Where to Watch the NFL Playoffs in Pasadena

There are plenty of storylines in the upcoming weekend slate of NFL divisional playoff games, and there are more than just a few places to check them out in Pasadena. First, a quick look at the matchups.

Saturday

Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos (1:30 p.m. PST)

This AFC clash features two of the NFL's most storied players. This could be the last game in the career of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has become one of the great comeback stories of the year, battling questions of age and multiple neck surgeries to become a legitimate MVP candidate to lead the Broncos back to contention.

Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers (5 p.m.)

This is a rematch of the season opener, when the 49ers handed Aaron Rodgers and the Packers a loss and triggered a rocky start to their season. The Packers have since rebounded, Rodgers has rounded back into MVP form (he was MVP last year) in time to face one of the league's best defenses and an offense helmed by quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Sunday

Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons (10 a.m. PST)

Seattle QB Russell Wilson is the last rookie phenom standing, leading the Seahawks against Matt Ryan and the Falcons. Ryan has playoff demons to deal with, having yet to win a game in the postseason. He's got the offense to change that with receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White, but Seattle boasts perhaps the most physical defense in the NFL, featuring a pair of massive cornerbacks in Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner. And of course, there's always Seattle's candy-eating tailback Marshawn Lynch, who was second to Minnesota's Adrian Peterson in rushing.

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (1:30 p.m., PST)

The Pats obliterated the Texans in their much-hyped matchup four weeks ago, leading many experts to believe the Patriots and Tom Brady will roll over the Texans again. The Texans slid into the postseason after rolling up an 11-1 start and have the talent to contend with stars like defensive lineman J.J. Watt, running back Arian Foster and wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Where to watch in Pasadena:

Here are just a few places to watch in Old Town, but if you're watching somewhere else, let us know where in the comments section below.

• Slater's 50/50 (61 N. Raymond Ave.): Home of the half-beef, half-bacon burger patty and self-designed burger concoctions (and a lot of beer), Slater's has seen its fill of patrons since its opening in December. Leave your diet at home.

• 72 North (72 North Fair Oaks Ave.): One of the best spots to catch pro football and UFC pay-per-view events (most recently the Dos Santos/Velasquez title clash), 72 North has a bevy of high-def screens as well as several massive projection screens for your viewing.

• The 35er Bar (12 East Colorado Blvd.): This old standby welcomed lots of fans for the Rose Bowl, carries all Laker and Clipper games, and will certainly be featuring the BCS title game. It's also proven to be another go-to-spot for must-watch sports events, like boxing fights.

• Barney's Beanery (99 East Colorado Blvd.): Huge and colorful with a wall of TVs (along with smaller TVs at your table), Barney's has been popular spot year-round for pro and college football.

• The New York Deli (25 N. Raymond Ave.): This might seem like a dark-horse pick to watch a game, but it's just a few doors down from Slater's, which will be much more crowded, and features a massive selection of beers and soda in a big fridge. If you get a spot at the bar, you'll be able to gaze upon several large TVs perched above it. It's held some events focused around PPV sporting events before, but it comes off as the most "low-key" option for fans who just want food and football without dealing with throngs of people. 

• IX Tapa Cantina (119 E. Colorado Blvd.): If you want to have some modern Mexican food while taking in the action on one of the many big-screen TVs, this is the place to go. The cantina has made it a point to feature the NFL during the season, offering a cool alternative to the typical "sports bar" experience.