Falcons @ Cardinals (Krueger)
Matt Ryan / Roddy White / Michael Jenkins / Harry Douglas
Michael Turner / Jerious Norwood (vs. ARI)

Passing Game Thoughts: What a story rookie Quarterback Matt Ryan has been this season. Ryan notched a 61% completition percentage while throwing for 3440 yards and 16 touchdowns. The AP’s Rookie of the Year will have a chance to win his first playoff game this Saturday at Arizona. Ryan and receiver Roddy White should have a field day against the Arizona secondary, which ranks 22nd in yards and first in fantasy points allowed. The Cardinals have given up a total of 36 passing TDs this season… by far, the most in the league. Michael Jenkins never had a 100-yd game this season but remains a steady number two receiver averaging close to 50 yards per game.

Running Game Thoughts: The Falcons did most of their offensive damage on the ground this season. Atlanta’s rushing attack was 2nd in the league earning Michael Turner a Pro Bowl trip of his own. Turner has scored eleven touchdowns in his last eight games and averaged 23.5 carries per game. Expect him to get 20+ carries again this week against a Jekyll and Hyde Cardina’s defense which seems to play better at home but hasn’t played well against strong running teams like New England (Jordan & Morris – 166 yds), Minnesota (Peterson & Taylor – 231 yds), & Carolina (Williams - 108). Turner should have a solid, but not spectacular day leading the Falcons to a close victory.

Projections:
Matt Ryan: 245 yds passing / 2 TDs
Roddy White: 100 yds receiving / 1TD
Michael Jenkins: 65 yds receiving
Harry Douglas: 30 yds receiving
Michael Turner: 95 yds rushing / 1 TD / 10 receiving
Jerious Norwood: 30 yds rushing / 20 yds receiving

Kurt Warner / Larry Fitzgerald / Anquan Boldin / Steve Breaston
Edgerrin James / Tim Hightower (vs. ATL)

Passing Game Thoughts: Despite being at home the Cardinals are two-point underdogs to the Falcons thanks largely to their late-season swoon. Arizona dropped four of its last six games including a 47-7 loss to New England… a game that Kurt Warner watched from the sildeline most of the second half. He should fare better against the Falcons this week and is expected to have Anquan Boldin back in the starting lineup. Boldin has missed the last two weeks due to a shoulder injury but insists he will play. "If anybody thinks that I'm going to miss this game, they're not too bright," he said earlier this week.” The Falcons are vulnerable against the run, but Arizona’s bread and butter is the pass, which should mean plenty of work for Boldin, Breaston, and Fitzgerald.

Running Game Thoughts: Arizona broke form last week and posted a 100-yd rusher. Edgerrin James carried fourteen times for exactly 100 yds… the third 100-yard game by a Cardinals running back this season. Despite his lofty numbers against Seattle don’t expect James or Tim Hightower to damage the Falcons on the ground. The Cardinals are last in rushing (73 yds/game) and throw the ball 65% of the time. During Hightower’s brief run as the starter, only once did he carry the ball more than 13 times in a game. Arizona will win this game through the air or die trying. Both backs are expected to play with James likely to start but neither is worth starting in your playoff fantasy league.

Projections:
Kurt Warner: 300 yds passing / 2 TDs / 2 INTs
Larry Fitzgerald: 70 yds /1 TD
Anquan Boldin: 75 yds / 1 TD
Steve Breaston: 65 yds
Edgerrin James: 55 yds rushing /1 TD / 5 yds receiving
Tim Hightower: 25 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving

Prediction: Atlanta 24, Arizona 21

Colts @ Chargers (Dhawan)
Peyton Manning/ Marvin Harrison/ Reggie Wayne/ Anthony Gonzalez/ Dallas Clark
Joseph Addai/ Dominic Rhodes (vs. SD)

