WILD CARD PLAYOFF PREVIEWS

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

GREEN BAY (11-5) vs ARIZONA (10-6)

Game Time: 4:30 p.m. EDT Sunday, January 10

Stadium: Sun Devil Stadium Surface: grass

RECORD ANALYSIS
STRAIGHT-UP VS. SPREAD OVER/UNDER
GREEN BAY HOME AWAY TOTAL HOME AWAY TOTAL HOME AWAY TOTAL

Year-to-Date 6 - 2 5 - 3 11 - 5 5 - 2 6 - 2 11 - 4 4 - 4 4 - 4 8 - 8
Last 5 games 2 - 0 2 - 1 4 - 1 2 - 0 3 - 0 5 - 0 1 - 1 1 - 2 2 - 3
YTD vs. Div. 2 - 1 2 - 1 4 - 2 2 - 1 2 - 1 4 - 2 1 - 2 1 - 2 2 - 4
STRAIGHT-UP VS. SPREAD OVER/UNDER
ARIZONA HOME AWAY TOTAL HOME AWAY TOTAL HOME AWAY TOTAL
Year-to-Date 4 - 4 6 - 2 10 - 6 4 - 4 4 - 3 8 - 7 2 - 6 3 - 5 5 - 11
Last 5 games 2 - 1 1 - 1 3 - 2 2 - 1 0 - 2 2 - 3 0 - 3 1 - 1 1 - 4
YTD vs. Div. 2 - 1 2 - 1 4 - 2 2 - 1 1 - 2 3 - 3 1 - 2 0 - 3 1 - 5
AWAY VS. SPREAD HOME VS. SPREAD
Year-to-Date FAV DOG GRASS TURF FAV DOG GRASS TURF
GREEN BAY 4 - 1 2 - 1 4 - 1 2 - 1 4 - 2 1 - 0 5 - 2 0 - 0
ARIZONA 0 - 3 4 - 0 3 - 1 1 - 2 3 - 4 1 - 0 4 - 4 0 - 0

TEAM LOGS/SCHEDULE:
( * = overtime)

GREEN BAY
LINE OVER/UNDER
DATE DAY OPP SCORE SU OPEN CLOSE ATS &
MARGIN OPEN CLOSE O/U &
MARGIN G/T
09/13/09 Sun CHI 21 - 15 W -3 -4.5 W +1.5 44.0 46.5 U -10.5 G
09/20/09 Sun CIN 24 - 31 L -9.5 -7.5 L -14.5 43.0 42.0 O +13.0 G
09/27/09 Sun @STL 36 - 17 W -7 -6.5 W +12.5 42.0 42.5 O +10.5 T
10/05/09 Mon @MIN 23 - 30 L +3.5 +4.5 L -2.5 46.5 46.5 O + 6.5 T
10/18/09 Sun DET 26 - 0 W -10.5 -14 W +12 49.0 48.0 U -22.0 G
10/25/09 Sun @CLE 31 - 3 W -7 -9 W +19 41.0 41.5 U -7.5 G
11/01/09 Sun MIN 26 - 38 L -3 -3.5 L -15.5 46.5 47.0 O +17.0 G
11/08/09 Sun @TB 28 - 38 L -9.5 -9.5 L -19.5 45.0 43.0 O +23.0 G
11/15/09 Sun DAL 17 - 7 W +1 +3 W +13 50.0 47.5 U -23.5 G
11/22/09 Sun SF 30 - 24 W -5.5 -6 L 0 43.0 42.0 O +12.0 G
11/26/09 Thu @DET 34 - 12 W -10 -11.5 W +10.5 49.0 48.5 U -2.5 T
12/07/09 Mon BAL 27 - 14 W -2.5 -4 W +9 44.5 43.0 U -2.0 G
12/13/09 Sun @CHI 21 - 14 W -3 -4 W +3 45.0 41.5 U -6.5 G
12/20/09 Sun @PIT 36 - 37 L +1.5 +3 W +2 41.0 41.5 O +31.5 G
12/27/09 Sun SEA 48 - 10 W -11 -13.5 W +24.5 45.0 43.5 O +14.5 G
01/03/10 Sun @ARI 33 - 7 W +3 +3 W +29 43.5 41.5 U -1.5 G

