NFL Playoffs – division weekend

Here’s quick preview of this weeks games.  There were a couple of surprises last week.  I didn’t think the Ravens could beat the Patriots, even with Welker out, and in no way expected the shoot-out in Arizona.  Wild game there.  This week is the divisional playoff games, the winners moving to the conference playoffs and one step closer to the Super Bowl.

The Arizona Cardinals travel to meet the New Orleans Saints at 4:30pm Saturday.  The Saints lost their last three games heading into the playoffs and will be facing a high powered offense in Kurt Warner and the Cards.  The best way for the Cardinals to win this game is to get the RB’s more carries up front to open the field for Warner.  Teams have been able to run well on the Saints in the latter part of the season.  Brees, though, should have no trouble against the Cards secondary and should put up pretty good numbers in a tight game.  Vegas has the odds at 7 in favor of the saints and the O/U at a whopping 57 points.  I’d have to take the Saints to cover.

For the second game Saturday, the Baltimore Ravens travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on NFL MVP Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts at8:15pm .  The Ravens would love to duplicate last weeks game against the Pats but Peyton Manning should be able to easily pick apart a poor Ravens secondary.  Vegas has the odds at 6.5 points in favor of the Colts and the O/U at 44 points.  I’d have to take the Colts to cover.  I believe this game could be a rout with the Colts going ahead early and forcing Joe Flacco to attempt to catch up through the air.

Sundays games begin at 1pm when the Dallas Cowboys go to Minnesota to take on the Vikings.  The Cowboys will need to establish the run early as Jared Allen will beat Flozell Adams all day long in the passing game and Romo could spend a lot of time running for his life.  Adrian Peterson has not had a 100 yard game in 7 games and he will need to man up against Dallas to help Brett Favre open up the air attack.  Vegas has the odds at 3 in favor of the Vikings with the O/U at 48 points.

The last game of the weekend sends the New York Jets west to take on the San Diego Chargers at 4:40pm.  Jets RB’s Thomas Jones and Shonn Green sould have a big game against NT Ian Scott giving Sanchez a chance to make some plays.  Expect Chargers QB Phillip Rivers to look for WR Malcom Floyd and TE Antonio Gates as Vincent Jackson will most likely be doubled up in coverage.  Vegas has the odds at 7 in favor of the Chargers with the O/U at 42.  This should be another good game.