Playoffs: Jets at Chargers Prediction

I like the Jets offensive line. They've earned how far they've made it thus far. But I think San Diego has the advantage. The extra week off has helped the Chargers regain some starters. This will benefit them against a tired Jets team that hasn't had a week off in months.

The Jets need Mark Sanchez and Braylon Edwards to have a exceptional games. In order for this to happen, they need to run the ball for over 200 yards, which with their line is possible. I don't see this happening against the Chargers, but if they do, they'll pull off an upset.

Tomlinson, Gates, Rivers, all big offensive names. Expect them to put up decent numbers as the Chargers spread it around, keeping the Jets defense on their toes. Tomlingson will work the outside, making the Jets line run. Gates will work the middle of the field, his height allowing him to reach high throws. Rivers will sit in the pocket and deliver the ball

Cromartie and the defense is the key. If they have a decent day, the Jets will falter, as they will be under a lot of pressure to catch up with San Diego's early scores.

The x-factor in this game will be special teams, especially field position. The more Sanchez has to take his team down a long field, the more the Chargers. Look for the Jets to shoot for the end zone from midfield early in the game. If they hit a few of these, San Diego will not hold their ground.

Jets 23, Chargers 27

Playoffs: Cowboys at Vikings Prediction

Though both teams have flashy offenses that are fun to watch, this game (like so many of late) will be dictated by the defenses. Whichever team's defense plays hardest will win this game. This means big plays by the defense. Looks for lots of sacks and plays featuring loss of yards.

For the Vikings, it's all about the front four, who need to pressure Romo. The Cowboys QB is susceptible to pressure, especially by a defensive line that led the league in sacks. But the Vikings will also have stop Jones and Barber, who've been able to run over their competition in recent weeks.

For the Cowboys, even though they've been hot, the threat of Ware and Spencer will fall short in the face of the Vikings offensive line. Dallas will need to stop the run as well as the pass magic that Farve brings to the table. Peterson won't have a 100-yard game (he's been off his game of late), but they won't be able to stop Rice and Taylor down the stretch.

Take the lead, play solid football, don't turn it over. The Vikings are more likely to do this than the Cowboys.

Cowboys 17, Vikings 24

Playoffs: Ravens at Colts Prediction

Simple. Colts have too much firepower behind Manning's arm. They're going to the Super Bowl unless the Jets or Chargers show they're unstoppable. Whether it's Wayne or Collie, they're going to move the ball 300 yards ot more throgh the air. The running game will pick up because of this.

What makes this hard in any way difficult is how well the Ravens have been playing. But it's not going to hold up this week. Their offense is too weak to score enough points against the Colts defense. Rice can run, and will well this game, but without the complementary attack through the air, they'll not make enough third downs to sustain drives, especially in the second half.

Look for the running game to stall, and for Flacco to throw a few interceptions trying to bring the Ravens back late. Won't happen. Kinda pulling for the Ravens, given how hot they've been the past few weeks, but I can't bring myself to see them winning this one.

Ravens 17, Colts 24

Playoffs: Cardinals at Saints Prediction

Look for both offenses to have big days. Hightower will run wild on the Saints, Thomas on the Cards. Bouldin, Fitzgerald, etc will catch a number of passes, racking up plenty of yards after catch. Colston, Bush, and Moore will also catch short passes and turn them into more.

The key to victory for both teams will be defense. Sharper will need to lead the Saints to victory, who will need a few interceptions to deflate Warner and the Cardinals offfense. This may take place, but not until the second half, where the Saints will pull close behind Reggie Bush's running and catches out of the backfield.

The defense on the other side of the ball will be tighter than last week, but will open up in the second half, and the Saints will put some 4th quarter points on the board.

It will be exciting and close the whole way. Defense and turnovers, uh-huh.

Cardinals 31, Saints 34