ARIZONA
LINE OVER/UNDER
DATE DAY OPP SCORE SU OPEN CLOSE ATS &
MARGIN OPEN CLOSE O/U &
MARGIN G/T
09/13/09 Sun SF 16 - 20 L -7 -5 L -9 48.5 46.0 U -10.0 G
09/20/09 Sun @JAC 31 - 17 W +4 +3 W +17 45.5 44.0 O + 4.0 G
09/27/09 Sun IND 10 - 31 L -0 -3 L -24 49.5 49.5 U -8.5 G
10/11/09 Sun HOU 28 - 21 W -4 -6 W +1 52.0 50.5 U -1.5 G
10/18/09 Sun @SEA 27 - 3 W +2.5 +3 W +27 46.5 46.0 U -16.0 T
10/25/09 Sun @NYG 24 - 17 W +6.5 +7.5 W +14.5 48.0 47.0 U -6.0 G
11/01/09 Sun CAR 21 - 34 L -7.5 -10 L -23 45.0 42.0 O +13.0 G
11/08/09 Sun @CHI 41 - 21 W +3 +2 W +22 45.5 44.5 O +17.5 G
11/15/09 Sun SEA 31 - 20 W -7.5 -8.5 W +2.5 48.0 46.5 O + 4.5 G
11/22/09 Sun @STL 21 - 13 W -7 -9 L -1 46.5 47.0 U -13.0 T
11/29/09 Sun @TEN 17 - 20 L -1 +3 L 0 48.0 44.5 U -7.5 G
12/06/09 Sun MIN 30 - 17 W +4.5 +3.5 W +16.5 48.0 48.5 U -1.5 G
12/14/09 Mon @SF 9 - 24 L -1 -4 L -19 44.5 44.5 U -11.5 G
12/20/09 Sun @DET 31 - 24 W -11.5 -14 L -7 48.5 46.5 O + 8.5 T
12/27/09 Sun STL 31 - 10 W -14 -16.5 W +4.5 45.0 43.5 U -2.5 G
01/03/10 Sun GB 7 - 33 L -3 -3 L -29 43.5 41.5 U -1.5 G

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

LINE OVER/UNDER
DATE DAY VIS SC HOM SC OPEN CLOSE ATS &
MARGIN OPEN CLOSE O/U &
MARGIN G/T
10/29/06 Sun ARI 14 GB 31 -4.5 -4.0 GB +13 44.0 45.0 U 0 G
01/03/10 Sun GB 33 ARI 7 -3.0 -3.0 ARI --29 43.5 41.5 U -1.5 G

STATISTICAL AVERAGES:

AWAY/HOME RUSHING PASSING TOT TURNOVERS
PTS FD AT YDS AVG AT CO PCT YDS AVG YDS INT FUM FGP
GB (off) 30.3 21 29 125 4.3 32 21 0.7 276 8.6 401 0.6 0.6 .00
ARI (def) 23.3 20 28 111 4.0 36 23 0.6 246 6.8 357 1.3 0.3 .00
RUSHING PASSING TOT TURNOVERS
PTS FD AT YDS AVG AT CO PCT YDS AVG YDS INT FUM FGP
GB (def) 19.8 18 23 75 3.3 35 20 0.6 218 6.2 293 1.5 0.6 .00
ARI (off) 21.8 20 20 74 3.7 40 26 0.7 268 6.7 342 1.5 0.6 .00
ALL GAMES RUSHING PASSING TOT TURNOVERS
PTS FD AT YDS AVG AT CO PCT YDS AVG YDS INT FUM FGP
GB (off) 28.8 21 27 117 4.3 35 22 0.6 262 7.5 379 0.5 0.5 .00
ARI (def) 20.3 18 25 113 4.5 37 22 0.6 234 6.3 347 1.3 0.5 .00
RUSHING PASSING TOT TURNOVERS
PTS FD AT YDS AVG AT CO PCT YDS AVG YDS INT FUM FGP
GB (def) 18.6 17 23 83 3.6 34 18 0.5 201 5.9 284 1.9 0.6 .00
ARI (off) 23.4 20 23 93 4.0 37 25 0.7 251 6.8 344 1.1 1.1 .00

SCORING AVERAGES:

GREEN BAY (away) Q1 Q2 H1 Q3 Q4 OT H2+OT
POINTS FOR 7.6 10.5 18.1 3.0 9.1 0.0 12.1
POINTS ALLOWED 4.4 6.9 11.3 2.5 6.0 0.0 8.5

ARIZONA (home) Q1 Q2 H1 Q3 Q4 OT H2+OT
POINTS FOR 3.0 7.6 10.6 5.1 6.0 0.0 11.1
POINTS ALLOWED 5.1 9.3 14.4 3.5 5.4 0.0 8.9

GREEN BAY (all) Q1 Q2 H1 Q3 Q4 OT H2+OT
POINTS FOR 7.2 9.6 16.8 3.6 8.4 0.0 12
POINTS ALLOWED 3.3 5.3 8.6 4.1 6.0 0.0 10.1

ARIZONA (all) Q1 Q2 H1 Q3 Q4 OT H2+OT
POINTS FOR 4.8 8.3 13.1 5.1 5.3 0.0 10.4
POINTS ALLOWED 4.2 6.3 10.5 3.9 5.9 0.0 9.8

VALUE INDEX COMPARISON TO LAS VEGAS LINE:

LV POINTSPREAD VALUE INDEX VALUE INDEX
OPEN CURRENT RATING LINE EDGE
GREEN BAY 50.5
ARIZONA 54 -7.0 4.5
LV OVER/UNDER VALUE INDEX VALUE INDEX
OPEN CURRENT RATING EDGE
OVER/UNDER 51 3 over

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Preview:
Green Bay at Arizona
When: 4:40 PM ET, Sunday, January 10, 2010
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix, Arizona

Quick Hits

Overall Team Offense

The Arizona Cardinals are ranked 14 on offense, averaging 344.4 yards per game. The Cardinals are averaging 93.1 yards rushing and 251.3 yards passing so far this season.

