Saturday, Jan. 15
New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:30 ET, CBS
In this contest, the Steelers just need to continue to do what they do best... run the football and stop the run. They must continue to keep the pressure off rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and not ask him to do too much under the pressure of his first playoff appearance.
The Jets, on the other hand, have got to get pressure on the rookie and force him to make poor decisions, which is easier said than done. And on offense, they have got to take shots down field. Most likely they are not going to be able to grind out long, time-consuming drives, so they have got to connect on several big plays if they hope to pull another upset.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Jets 10
St. Louis Rams at Atlanta Falcons, 8:00 ET, FOX
This is an intriguing match-up with the Rams suddenly turning things around. The Rams have got to slow down the Falcons pass rush by establishing the run early. If they move the ball on the ground early, they should be able to keep Atlanta's defense off balance and connect on some big plays in the passing game.
The Falcons must get a legitimate passing attack going in this contest. They cannot rely on quarterback Michael Vick to do it all with his feet. They must also figure out a way to slow down the Rams' speedy receivers, which means they will probably be limited to rushing just four players the majority of the time.
Prediction: Rams 24, Falcons 20 (Upset of the Week)
Sunday, Jan. 16
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00, FOX
Eagles' head coach Andy Reid chose to rest most of his key players over the last couple weeks of the regular season, which means many of them have seen little action over the last month. With a lack of recent action, there is a danger that the club could come out flat in this contest. The offense needs to get off to a good start and prove they can function without wide receiver Terrell Owens in the lineup, which means they will probably try to get Brian Westbrook more involved in the passing game. On defense, they have got to limit the big plays through the air and keep consistent pressure on QB Daunte Culpepper.
The recent antics of Randy Moss seem to have pulled this Vikings team together and redirected some of the pressure away from the team itself. However, to beat the Eagles, they must establish a running game and provide a more balanced attack... especially if Moss is still slowed significantly by an injured ankle. Defensively, they have got to pressure Donovan McNabb, but not allow him to get outside the pocket where he is even more dangerous.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Vikings 24
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots, 4:30 ET, CBS
The defending champs are severely hobbled in their secondary, which doesn't bode well for a team facing the potent passing attack of the Colts. So to counter that, Corey Dillon must have a big day on the ground, and the Pats have got to keep control of the ball and keep it out of Peyton Manning's hands. They also must get quick pressure on Manning when he has the ball to keep him out of his comfort zone and not allow him to get into a rhythm.
The Colts will attempt to take advantage of the Patriots secondary by spreading the field, which should allow running back Edgerrin James to have a huge day. The Colts must also avoid the turnovers that have cost them in their last few meetings with New England. On defense, they can't allow Tom Brady and the offense to convert consistently on third downs. It's also important that the Colts get out to an early lead and force the Patriots to play catch-up, making Dillon less of a factor for the defense to worry about.
Prediction: Colts 34, Patriots 24
