The NFL Divisional Playoffs

The AFC Match-Ups

The Jacksonville Jaguars at the New England Patriots, 8 PM on Saturday, CBS
Regular season records: Jacksonville was 11-5, 5-3 on the road. New England was 16-0, 8-0 at home.
Last Week: Jacksonville beat Pittsburgh, 31-29 in the Wild Card round. New England had the bye week.
All-time record in the postseason: Jacksonville is now 5-5. New England is 19-12.
Previous postseason history: New England holds a 2 games to 1 advantage over Jacksonville in the playoffs.

Jacksonville has to be thankful to still be alive in this postseason. The Jaguars nearly blew a huge lead on the road against Pittsburgh. The good news? They ARE still alive. The bad news? They have to play the 16-0 Patriots on their home turf. Let's face facts: the Jaguars needed a last minute field goal to beat a Steelers team that was what they had been for all but one of the previous 20 years: frauds. The majority loves Jacksonville, while that same majority loathes the Patriots. Accordingly, some supposed 'experts' have predicted a Jacksonville shocker. Please. Better Quarterback: advantage New England. Better coach: advantage New England. Home field: advantage New England. Luxury of the bye week? You guessed it: New England. Look, Jacksonville is a scary team. They usually don't turn the ball over, they have a tremendous running game, and a stifling defense. Unfortunately for them, they are running into a buzzsaw. New England is the team of the new millennium, and they are having the best season of the new millennium. Conditions should be mild, so I would look for Tom Brady to dissect the Jacksonville defense, utilizing quick, short passes to neutralize the Jaguars' pass rush. When you score an NFL record 589 points in the regular season, you don't expect to be shut down. The Patriots will do whatever they have to do. I'd look for situational back Kevin Faulk to play a large role on draws, screens and check-down passes. On defense, New England tries to take away two or three things that the opposing offense loves to do. In this game, that means the Patriots will put 8 defenders in the box, and force a solid David Garrard and his pedestrian group of receivers to win the game for them. Sorry, but that just won't happen. They don't have the weapons to win a shootout, which is what they will be forced into.

Final Score: New England 31, Jacksonville 20

The San Diego Chargers at the Indianapolis Colts, 1 PM on Sunday, CBS
Regular season records: San Diego was 11-5, 4-4 on the road. Indianapolis was 13-3, 6-2 at home.
Last Week: San Diego beat Tennessee, 17-6 in the Wild Card round. Indianapolis had the bye week.
All-time record in the postseason: San Diego is now 8-13. Indianapolis is 17-16.
Previous postseason history: Indianapolis holds a 1 game to 0 advantage over San Diego in the playoffs.

The Chargers just beat a pretty punch-less Tennessee Titans. Sure, Tennessee has a strong defense, but their offense is one of the most anemic in football. I think it's safe to say no one was overly impressed with that game. How can anyone like San Diego's chances in this game? For one thing, their all-world tight end - Antonio Gates - is doubtful to play. A huge blow, since the tight end can be key in exposing the soft spots in a Cover 2 defense (which the Colts often employ). Secondly, it's coach Norv Turner and QB Phillip Rivers on the road in a hostile environment in a big playoff game. 'Nuff said there. Additionally, the Colts are no longer pushovers on defense, as evidenced by the 262 points they allowed in 2007, the lowest in all of football. Just to hammer it home, the Colts are expecting future hall of fame receiver Marvin Harrison back for this week. San Diego beat Indianapolis in Week 10 for a few reasons: 1.) Peyton Manning threw 6 interceptions; 2.) Dallas Clark did not play; 3.) Marvin Harrison did not play; 4.) the ultra clutch Adam Vinatieri missed a chip-shot 29-yard field goal in the final minute and 5.) Indianapolis allowed two returns for touchdowns. How many of those are likely to happen this time around? Oh, and did I mention the Colts only lost by TWO POINTS?? This could be a rout.

Final Score: Indianapolis 34, San Diego 13

The NFC Match-Ups

The Seattle Seahawks at the Green Bay Packers, 4:30 on Saturday, FOX
Regular season records: Seattle was 10-6, 3-5 on the road. Green Bay was 13-3, 7-1 at home.
Last Week: Seattle beat Washington, 35-14 in the Wild Card round. Green Bay had the bye week.
All-time record in the postseason: Seattle is now 7-9. Green Bay is 24-14.
Previous postseason history: Green Bay holds a 1 game to 0 advantage over Seattle in the playoffs.

Seattle kind of sleep walked through the early portion of the 2007 season. Then, starting with a Monday Night blowout of the woeful San Francisco 49ers, the Seahawks started to play much better football. Yes, they pounded on some pretty lousy teams, but that's what you have to do. Seattle has relied more heavily than ever on Matt Hasselbeck and the passing game, and they have responded. Green Bay is enjoying probably their best season since they went to Super Bowl XXXII following the 1997 campaign. Brett Favre is playing like a three-time league MVP, they Pack have a running game, and young, talented receivers. The defense is solid as well, allowing only 18.2 points per game, which tied for 6th in the NFL with their opponents in this game. The one thing Green Bay lacks? Playoff experience. Outside of Favre, the majority of the team is young and inexperienced, including head coach Mike McCarthy. You know Seattle would love nothing more than to go into Green Bay and stun the Packers, especially coach Mike Holmgren, who helped mold Favre into a future hall of famer. All I know is this: if Green Bay is down by at least 7 in the 4th quarter, Favre will try to throw the team on his shoulders. His skills are not what they once were, and I could see Seattle getting a back-breaking turnover.

Final Score: Seattle 27, Green Bay 21

The New York Giants at the Dallas Cowboys, 4:30 on Sunday, FOX
Regular season records: New York was 10-6, 7-1 on the road. Dallas was 13-3, 6-2 at home.
Last Week: New York beat Tampa Bay, 24-14 in the Wild Card round. Dallas had the bye week.
All-time record in the postseason: New York is now 17-23. Dallas is 32-23.
Previous postseason history: None

New York played one of their best games of the season vs Tampa Bay last weekend. The pass rush harassed Bucs QB Jeff Garcia all game long, and that helped limit Tampa to only 14 points. On offense, New York QB Eli Manning played mistake-free football (never a given for him) and the running game got the job done. All of a sudden, some prognosticators are saying the Giants will go into Big D and upset the Cowboys. Not me. Dallas has way too much firepower on offense. Yes, Dallas has lost 2 of their last 3 games and yes, they really haven't played well against a solid opponent since their Week 13 victory over the Packers. There's no denying that teams want to be playing their best football of the season RIGHT NOW. Maybe the Cowboys DID peak too early for the second straight season. But come on: can you really take the dynamic duo of Eli Manning and coach Tom Coughlin to win back to back ROAD playoff games? Me either. Dallas will jump out to an early lead, and then hold off a frantic Giants rally late.

Final Score: Dallas 30, New York 22



Bruce & Brett both say New England, Indianapolis, Green Bay & Dallas


Last Week: 2-2

Brett & Bruce were both 2-2 as well