The Green Bay Packers are ranked 6 on offense, averaging 379.1 yards per game. The Packers are averaging 117.1 yards rushing and 262.0 yards passing so far this season.

Home and Away

The Arizona Cardinals are 4-4 at home this season, and against 8-4NFC opponents.

At home the Cardinals are averaging 21.8 scoring, and holding teams to 23.2 points scored on defense.

The Green Bay Packers are 5-3 while on the road this season, and 9-3 against NFC opponents.

On the road, the Packers are averaging 30.2 scoring, and holding teams to 19.8 points scored on defense.

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Trends - Green Bay at Arizona

Trends - Green Bay at Arizona

Trends - Green Bay at Arizona

ATS Trends

Green Bay

Packers are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win.
Packers are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Packers are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Packers are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NFC.
Packers are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
Packers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Packers are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.
Packers are 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 road games.
Packers are 7-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Packers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
Packers are 33-16-2 ATS in their last 51 games overall.
Packers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 playoff games.
Packers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 Wildcard games.

Arizona

Cardinals are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 playoff games.
Cardinals are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games in January.
Cardinals are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Cardinals are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss.
Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.
Cardinals are 7-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Cardinals are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games on grass.
Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game.
Cardinals are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games following a SU loss of more than 14 points.
Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
Cardinals are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games after accumulating less than 250 total yards in their previous game.

OU Trends

Green Bay

Under is 4-1 in Packers last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Over is 8-2 in Packers last 10 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 24-8 in Packers last 32 games following a ATS win.
Over is 22-9-1 in Packers last 32 vs. NFC.
Over is 12-5 in Packers last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Arizona

Under is 5-0 in Cardinals last 5 games on grass.
Under is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 6-1 in Cardinals last 7 games overall.
Under is 5-1 in Cardinals last 6 vs. NFC.
Under is 5-1 in Cardinals last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 14 points.
Over is 24-6 in Cardinals last 30 games after accumulating less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 playoff games.
Under is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 18-5 in Cardinals last 23 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game.
Over is 7-2 in Cardinals last 9 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Cardinals last 8 home games.
Over is 19-7 in Cardinals last 26 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.

Head to Head

Packers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

NFL Capsule: New York Jets at Cincinnati

NFL Capsule: New York Jets at Cincinnati

NFL Capsule: New York Jets at Cincinnati

Saturday, Jan. 9NEW YORK JETS (9-7) At CINCINNATI (10-6)4:30 p.m. ET, NBC
OPENING LINE - Bengals by 1

RECORD VS. SPREAD - New York 9-7; Cincinnati 7-9

SERIES RECORD - Jets lead 15-7

LAST MEETING - Jets beat Bengals 37-0, Jan. 3, 2010

LAST WEEK - Jets beat Bengals 37-0

JETS OFFENSE - OVERALL (20), RUSH (1), PASS (31)

JETS DEFENSE - OVERALL (1), RUSH (8), PASS (1)

BENGALS OFFENSE - OVERALL (24), RUSH (9), PASS (26)

BENGALS DEFENSE - OVERALL (4), RUSH (7), PASS (6)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Jets are making their 12th playoff appearance overall, sixth time in last 12 years. Last playoff victory was 20-17 in OT at San Diego in 2004 season. ... Bengals are making ninth playoff appearance, only their second in last 19 years. They haven't won playoff game since 1990, when they beat Houston 41-14 in first round. ... Teams have met in the playoffs once before. Jets got 44-17 victory in Cincinnati during strike-shortened 1982 season, with Freeman McNeil running for 202 yards and throwing 14-yard touchdown pass. McNeil's 202 yards are most by Bengals opponent in playoffs. ... It's first time Bengals have played same opponent in back-to-back weeks. Jets did it during 2001 season under Herm Edwards, winning at Oakland 24-22 in final regular-season game, then losing at Oakland 38-24 in playoffs six days later. ... Jets ended regular season as the NFL leaders in three categories: rushing offense, total defense and pass defense. They are eighth team since 1970 merger to lead league in both rushing offense (172.3 yards per game) and total defense (252.3 yards). ... During 37-0 win last Sunday, Jets ran for 257 yards and held Cincinnati to 72 net yards, lowest total in Bengals history. Carson Palmer was 1 of 11 for no yards with an interception and 1.7 passer rating. ... Palmer and Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez - friends from Southern California - are two lowest-ranked passers in postseason. Palmer's 83.6 passer rating is 16th overall in league; Sanchez's 63 rating ranks 28th out of 32 starting QBs. ... Teams share same philosophy: run ball and play solid defense. Jets have done a little better at both. ... Bengals gave up average of 73.4 yards rushing in first 12 games, average of 173 in last four with DT Domata Peko sidelined after knee surgery. He's expected to play against Jets.

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

NFL Capsule: Philadelphia at Dallas

NFL Capsule: Philadelphia at Dallas

NFL Capsule: Philadelphia at Dallas

PHILADELPHIA (11-5) At DALLAS (11-5)8 p.m. ET, NBC
OPENING LINE - Cowboys by 3 1/2

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Philadelphia 9-7; Dallas 9-7.

