Wild Card Weekend in the NFL

AFC Match Ups

The Jacksonville Jaguars at the Pittsburgh Steelers, 8 PM on Saturday, NBC
Regular season records: Jacksonville was 11-5, 5-3 on the road. Pittsburgh was 10-6, 7-1 at home.
Last postseason game: On January 7, 2006, Jacksonville lost a Wild Card game to New England, 28-3. On February 5, 2006, Pittsburgh beat Seattle, 21-10 in Super Bowl XL.
All-time record in the postseason: Jacksonville is 4-5. Pittsburgh is 28-18.

Jacksonville is clearly the sexy team heading into the playoffs. In many circles, they - not the Indianapolis Colts - are believed to be the team with the best shot at upsetting the Patriots. It's easy to see why. At quarterback, David Garrard threw only 3 interceptions in 325 attempts, compared to 18 touchdowns. In the backfield, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew have combined for 1,970 yards on the ground, to go along with 14 TD's. On defense, Jacksonville is pretty stingy, giving up only 19 points per game, and picking off 20 passes so far.

Pittsburgh is in a curious position. They are not playing their best football heading into the playoffs. Beginning with their Week 14 loss to the Patriots, the Steelers lost 3 of their final 4 games. A big part of postseason football is a strong running game, and Pittsburgh was dealt a huge blow when star back Willie Parker was lost for the season with an injury. At least QB Ben Roethlisberger rebounded from a nightmare 2006 season. The pressure will be on him and the receivers to make big plays. On defense, Pittsburgh had a solid year statistically. They allowed the 3rd fewest passing yards per contest, to go along with the 3rd fewest rushing yards. Overall, Pittsburgh gave up only 16.8 points per game.

Bottom Line: This is a tough game to call. Jacksonville is a young, talented, physical and athletic team. Then again, they are inexperienced, and don't have great receivers. Pittsburgh has a great defense, but don't have a terrific running game anymore. Plus, Jacksonville already went into Pittsburgh and won this season. Still, I think Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will make the necessary adjustments, and Pittsburgh's offense will make enough big plays to win.

Final Score: Pittsburgh 27, Jacksonville 21

The Tennessee Titans at the San Diego Chargers, 4:30 PM on Sunday, CBS
Regular season records: Tennessee was 10-6, 5-3 on the road. San Diego was 11-5, 7-1 at home.
Last postseason game: Tennessee lost a Wild Card game to New England, 17-14, on January 10, 2004. San Diego lost a divisional playoff game to New England, 24-21, on January 14, 2007.
All-Time Record in the postseason: Tennessee is 14-17. San Diego is 7-13.

Early in the 2007 season, the Titans were thought to be the 3rd best team in the AFC, behind only the Patriots and Colts. However, that is no longer the case. Second year quarterback Vince Young hasn't developed, and the Titans are near the bottom of the league in nearly every major passing category. It's not like you can blame all of that on Young though. Look at who he's throwing to: Justin Gage, Roydell Williams, Bo Scaife, Eric Moulds and Brandon Jones were his top 5 receivers. They will need to step up. Thankfully, LenDale White has given Tennessee a top 5 running game to take the pressure off of Young. Defensively, the Titans are in the league's top 10 in passing yardage, rushing yardage, points allowed and sacks recorded. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is a monster in the middle, and will need a big game if the Titans are to stop the Chargers' running game.

San Diego had a nightmare start to their season. They lost 3 of their first 4, LaDainian Tomlinson looked mortal, and no one seemed to be buying into new coach Norv Turner's philosophy. Since then, the Chargers are 10-2, LT looks like LT, and they're contenders again. QB Phillip Rivers didn't duplicate the success of his 2006 Pro Bowl season, but played at an acceptable level. At the wide receiver position, midseason pick up Chris Chambers has helped, but more is needed. While San Diego only gave up an average of 17.8 points per game, they are susceptible to a strong running game. The emergence of Antonio Cromartie helped the Chargers lead the NFL in interceptions with 30.

Bottom Line: It's all about setting the tempo in this game. If the Chargers break out to a quick double digit lead, that won't allow the Titans to pound the ball as much as they want. QB Vince Young and the passing game would be forced to carry the load, and that hasn't been a good thing recently. San Diego thrives on pressuring quarterbacks into sacks and interceptions. This game will be a big test for Chargers coach Norv Turner, who hasn't had a lot of postseason exposure. I just don't think the Titans have enough offensive firepower to win.

Final score: San Diego 23, Tennessee 17

Tomorrow: NFC Match Ups