Passing Game Thoughts: QB Peyton Manning is on the verge of a Brett Favre-esque 3 MVP awards. Media writers love the grit with which he overcame not only his own injury but those of key players while turning the 3-4 record into a 9 game win streak and surge into the playoffs. He is hitting on all cylinders right now, posting 6 straight games with 70+% completions [7 out of 7 last week in pre-playoff warm up duty]. His weapons are all healthy, notably WR Reggie Wayne [knee], who was slowed in the mid year match up and was used more as a decoy against cover corner Antonio Cromartie to open up WR Anthony Gonzalez. Old man WR Marvin Harrison caught 7 balls last week to push him over 1000 receptions for the career, and seems to be healthy after sitting out week 16 due to a tweaked hamstring. Harrison has usually been dull in the playoffs over the years, sometimes due to coverage [blanketed by CB Champ Bailey in 2 memorable high scoring Colts explosions earlier this decade] or by injury [his key fumble that changed the complexion of last January’s playoff game as the Colts were about to score for a 14-0 lead]. Can he make one last hurrah in perhaps this his final year with Manning and the Colts? Front office decisions regarding Harrison include his age of 36 years and 2009 cap charge of nearly $13 million. Expect Manning to control the game and the number of possessions for each team with his play calling and rhythm. He should post big stats and hit all receivers for nice yardage and scores. TE Dallas Clark doesn’t make tough catches in traffic, but he makes spectacular ones in man coverage or deep on the sidelines. Look for a big game from Wayne, who has a knack for big playoff performances [221 yards, 2TDs versus Denver in 2004, TD bomb in 2006 Super Bowl] and recently these Chargers [140 yards, 3TDs in the 2007 regular season game].

Running Game Thoughts: The running game will face a tough test with monster DT Jamal Williams in the middle of the Charger 3-4 defense. The Colts have averaged 75 yards rushing per game over the last 3 contests with San Diego, including 70 yards by HB Joseph Addai in this year’s previous game. Addai sat out several December games as he healed his shoulder, then played week17 and showed a burst on a 55yard catch and run into the end zone for a TD. Is he ready to spark the running game and fuel the complete balance of the Colts offense? If so, the scoreboard could run out of digits. Expect tough running with catches out of the backfield for both he and backup HB Dominic Rhodes, who was instrumental in the 2006 title run. Rhodes gets tough, important yards and makes key catches for Manning [TD receptions versus Chargers and Steelers this year].

Projections:
Peyton Manning: 365 pass/4 TD/0 INT
Reggie Wayne: 120 rec/ 1TD
Marvin Harrison: 50 rec/ 1TD
Anthony Gonzalez: 45 rec
Dallas Clark: 85 rec/1 TD
Dominic Rhodes: 50 rush/20 rec
Joseph Addai: 60 rush/ 35 rec/1 TD

Philip Rivers/Chris Chambers/Vincent Jackson/ Malcolm Floyd/Antonio Gates/
LaDainian Tomlinson/ Darren Sproles (vs. IND)

Passing Game Thoughts: Philip Rivers is now the guy all Denver Broncos fans hate. He single-handedly sank their ship and got their beloved coach fired. It probably was time for Shanahan to move on anyways, as the luster of decade old Super Bowl rings was fading, and his prowess lately had been suspect at best, especially in the personnel decisions department. This is truly Rivers’ team now, and his arm makes them go. He finds the range on accurate lobs to tall WRs Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd, and Chris Chambers, as well as TE Antonio Gates [healthy again the past 2 outings]. Rivers was off in the 2007 midseason match up [104 pass yards, 2 INTs], but sharp in the January playoff game [260 pass yards, 3TDs, 1 INT] and this year’s midseason game [225 yards, 2TDs]. Expect him to pass a lot and post big stats as he tries to carry the squad and its weakened defense in a shootout victory. This is a team that can hang with Manning in this type of game, so expect fireworks through the air.