SERIES RECORD - Cowboys lead 57-44

LAST MEETING - Cowboys beat Eagles 24-0, Jan. 3, 2010

LAST WEEK - Cowboys beat Eagles 24-0

EAGLES OFFENSE - OVERALL (11), RUSH (22), PASS (10)

EAGLES DEFENSE - OVERALL (12), RUSH (9), PASS (17)

COWBOYS OFFENSE - OVERALL (2), RUSH (7), PASS (6)

COWBOYS DEFENSE - OVERALL (9), RUSH (4), PASS (20)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Philadelphia and Dallas have played 101 times, only three coming in playoffs. Cowboys won divisional playoff games in 1992 and 1995 seasons on way to Super Bowl titles. Eagles beat Dallas in NFC championship game in 1980 before losing to Oakland in Super Bowl. ... Cowboys haven't won playoff game since 1996 season; Philadelphia has won 10 playoff games in that span. ... Philadelphia and Dallas are one of three games this weekend matching teams that also played last week. There have been nine such back-to-back matchups in past, and only three teams won both games. ... Since Andy Reid became coach and Donovan McNabb the quarterback in 1999, Philadelphia has won its first playoff game in seven consecutive postseason appearances. ... McNabb has nine playoff victories. Only seven quarterbacks have more, five Hall of Famers along with Tom Brady and Brett Favre, both Super Bowl champions who are still playing. ... K David Akers has played in 17 postseason games, one shy of Brian Dawkins' team record. ... QB Tony Romo ended regular season with touchdowns in 12 consecutive games, second-longest streak of career. ... Dallas was only NFL team with three receivers who had at least 20 catches and averaged at 15.7 yards per catch: Patrick Crayton (16.8), Miles Austin (16.3) and Roy Williams (15.7). ... Dallas drafted David Buehler for his kickoff abilities. He rewarded it with 29 touchbacks, two more than previous team record - and 29 more than last year, when Cowboys had none. ... Dallas set team record with 6,390 total yards, exceeding 6,000 in a season for first time.

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Key Performance Information

DALLAS

AS A FAVORITE OF 3.5 TO 9.5 PTS
This season
SU: 7-1 | ATS: 6-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 13-7 | ATS: 11-9 Since 1993
SU: 73-35 | ATS: 58-47
IN ALL GAMES
This season
SU: 12-5 | ATS: 10-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 34-16 | ATS: 26-24 Since 1993
SU: 177-130 | ATS: 149-147
IN ALL LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 12-5 | ATS: 10-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 34-16 | ATS: 26-24 Since 1993
SU: 177-130 | ATS: 149-147
AS A FAVORITE
This season
SU: 10-5 | ATS: 8-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 31-11 | ATS: 23-19 Since 1993
SU: 142-63 | ATS: 102-96
AS A HOME FAVORITE OF 3.5 TO 7 PTS
This season
SU: 1-1 | ATS: 1-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 4-3 | ATS: 3-4 Since 1993
SU: 25-16 | ATS: 20-18
IN HOME GAMES
This season
SU: 7-2 | ATS: 6-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 19-7 | ATS: 15-11 Since 1993
SU: 105-49 | ATS: 83-64
IN HOME LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 7-2 | ATS: 6-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 19-7 | ATS: 15-11 Since 1993
SU: 105-49 | ATS: 83-64
IN A HOME GAME WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 42.5 AND 45 PTS
This season
SU: 0-1 | ATS: 0-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 1-1 | ATS: 1-1 Since 1993
SU: 17-6 | ATS: 11-10
IN ALL GAMES WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 42.5 AND 49 PTS
This season
SU: 7-5 | ATS: 6-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 23-10 | ATS: 17-16 Since 1993
SU: 56-42 | ATS: 42-51
AGAINST CONFERENCE OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 10-3 | ATS: 9-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 27-11 | ATS: 22-16 Since 1993
SU: 137-95 | ATS: 119-106
WHEN PLAYING ON A SATURDAY
This season
SU: 1-0 | ATS: 1-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 2-1 | ATS: 1-2 Since 1993
SU: 6-7 | ATS: 5-7
WHEN PLAYING WITH 6 OR LESS DAYS REST
This season
SU: 7-4 | ATS: 5-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 22-11 | ATS: 17-16 Since 1993
SU: 118-92 | ATS: 101-100
VERSUS DIVISION OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 4-2 | ATS: 3-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 11-8 | ATS: 8-11 Since 1993
SU: 79-53 | ATS: 66-62
OFF A DIVISION GAME
This season
SU: 4-2 | ATS: 4-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 13-4 | ATS: 10-7 Since 1993
SU: 81-45 | ATS: 64-56
IN GAMES PLAYED ON TURF
This season
SU: 8-2 | ATS: 7-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 22-9 | ATS: 16-15 Since 1993
SU: 134-77 | ATS: 106-96
IN JANUARY GAMES
This season
SU: 1-0 | ATS: 1-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 1-1 | ATS: 1-1 Since 1993
SU: 13-10 | ATS: 10-12
IN PLAYOFF GAMES
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 0-1 | ATS: 0-1 Since 1993
SU: 11-7 | ATS: 9-8
IN THE WILD CARD ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Since 1993
SU: 1-4 | ATS: 1-3
OFF A WIN AGAINST A DIVISION RIVAL
This season
SU: 2-1 | ATS: 2-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 8-2 | ATS: 7-3 Since 1993
SU: 50-28 | ATS: 37-37
AFTER 2 OR MORE CONSECUTIVE WINS
This season
SU: 3-2 | ATS: 3-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 13-6 | ATS: 10-9 Since 1993
SU: 56-37 | ATS: 44-47
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD
This season
SU: 4-3 | ATS: 4-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 10-12 | ATS: 9-13 Since 1993
SU: 62-66 | ATS: 56-64
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON
This season
SU: 2-2 | ATS: 2-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 7-7 | ATS: 6-8 Since 1993
SU: 42-49 | ATS: 36-49

