFL standards. Prediction: Panthers 17, 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. 49ers 20, Panthers 17.

Weiss: Panthers are too inexperienced and need Steve Smith. Smith is nowhere near 100 percent and Cam Newton needs a reliable receiver. 49ers have been here before and that will help a lot. 49ers 28, 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. 49ers 21, Panthers 17.

Tunno: Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin come up with big catches on important third downs throughout the game, and Kaepernick outduels Newton to get to his second consecutive NFC Championship game. 49ers 24, 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