Running Game Thoughts: The Chargers are averaging 95 yards per game on the ground over the past 3 contests with Indianapolis. Tomlinson gained 84 yards in this year’s midseason match up, while Michael Turner posted 70 yards in last January’s playoff game. The Colts Cover2 defense is predicated upon bending and not breaking, especially evidenced by their 7th overall ranking in PPG Allowed. This unit may indeed be 24th ranked against the run, but with Pro Bowl S Bob Sanders healthy and in the lineup, those rankings go out the window. We have seen this defense raise its level of play in the postseason. During the Super Bowl run of 2006, they shutdown the running games of Kansas City, Baltimore, and New England en route to the title over Chicago [who also was clamped less one long gainer by HB Thomas Jones]. This weekend, Tomlinson does have the advantage of a great 90 yard, 3 TD game against the feeble Denver defense in his rearview mirror. On the other hand, he jogged gingerly off the field after tweaking his groin. This season has been one of nagging injuries for the star fantasy legend, and this one also will slow him down and keep him from reaching top performance once again. The critics will have more fuel to burn as Tomlinson continues to be a playoff disappointment. Expect backup HB Darren Sproles to make an impact play via air or ground, as his contributions have been huge in this series [kickoff return, punt return, and long screen pass for TDs in the recent 3 games].

Projections:
Philip Rivers: 310 pass/ 3 TD/ 1 INT
Chris Chambers: 60 rec
Vincent Jackson: 90 rec/1 TD
Malcolm Floyd: 50 rec/1 TD
Antonio Gates: 70 rec
LaDainian Tomlinson: 30 rush/10 rec
Darren Sproles: 40 rush/30 rec/1 TD

Prediction: Indianapolis 34, San Diego 24

Ravens @ Dolphins
Joe Flacco / Derrick Mason / Mark Clayton / Todd Heap
Le’Ron McClain / Willis McGahee (vs. Miami)

Passing Game Thoughts: After a hot November, Joe Flacco cooled considerably in December. He threw only two TDs in the last four games of the season, while tossing three picks during that stretch. Baltimore did win three of those four contests, but only one was against a playoff team. That goes to show that Flacco can be off and the Ravens offense still manages to play well and pull out victories. Flacco should be able to snap out of his recent funk because Miami doesn’t have the most dominant defense of all time. Plus, a secondary consisting of Will Allen and Andre Goodman doesn’t necessarily strike fear in the hearts and minds of opponents league-wide.

With all that being said, if Flacco throws more than 25 times in this game, Baltimore could be in trouble. This game needs to rest in the hands of the Ravens’ three-headed attack in the running game. Flacco has been Joe Cool all year, but we all know the stakes are raised come playoff time. I suspect head coach John Harbaugh will take it easy regarding what he asks his rookie QB to do in his first post-season appearance. Baltimore will more than likely employ a conservative aerial attack, meaning Derrick Mason will remain an important cog in the Ravens’ passing game. Expect a lot of short hitch routes from Mason as well as the other WRs. TE Todd Heap should play a big role in the game well.

Running Game Thoughts: Make no mistake about it: Le’Ron McClain is the main man in the Baltimore running attack. The big bruiser has been a surprise all season long. He’s what I call a poor man’s version of Brandon Jacobs, only McClain has been more durable than the behemoth RB for the New York Giants. Willis McGahee will continue to get his share of carries to keep him content, but the running game will go only as far as McClain can take it. Rookie Ron Rice appears ready to return after getting injured in week 14 against Washington. Miami’s front seven is tough. Their 10th-ranked running defense has caused havoc all season long, and finding seams to run through in their 3-4 alignment has been a daunting task for opposing runners. Jason Ferguson, Vonnie Holliday, Joey Porter & Co. will present a rough challenge for Baltimore.

Projections:
Joe Flacco: 175 yards / 1 TD
Derrick Mason: 65 yards / 1 TD
Mark Clayton: 40 yards
Todd Heap: 50 yards
Le’Ron McClain: 125 yards / 1 TD
Willis McGahee: 40 yards
Ron Rice: 15 yards

Chad Pennington / Ted Ginn Jr. / Davone Bess / Anthony Fasano
Ronnie Brown / Ricky Williams (vs. Baltimore)

Passing Game Thoughts: If there’s still any lingering doubt as to Bill Parcells’ brilliance relative to football, this season’s version of the Miami Dolphins puts all uncertainty to rest. Parcells has resurrected his fifth NFL team, an astonishing fact when you really look at it. He was responsible for bringing in this year’s Comeback Player of the Year, QB Chad Pennington and all he’s done is solidify a position the Dolphins have been trying to solve since Dan Marino skipped town nine seasons ago.