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

NFL Capsule: Baltimore at New England

NFL Capsule: Baltimore at New England

NFL Capsule: Baltimore at New England

Sunday, Jan. 10BALTIMORE (9-7) At NEW ENGLAND (10-6)1 p.m. ET, CBS-
OPENING LINE - Patriots by 3 1/2

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Baltimore 8-7-1; New England 8-7-1

SERIES RECORD - Patriots lead 5-0

LAST MEETING - Patriots beat Ravens 27-21, Oct. 4, 2009

LAST WEEK - Ravens beat Raiders 21-13; Patriots lost to Texans 34-27

RAVENS OFFENSE - OVERALL (13), RUSH (5), PASS (18)

RAVENS DEFENSE - OVERALL (3), RUSH (5), PASS (8T)

PATRIOTS OFFENSE - OVERALL (3), RUSH (12), PASS (3)

PATRIOTS DEFENSE - OVERALL (11), RUSH (13), PASS (12)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Ravens and Patriots meet in playoffs for first time. ... Each team lost five games by seven points or less. ... Ravens had chance to win regular-season meeting, but WR Mark Clayton dropped fourth-down pass that would have given them first down inside New England 10-yard line with 28 seconds left. ... QB Tom Brady was sacked three times in that game but only 13 times in his other 15. ... Ray Rice led all NFL running backs with 78 catches and 702 yards receiving. ... Ravens had top three offensive outputs in club history: 548 yards (Detroit), 501 (Kansas City) and 479 (Cleveland). ... RB Willis McGahee is coming off career-high 167 yards rushing and three touchdowns against Oakland. ... Baltimore's defense allowed just 25 touchdowns, second fewest in league. ... Patriots are without WR Wes Welker, who suffered serious knee injury in regular-season finale. He led NFL with 123 receptions. Rookie Julian Edelman replaces him. ... NT Vince Wilfork is expected to return after missing three games with foot injury. DE Ty Warren should be back after missing two full games and most of a third with ankle injury. ... New England's defense had been improving until last Sunday, when it allowed 21 points in fourth quarter and 437 yards overall. ... Patriots were 8-0 at home this season and are 7-0 in playoff games at Gillette Stadium.

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Key Performance Information

BALTIMORE

IN GAMES WHERE THE LINE IS +3 TO -3
This season
SU: 1-5 | ATS: 2-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 9-12 | ATS: 10-10 Since 1993
SU: 49-45 | ATS: 48-42
IN ALL GAMES
This season
SU: 9-7 | ATS: 8-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 27-24 | ATS: 25-25 Since 1993
SU: 123-111 | ATS: 123-103
IN ALL LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 9-7 | ATS: 8-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 27-24 | ATS: 25-25 Since 1993
SU: 123-111 | ATS: 123-103
AS AN UNDERDOG
This season
SU: 1-5 | ATS: 2-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 8-17 | ATS: 11-13 Since 1993
SU: 40-80 | ATS: 60-55
AS A ROAD UNDERDOG OF 3 PTS OR LESS
This season
SU: 1-3 | ATS: 2-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 5-4 | ATS: 6-2 Since 1993
SU: 16-11 | ATS: 17-9
IN ROAD GAMES
This season
SU: 3-5 | ATS: 3-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 11-16 | ATS: 11-15 Since 1993
SU: 48-71 | ATS: 58-58
IN ROAD LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 3-5 | ATS: 3-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 11-16 | ATS: 11-15 Since 1993
SU: 48-71 | ATS: 58-58
IN A ROAD GAME WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 42.5 AND 45 PTS
This season
SU: 0-4 | ATS: 0-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 1-4 | ATS: 1-3 Since 1993
SU: 5-12 | ATS: 7-8
IN ALL GAMES WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 42.5 AND 49 PTS
This season
SU: 1-6 | ATS: 2-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 2-9 | ATS: 4-6 Since 1993
SU: 13-31 | ATS: 20-21
AGAINST CONFERENCE OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 7-5 | ATS: 5-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 19-20 | ATS: 18-20 Since 1993
SU: 92-88 | ATS: 94-79
WHEN PLAYING WITH 6 OR LESS DAYS REST
This season
SU: 6-6 | ATS: 5-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 21-18 | ATS: 17-21 Since 1993
SU: 101-88 | ATS: 96-85
AGAINST AFC EAST DIVISION OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 0-1 | ATS: 0-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 3-4 | ATS: 3-4 Since 1993
SU: 13-14 | ATS: 16-11
IN GAMES PLAYED ON TURF
This season
SU: 0-3 | ATS: 1-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 2-6 | ATS: 3-5 Since 1993
SU: 11-22 | ATS: 16-17
IN JANUARY GAMES
This season
SU: 1-0 | ATS: 0-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 3-1 | ATS: 2-2 Since 1993
SU: 9-6 | ATS: 7-8
IN PLAYOFF GAMES
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 2-1 | ATS: 2-1 Since 1993
SU: 7-4 | ATS: 7-4
IN THE WILD CARD ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 1-0 | ATS: 1-0 Since 1993
SU: 3-1 | ATS: 3-1
REVENGING A LOSS AGAINST OPPONENT
This season
SU: 1-2 | ATS: 0-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 6-9 | ATS: 5-10 Since 1993
SU: 27-39 | ATS: 29-34
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD
This season
SU: 2-6 | ATS: 2-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 8-15 | ATS: 9-14 Since 1993
SU: 32-62 | ATS: 45-45
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON
This season
SU: 1-2 | ATS: 0-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 7-9 | ATS: 7-9 Since 1993
SU: 25-34 | ATS: 30-26

