NFL Divisional Playoffs: Analysis and Predictions of This Weekend's Games

AFC:

Jacksonville at New England

On Jacksonville:

Offense:

Jacksonville is a big physical team upfront on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. They have two exceptional running backs (10,000 yarder Fred Taylor, and Change of pace, but still bruising Maurice Jones-drew). This could give the patriosts problems in two ways: It could wear the defense down, becuase the Patriots defense is not a young defense by any stretch. Also, and maybe more importantly, by being able to run the ball, it keeps the patriots biggest weapon, thier offiense, off the field for longer stretches of time.

Defense:

Up front of defense Jacksonville is also big and strong, but also quick enough to get to the ball on sweeps and outside runs. The problem for Jacksonville might be in thier pass coverage. With the amount of receivers New England has, Jacksonville just doesn't have enough talent, or depth, to keep up with NEw England.

On New England:

Offense:

The most prolific offense in NFL history, with the most touchdowns thrown by a quarter back in one season (Tom Brady) and caught by a wide receiver in one season (Randy Moss). This unit is as close to unstoppable as it comes in football. Mix in an above average running back ( Lawrence Maroney) and it will be nearly impossible to hold the Patriots under 28 points.

Defense:

The defense is by far the less dominant of the two, but still very solid. Although age is beginning to show itself, and they are not the fastest, or biggest, defense, they make up for it with preparation, smarts and positioning. They don;t allow the big play often, which in a many games is exactly what the opposing team needs in order to catch up in most games.

Overall Outlook:

I have a feeling this game might be far closer than most might expect, with Jacksonville being able to control the time of possession battle, and David Gerrard playing mostly error free football, but there is no way i could possibly pick against a team that hasn't lost a game this year.

Final Score: 31- 24, New England

San Diego at Indianapolis

On San Diego:

Offense:
Ladanian Tomlinson has been the go-to guy for the Chargers for several years now, but as the Tennessee playoff game this past week shows, San diego is no longer a one trick pony. With Antonio gates going down with a toe injury, both Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers came up big with over 100 yard days. This does not mean, however, that Tomlinson isn't going to be the focal point of the offense. With an ability to run the ball, catch passes out of the backfield, and even throw the occasional option pass, LT is quite possibly the best all around back in the league.

Defense:

The San Diego defense has really come toghether again after a shaky start to the season. All-Pro linebacker Shawn Merriman is a force (as witnessed by popping the ball out of Chris Browns arms last week against TN). they have an aggressive scheme and also a very high turnover ratio. They might get burned for a big play or two, but theyll make up for it, just ask their opponent this week, the Colts, who in thier last meeting threw 6 interceptions.

On Indianapolis:

Offense:
We are all well aware of how good a quaterback Payton Manning is, who before this season held the NFL single season Touchdown record. With a strong supporting cast of Marvin Harrison (who has been injured much of the year), Anthony Gonzales and Reggie Wayne has done admirable jobs this year, and Tight End Dallas Clark is a great option for Manning. Although hampered by the loss of thier biggest weapon (harrison) the colts have still put up points. Versitile and dependable running back Joseph Addai makes the Colts dangerous in both passing and running.

Defense:
In years past you could point to the Colts defense as the weak link, but certainly not this year. With hard hitting safety Bob Sanders, and a speedy defense, the Colts can really swarm the ball carrier. Although not big up front, they make up for it with smarts, and being able to get to the ballcarrier before they find the open seam. This year, the defense matches the offense in quality, which makes them even more dangerous.

Overall outlook:

Although Indy has the home field advantage in this game and a better quaterback, San diego has won the last two meeting between these teams, in one racking up close to 500 yards of offense. San Diego's defense has the speed and playmaking ability to give the Colts fits, and once frustrated, Manning can tend to trust his arm a little too much to win the game. Although exceptionally close, I am picking San Diego to upset the Indianapolis Colts.

Final Score: 24-21, San Diego

NFC

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

On New York:

Offense:
Eli Manning finally showed that week that he has the poise to win a playoff game, as long as he finds a rhythm. Brandon Jacobs is an above average back, who might be able to wear down the Dallas front 7, which is good news, because with Jeremy Shockey unavailable, the Giants passing game isn't the most threatening arial attack around.

Defense:
The New York defense might be the best shot the Giants have at winning this game. League leaders in sacks this year, they can put serious pressure on any quarter back, at any point in the game, without the need to blitz. Tomo Romo has the tendency when hurried to throw interceptions and make bad decisions, as apparent by the Monday Night Football game earlier in the year against the Bills.

On Dallas:

Offense:
Reports show Terrell Owens to be a game-time decision this week, but don't believe it, he will be in there with no doubt in my mind. With him, Dallas is nothing like the team that stumbled the last couple games of the season. Having T.O. , Marion Barber, Patrick Creighton, and their stud tight end Jason Whitten, the Dallas offense is hard to contain.

Defense:
The Dallas D aren't the type of defense who can stop anyone at anytime. Key injuries in the beginning of the season affected how they played together, and they have steadily gotten better through out the year. They still can be burned with the long ball, and have tendencies to play down to their opponents.

Overall Outlook:

With the Giants riding high following two strong games, Dallas is going to have to come out with their best effort. Which they will.

Final Score: 28-24 Dallas.

Seattle at Green Bay

On Seattle:

Offense:
The offense has had to rely heavily on the arm of Matt Hasselback this season, due to the poor play of normally reliable running back Shawn Alexander, and Hasselback has excelled with the challenge. The passing game has carried them into the playoffs, and thru the Redskins game. Expect more of the same in the matchup against Green Bay.

Defense:
Maybe the surprise of the team this year, the defense is the reason the Seahawks are where they are right now. With an aggressive pass rush, underrated linebackers and good cover corners, Seattle might be able to fluster Brett Favre into some key interceptions.

On Green Bay:

Offense:
Everyone by now knows about the resurgence that Brett Favre has gone thru this year, but the real key to this game will be running back Ryan Grant. If Grant puts up solid number, and keeps the Seattle offense off the field, Green bay will have a better than even chance of winning. Although even if the running game fails, Brett Favre has the arm, and smarts, to win this game for them.

Defense:
Green Bay has one of the best cornerback tandems in the league in Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Their cover ability gives the defense line and linebackers plenty of time to get to the quarter back, which causes not only loss of yards, but hurried decisions and opportunity of turnovers.

Overall outlook:
Seattle will keep it close for a long while, but Favre, with some help from Grant, pulls it out.

Final Score: 21-17, Green Bay