3 blowouts in the Divisional Round before the weekend ended with a tense and exciting matchup between the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers. It was the Indianapolis Colts who let the Jets back into the playoff race back in week 16; will they pay the price this weekend?

Sunday 24th January 2010
New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts
The Jets were fortuitous last week on missed field goals, silly penalites, the inabilities of LaDainian Tomlinson and receivers not hanging onto the ball. The Chargers could have easily lived up to expectations and beat the Jets last Sunday. But it wasn’t to be and congratulations to the Jets for getting this far. Rex Ryan’s theory of having a great defence and good running game to win championships is working so far. How their running game fairs against this quick defence remains to be seen but I can see the power of Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene picking up consistent first downs without breaking a big run. But if they require several of long drives to pick up points, it’s giving the Colts more plays to create turnovers. The Jets need to create turnovers themselves. They will be hoping their blitzes get to Peyton Manning, because Manning can easily make them backfire on the Jets with his calmness in the pocket and the ability to see and find open receivers.

The Indianapolis Colts beat a similar version of the New York Jets last weekend; the Baltimore Ravens. A team that relies on its running game on offence and that has a good defence. The Colts stopped the running game which ultimately stopped the offence. The Jets do have more powerful running backs that could cause the Colts problems this week. That may ease the pressure getting to Mark Sanchez. The Jets need him protected. As for Peyton Manning, expect lots of blitzing. He was comfortable in the pocket last weekend and if he feels that way again on Sunday it’s going to a long day for the Jets secondary. Their running game was non-existent last weekend and they could do with a few big plays from Joseph Addai as unlikely as it seems. With Manning and a few big plays on defence the Colts will be going to the Superbowl.

Pick: Indianapolis

Sunday 24th January 2010
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints
The matchup many fans have been wanting for months. A shootout is expected between these two after explosive seasons. Although a shootout was expected in New Orleans last weekend but the Saints didn’t let the Cardinals offence get going. Adrian Peterson will be looking for a Reggie Bush-like explosive game after a quiet end to the season. Brett Favre will be looking downfield but needs to be wary of former teammate Darren Sharper looking to pick him off. The Saints pass rush got to Kurt Warner last week and may force Favre to release the ball early this week. He is capable of doing that to success at his peak, but I don’t think he’ll enjoy total success if he is forced too against the Saints defence looking to create turnovers. The Vikings sacked Tony Romo a record 6 times last week and similar pressure to Drew Brees this week will be required. The Vikings may have problems controlling the ground game of New Orleans. They have looked vulnerable since E.J. Henderson went down. Now Kevin Williams and Ray Edwards are doubts ahead of this game.

The New Orleans Saints turned around their poor end of season form in dramatic fashion by thrashing the Arizona Cardinals 45-14. The 8 days extra rest may have been part of the reason why they looked refreshed. They looked like the team that were heavily-fancied throughout the season. If they can protect Drew Brees here he should find open receivers. They also have a running game they can rely on and should have success with. By keeping Adrian Peterson in check and keeping their mistakes down to a minimal, the New Orleans Saints should be booking their ticket to the Superbowl.

Pick: New Orleans

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