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Key Performance Information

NEW ENGLAND

IN GAMES WHERE THE LINE IS +3 TO -3
This season
SU: 1-3 | ATS: 2-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 5-5 | ATS: 6-4 Since 1993
SU: 54-46 | ATS: 51-43
IN ALL GAMES
This season
SU: 10-6 | ATS: 8-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 39-12 | ATS: 27-23 Since 1993
SU: 190-122 | ATS: 164-137
IN ALL LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 10-6 | ATS: 8-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 39-12 | ATS: 27-23 Since 1993
SU: 190-122 | ATS: 164-137
AS A FAVORITE
This season
SU: 10-3 | ATS: 6-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 39-7 | ATS: 24-21 Since 1993
SU: 143-47 | ATS: 91-92
AS A HOME FAVORITE OF 3 PTS OR LESS
This season
SU: 1-0 | ATS: 1-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 2-2 | ATS: 2-2 Since 1993
SU: 18-17 | ATS: 13-18
IN HOME GAMES
This season
SU: 8-0 | ATS: 5-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 23-3 | ATS: 13-13 Since 1993
SU: 107-48 | ATS: 78-71
IN HOME LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 8-0 | ATS: 5-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 23-3 | ATS: 13-13 Since 1993
SU: 107-48 | ATS: 78-71
IN A HOME GAME WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 42.5 AND 45 PTS
This season
SU: 4-0 | ATS: 3-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 5-0 | ATS: 3-2 Since 1993
SU: 23-6 | ATS: 14-13
IN ALL GAMES WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 42.5 AND 49 PTS
This season
SU: 8-4 | ATS: 7-5 Last 3 seaons
SU: 19-6 | ATS: 13-12 Since 1993
SU: 59-43 | ATS: 45-54
AGAINST CONFERENCE OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 7-5 | ATS: 6-5 Last 3 seaons
SU: 28-10 | ATS: 21-16 Since 1993
SU: 143-94 | ATS: 129-98
WHEN PLAYING WITH 6 OR LESS DAYS REST
This season
SU: 8-5 | ATS: 8-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 27-10 | ATS: 21-15 Since 1993
SU: 145-94 | ATS: 130-103
AGAINST AFC NORTH DIVISION OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 1-0 | ATS: 1-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 5-1 | ATS: 4-2 Since 1993
SU: 29-14 | ATS: 24-17
IN GAMES PLAYED ON TURF
This season
SU: 9-2 | ATS: 6-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 29-6 | ATS: 19-15 Since 1993
SU: 64-36 | ATS: 55-42
IN JANUARY GAMES
This season
SU: 0-1 | ATS: 1-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 2-1 | ATS: 1-2 Since 1993
SU: 17-8 | ATS: 15-8
IN PLAYOFF GAMES
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 2-1 | ATS: 0-3 Since 1993
SU: 17-7 | ATS: 12-10
IN THE WILD CARD ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Since 1993
SU: 3-2 | ATS: 3-2
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD
This season
SU: 1-4 | ATS: 3-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 13-7 | ATS: 11-9 Since 1993
SU: 79-67 | ATS: 82-58
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON
This season
SU: 0-3 | ATS: 2-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 8-6 | ATS: 7-7 Since 1993
SU: 56-40 | ATS: 57-34

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

NFL Capsule: Green Bay at Arizona

NFL Capsule: Green Bay at Arizona

NFL Capsule: Green Bay at Arizona

Sunday, Jan. 10GREEN BAY (11-5) At ARIZONA (10-6)4:30 p.m. ET, Fox
OPENING LINE - Cardinals by 1 1/2

