This weekend’s NFL Divisional Playoff games feature several elite quarterbacks and some young quarterbacks: Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Kurt Warner, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, Tony Romo, Joe Flacco, and Mark Sanchez.
Flacco and Sanchez cannot win without their running games. Therefore, the running game and defense will also shape this weekend’s elite eight matchups.
In one of four games, one or two big special team plays (besides field goals) will have an impact on the outcome. Usually, one of four of divisional playoff games are won by the road team – we may see two visitors win this time around.
Two of the elite eight teams “snuck” into the playoffs with bold confidence: the Ravens and the Jets. Both squads rely heavily on defense and the rushing game to lead them to victory.
Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints
New Orleans scored a total of 510 points during the regular season, and Arizona is coming off a 51 point performance against Green Bay in the first round of the playoffs. This may be a case that the team with the football last will win the game.
If you love Arena League Football and a lot of offense, this game is for you. Personally, I prefer a balanced high level of performance in all three areas of offense, defense, and special teams – over flag football.
[However, for the Pro Bowl, a 32-team flag football tournament (the two Super Bowl teams can send taxi squad or practice squad players or even retired players) is more appealing for me than a “playing not to get hurt or injured” appearance.]
Coach Ken Whisenhunt is 4-1 in playoffs. Arizona QB Kurt Warner is 9-3 in postseason.
Warner has averaged 312.3 yards passing in playoff games, highest average in league history among quarterbacks with at least five postseason appearances.
Saints are No. 1 seed for first time in franchise history. Saints are 2-6 all-time in playoffs.
New Orleans finished the regular season ranked 9th in Pass Defense so they have as good a chance as anybody to slow down the Cardinals' passing attack.
Kurt Warner has been there and done that, except actually winning the Super Bowl. He’s been close twice, but horse shoes does not apply in this case.
Did the Saints peak too soon? Drew Brees will play a great game but Warner will play a fantastic game.
Unexpectedly, the Cardinals were a great road team this season.
Arizona Cardinals 41, New Orleans Saints 38
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts
Colts have won seven straight matchups vs. Ravens, including 15-6 victory in only other playoff meeting in 2006.
The Ravens’ defense has had recent success vs. the Colts offense, although the team lost the games. Baltimore runs the ball very, very well.
Similarly to the Jets, the Ravens will have to slip in significant passing plays to stay in the game on the road.
Manning is 7-8 in playoffs. Indy is 0-3 after earning first-round playoff bye and has not won postseason game since beating Chicago in Super Bowl following 2006 season.
This game is also an assessment of the Colts’ approach to the playoffs. Thus, there is very heavy pressure on Indy to win not only this game, but to get to and win the Super Bowl.
Will the Colts defense contain and stop the run? Both defenses will dictate this game and perhaps a referee call or non-call or two or three will impact the final score.
Indianapolis Colts 20, Baltimore Ravens 17
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
It’s been only two years since Brett Favre has reached the NFC Championship Game – why does it seem longer than that? Well, two teams and two drama-filled seasons later, here we are.
Favre is 2-9 lifetime against the Cowboys over his 19-year career. Favre owns a lifetime 12-10 record as a starter in postseason play, with a 4-4 ledger in the Divisional Playoffs.
The Dallas Cowboys finally got over the “haven’t won a playoff game since 1996” and “Romo can’t win in the post season” obstacles with a vastly improved defense and an efficient offense.
The Cowboys and Vikings employ two of the most talented rosters in the NFL. If both teams play at their best level, this game will be an instant classic.
Although this game features marquee quarterbacks Brett Favre and Tony Romo, this game will be won in the trenches. The Vikings offensive line vs. the Cowboys’ defensive line should be epic.
Each Favre and Romo will throw a pair of interceptions along with a couple of touchdowns. The losing quarterback predictably will be blamed for losing the game by their haters and mockers, ignoring the fact that football is a team sport.
The trendy pick is Dallas. Almost the entire world predicts a Cowboys victory, noting how the Vikings “declined” towards the end of the season.
This gives Minnesota an ax to grind and besides, the Vikings are undefeated at home this season. At the Metrodome, the Vikings have won by 17 points or more in each of their last five games.
My heart says Vikings but my head says the Cowboys does not get to play and own the Philadelphia Eagles for three straight weeks. However, Dallas dominated the Saints at the Superdome in New Orleans.
These ain’t the Saints. Minnesota has better defense and a better rushing offense.
The Vikings also have a better placekicker than the Cowboys.
Minnesota 26 Dallas 23
New York Jets at San Diego Chargers
Phillip Rivers is a very efficient passer and the Jets defense is strong limiting the passing game. What will give?
On the other side of the ball, the Chargers defense will attempt to stuff the run and force the rookie QB Mark Sanchez to throw in order to win the game. The Jets have confidence and boldness, and the Chargers have won only two of their last four home playoff games.
Will the Jets defense shut down the Chargers offense and control the game? San Diego has been one of the most impressive and consistent teams of the season.
But the playoffs are a new season and each week, teams are 0-0. Coach Rex Ryan predicted a Super Bowl appearance for his New York Jets, almost a Joe Namath guarantee.
Ryan makes football fun for his players yet they keep command of detail and performance. Norv Turner was hired to win playoff games.
I like Coach Ryan but I also like Phillip Rivers as quarterback play will be the story and theme of the NFLs elite eight weekend.
San Diego are on an 11-game winning streak and after this weekend, make it 12.
Chargers 24, Jets 20
Quote of the Day:
The real trap of fame is its irresistibility.
--Ingrid Bengis
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