When these two teams met in week 7, Pennington played an efficient game, spreading the ball around to a variety of receivers; four players had at least four receptions. Baltimore led the league in interceptions with 26, but Pennington protected the rock pretty well in that game, throwing only one pick. In fact, he tossed only seven all season, and never did he throw more than one in a game. That’s the kind of efficiency that will be needed for Miami to win this game. Baltimore is one of the top pass defenses in the league, but Pennington should be able to move the ball through the air. WRs Ted Ginn Jr. and rookie Davone Bess will give CBs Frank Walker and a hobbled Samari Rolle all they can handle. Bess has played will in place of an injured Greg Camarillo. The rookie has 24 receptions in his last four games, and even led the team in receptions in week 17 against the Jets. It’s going to be imperative for the Ravens to put pressure on Pennington. If he’s allowed to remain upright and scan the secondary, he will put the Dolphins in great position to win.

Running Game Thoughts: With Ronnie Brown returning from an ACL injury and with the fragile dedication of enigmatic Ricky Williams always in doubt, who would have thought the Miami running game would be so dynamic in 2008? Give credit to the O-line, the creative design of the ubiquitous Wildcat formation or the motivation from the coaching staff; whatever it is, Brown and Williams have proven to be one of the top RB duos in the NFL. When the Dolphins battled the Ravens earlier this season, however, Baltimore’s 3rd-ranked run defense held the tandem to only 43 combined yards on the ground. The Ravens will once again look to neutralize Miami’s two-headed attack with an aggressive attack up front.

The Dolphins called numerous plays out of the Wildcat formation in that earlier game, but Baltimore was up for the task. If Miami chooses to use that formation this week (I doubt it), expect a few wrinkles that have not been seen all year. The Ravens are simply too well-coached on defense to be fooled with the gimmicky Wildcat stuff; consequently, the Dolphins will be more traditional in their approach on the ground. They cannot rely on Pennington to win this game. Brown and Williams need to play big in order for the Dolphins to walk away victorious. That’s a tall order, but the way Miami has played in 2008, they have certainly proven capable of such a performance.

Projections:
Chad Pennington: 225 yards / 1 TD / 1 INT
Davone Bess: 70 yards
Ted Ginn Jr.: 55 yards / 1 TD
Anthony Fasano: 35 yards
Ronnie Brown: 70 yards / 1 TD – 35 yards rec.
Ricky Williams: 35 yards

Prediction: Baltimore 20, Miami 17

Eagles @ Vikings (Marcoccio)
Donovan McNabb/Reggie Brown/DeSean Jackson/LJ Smith
Brian Westbrook/Correll Bukhalter (vs. MIN)

Passing Game Thoughts: Donovan McNabb enters the playoffs coming off a season which was statistically superior to all but one season in his fine career - the 2004 season where he had a certain loudmouth superstar WR catching his throws. McNabb threw for 3,916 yards and 23 TDs with only 11 interceptions this past year. Rookie speedster DeSean Jackson breathed some life into a receiving corp. which was devoid of a game breaking talent since the aforementioned superstar left for greener pastures. McNabb also benefits from having one of the best pass catching RBs in the NFL in Brian Westbrook who would probably be a better slot WR than the one used by 80% of the teams in the league.

The Minnesota pass defense was improved this season over last, but it was still not terribly difficult to pass against the Vikings. The Vikings allowed 215.6 passing yards and just under 1 TD per game in 2008. In fairness, the Vikings pass defense is hurt by the fact that many teams abandon the run in favor of the pass due to the “Williams Wall”, therefore skewing the passing statistics. The addition of Jarred Allen has helped create a Viking pass rush (45 sacks on the season) that can mask its mediocre secondary. McNabb has lost some mobility over the years but can still use his legs to buy time before unleashing the ball downfield so that may negate Allen and the rest of the pass rush to some extent. The way the Vikings defense is built and the Philadelphia offensive philosophy which is a WC scheme that favors the pass over the run leads one to believe the Eagles stand a very good chance to move the ball in the Metro Dome this Sunday.