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Green Bay 11-4-1; Arizona 9-7

SERIES RECORD - Packers lead 44-22-4

LAST MEETING - Packers beat Cardinals 33-7, Jan. 3, 2010

LAST WEEK - Packers beat Cardinals 33-7

PACKERS OFFENSE - OVERALL (6), RUSH (14), PASS (7)

PACKERS DEFENSE - OVERALL (2), RUSH (1), PASS (5)

CARDINALS OFFENSE - OVERALL (14), RUSH (28), PASS (12)

CARDINALS DEFENSE - OVERALL (20), RUSH (17), PASS (23)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Packers' first team has outscored Cardinals 71-10 in five quarters in their meetings in preseason and in last weekend's regular-season finale. ... Among all NFL teams, only San Diego (8-0) had better second-half record than Green Bay's 7-1. ... Packers have second-best playoff winning percentage (.625, 25-15), among NFL teams, behind Baltimore (.636, 7-4). ... Green Bay set franchise record with 461 points, breaking mark of 456 set by 1996 Super Bowl champions ... By playing three quarters last weekend, Aaron Rodgers passed Brett Favre to have second-best single-season yards passing total in franchise history at 4,434. He fell 24 shy of Lynn Dickey's franchise record. ... At 33, Charles Woodson had career highs in tackles (81), interceptions (9) and interceptions returned for TDs (3). He tied his career best with four forced fumbles. ... Rodgers was sacked 50 times, tied with Ben Roethlisberger for most in NFL; Arizona's Kurt Warner was sacked 24 times. ... Cardinals were sixth in the NFL in sacks with 43. ... Green Bay had league-best 40 takeaways, Arizona 29. ... Cardinals are only second Super Bowl loser in nine years to make playoffs in following season. ... Arizona didn't lose consecutive games for first time since 1975. It's Cardinals' first 10-win season since 1976. ... Arizona led NFL in red zone offense with 38 TDs in 53 opportunities (70 percent). ... Cardinals also were seeded No. 4 in last season's Super Bowl run. ... Arizona has 38 players with playoff experience, 32 of them from '08 team. ... Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin each topped 1,000 yards receiving in same season for third time and for second year in a row.

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Key Performance Information

GREEN BAY

IN GAMES WHERE THE LINE IS +3 TO -3
This season
SU: 2-2 | ATS: 3-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 14-10 | ATS: 15-7 Since 1993
SU: 45-42 | ATS: 45-36
IN ALL GAMES
This season
SU: 11-5 | ATS: 11-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 31-19 | ATS: 31-16 Since 1993
SU: 190-120 | ATS: 158-137
IN ALL LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 11-5 | ATS: 11-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 31-19 | ATS: 31-16 Since 1993
SU: 190-120 | ATS: 158-137
AS AN UNDERDOG
This season
SU: 2-2 | ATS: 3-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 9-9 | ATS: 12-5 Since 1993
SU: 41-63 | ATS: 56-45
AS A ROAD UNDERDOG OF 3 PTS OR LESS
This season
SU: 1-1 | ATS: 2-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 4-4 | ATS: 6-1 Since 1993
SU: 14-21 | ATS: 18-15
IN ROAD GAMES
This season
SU: 5-3 | ATS: 6-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 13-11 | ATS: 16-7 Since 1993
SU: 74-79 | ATS: 80-69
IN ROAD LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 5-3 | ATS: 6-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 13-11 | ATS: 16-7 Since 1993
SU: 74-79 | ATS: 80-69
IN A ROAD GAME WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 45.5 AND 49 PTS
This season
SU: 1-1 | ATS: 1-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 4-2 | ATS: 4-2 Since 1993
SU: 12-10 | ATS: 12-10
IN ALL GAMES WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 42.5 AND 49 PTS
This season
SU: 7-3 | ATS: 7-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 16-8 | ATS: 17-7 Since 1993
SU: 64-48 | ATS: 60-50
AGAINST CONFERENCE OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 9-3 | ATS: 8-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 24-14 | ATS: 23-13 Since 1993
SU: 148-88 | ATS: 121-105
WHEN PLAYING WITH 6 OR LESS DAYS REST
This season
SU: 8-4 | ATS: 8-3 Last 3 seaons
SU: 23-14 | ATS: 22-13 Since 1993
SU: 142-82 | ATS: 112-100
AGAINST NFC WEST DIVISION OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 4-0 | ATS: 3-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 7-0 | ATS: 6-0 Since 1993
SU: 36-11 | ATS: 28-15
IN DOME GAMES
This season
SU: 3-1 | ATS: 3-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 7-3 | ATS: 8-2 Since 1993
SU: 25-28 | ATS: 27-26
IN GAMES PLAYED ON TURF
This season
SU: 3-1 | ATS: 3-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 7-4 | ATS: 8-3 Since 1993
SU: 29-47 | ATS: 33-43
IN JANUARY GAMES
This season
SU: 1-0 | ATS: 1-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 2-1 | ATS: 2-1 Since 1993
SU: 15-11 | ATS: 13-9
IN PLAYOFF GAMES
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 1-1 | ATS: 1-1 Since 1993
SU: 12-10 | ATS: 10-8
IN THE WILD CARD ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Since 1993
SU: 5-3 | ATS: 3-3
AFTER 2 OR MORE CONSECUTIVE WINS
This season
SU: 3-2 | ATS: 4-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 9-8 | ATS: 10-6 Since 1993
SU: 67-41 | ATS: 49-49
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD
This season
SU: 3-2 | ATS: 3-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 9-8 | ATS: 9-6 Since 1993
SU: 67-52 | ATS: 61-47
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON
This season
SU: 3-0 | ATS: 3-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 6-4 | ATS: 7-3 Since 1993
SU: 47-33 | ATS: 45-27