Running Game Thoughts: Brian Westbrook’s combination of speed, vision, balance and deceptive power creates match up problems for even the most stalwart defenses in the league. That theory will be tested this week, however, as Westbrook will face the Vikings top ranked run defense. Minnesota allowed a paltry 76.9 yards per game and gave up only 10 rushing TDs on the season. Pat Williams, one half of the “Williams Wall”, a large part of why the Vikings are so good at stopping the run has missed the last two weeks with a shoulder injury. The Vikings are claiming in the media that Williams will be “rushed back” in order to play this weekend. Obviously Williams’ presence makes a rather significant difference to the Vikings run defense, but given the Eagle’s propensity to pass and with Kevin Williams still manning one of the inside slots, it may not make that much of a difference whether he’s back or not.

Projections:
Donovan McNabb: 285 yds passing 2 TDs, 1 INT / 5 yards rushing
Reggie Brown: 65 yds receiving, 1 TD
DeSean Jackson: 90 yds receiving
LJ Smith: 35 yds receiving, 1 TD
Brian Westbrook: 75 yds rushing, 1 TD / 55 yds receiving
Correll Buckhalter: 15 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving

Tarvaris Jackson/Bernard Berrian/Sidney Rice/Visanthe Shiancoe
Adrian Peterson/Chester Taylor (vs. PHI)

Passing Game Thoughts: Tarvaris Jackson, who was benched earlier this season for journeyman Gus Frerotte, has performed very well after gaining his job back due to an injury to Frerotte. He has thrown for 7 TDs with only 1 interception over the last three weeks in leading the Vikings to two victories in three games - all against teams that also qualified for the post season. Jackson’s emergence has also made WR Bernard Berrian and TE Visanthe Shiancoe more dangerous weapons than they were earlier in the season when he struggled with his accuracy and decision making. With the establishment of a legitimate passing game it makes it that much more difficult for defenses to “stack the box” in an effort to shut down the vaunted Viking rushing attack.

Berrian could find it tougher this week though as the Eagle’s have two very good cover corners in Assante Samuel and Sheldon Brown. Jackson will also be tested this week against the blitzing Eagles who have amassed 48 sacks on the season and are ranked 4th in the NFL against the pass. Vikings coach Brad Childress was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles prior to coming to Minnesota so he could be one of the best equipped coaches to deal with Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson’s complex blitzing schemes. Of course conversely, the Eagles are well aware of Childress’ tendencies as well. It should be an interesting chess match worth watching.

Running Game Thoughts: Adrian Peterson has amassed more yards rushing in his first two NFL seasons than any running back not named Eric Dickerson, Edgerrin James or Earl Campbell. Not too shabby. Chester Taylor who was a 1,200 + yard rusher in his own right prior to Peterson entering the league helps make the Minnesota backfield among the best in the league. Of course both backs benefit from running behind the likes of Bryant McKinnie, Steve Hutchinson, and Matt Birk who help form the best run blocking offensive line in the NFL. The Eagles also ranked 4th in league against the run this season after allowing only 92.3 yards per game and a mere 7 rushing TDs on the season. So it should be strength on strength as the two units match up. MLB Stewart Bradley in his second season recorded 102 total tackles on the year and will be needed to help slow down the Peterson/Taylor combo.

Projections:
Tarvaris Jackson: 215 yds passing, 1 TD, 1 INT / 25 yards rushing
Bernard Berrian: 60 yds receiving
Sidney Rice: 35 yds receiving
Visanthe Shianacoe: 45 yds receiving, 1 TD
Adrian Peterson: 85 yards rushing, 1 TD / 25 yards receiving
Chester Taylor: 45 yards rushing

Prediction: Eagles 27, Vikings 17