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Key Performance Information

ARIZONA

IN GAMES WHERE THE LINE IS +3 TO -3
This season
SU: 4-3 | ATS: 4-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 14-8 | ATS: 14-7 Since 1993
SU: 52-42 | ATS: 48-42
IN ALL GAMES
This season
SU: 10-6 | ATS: 8-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 30-22 | ATS: 30-21 Since 1993
SU: 116-178 | ATS: 142-147
IN ALL LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 10-6 | ATS: 8-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 30-22 | ATS: 30-21 Since 1993
SU: 116-178 | ATS: 142-147
AS A FAVORITE
This season
SU: 5-5 | ATS: 3-7 Last 3 seaons
SU: 19-8 | ATS: 14-13 Since 1993
SU: 55-35 | ATS: 39-49
AS A HOME FAVORITE OF 3 PTS OR LESS
This season
SU: 0-2 | ATS: 0-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 4-2 | ATS: 4-2 Since 1993
SU: 17-12 | ATS: 16-13
IN HOME GAMES
This season
SU: 4-4 | ATS: 4-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 18-8 | ATS: 16-10 Since 1993
SU: 73-72 | ATS: 73-71
IN HOME LINED GAMES
This season
SU: 4-4 | ATS: 4-4 Last 3 seaons
SU: 18-8 | ATS: 16-10 Since 1993
SU: 73-72 | ATS: 73-71
IN A HOME GAME WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 45.5 AND 49 PTS
This season
SU: 2-1 | ATS: 2-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 6-3 | ATS: 5-4 Since 1993
SU: 8-6 | ATS: 7-7
IN ALL GAMES WHERE THE TOTAL IS BETWEEN 42.5 AND 49 PTS
This season
SU: 9-5 | ATS: 7-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 22-14 | ATS: 21-14 Since 1993
SU: 38-45 | ATS: 43-39
AGAINST CONFERENCE OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 8-4 | ATS: 6-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 23-16 | ATS: 21-18 Since 1993
SU: 94-131 | ATS: 110-112
WHEN PLAYING WITH 6 OR LESS DAYS REST
This season
SU: 9-4 | ATS: 7-5 Last 3 seaons
SU: 25-16 | ATS: 23-17 Since 1993
SU: 99-143 | ATS: 114-123
AGAINST NFC NORTH DIVISION OPPONENTS
This season
SU: 3-1 | ATS: 2-2 Last 3 seaons
SU: 4-2 | ATS: 3-3 Since 1993
SU: 15-23 | ATS: 18-20
IN DOME GAMES
This season
SU: 6-4 | ATS: 4-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 22-9 | ATS: 17-14 Since 1993
SU: 35-34 | ATS: 37-31
IN GAMES PLAYED ON TURF
This season
SU: 6-4 | ATS: 4-6 Last 3 seaons
SU: 23-10 | ATS: 18-15 Since 1993
SU: 42-66 | ATS: 52-53
IN JANUARY GAMES
This season
SU: 0-1 | ATS: 0-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 3-1 | ATS: 3-1 Since 1993
SU: 6-5 | ATS: 8-3
IN PLAYOFF GAMES
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 3-1 | ATS: 4-0 Since 1993
SU: 4-2 | ATS: 5-1
IN THE WILD CARD ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS
This season
SU: 0-0 | ATS: 0-0 Last 3 seaons
SU: 1-0 | ATS: 1-0 Since 1993
SU: 2-0 | ATS: 2-0
REVENGING A LOSS AGAINST OPPONENT
This season
SU: 2-1 | ATS: 2-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 7-4 | ATS: 7-4 Since 1993
SU: 37-61 | ATS: 51-46
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD
This season
SU: 3-1 | ATS: 3-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 11-9 | ATS: 14-6 Since 1993
SU: 34-63 | ATS: 55-41
WHEN PLAYING AGAINST A TEAM WITH A WINNING RECORD IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON
This season
SU: 1-1 | ATS: 1-1 Last 3 seaons
SU: 6-6 | ATS: 7-5 Since 1993
SU: 20-40 | ATS: 32-27

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Jets-Bengals AFC wild-card preview

Jets-Bengals AFC wild-card preview

Jets-Bengals AFC wild-card preview

USA TODAY previews the Jets-Bengals AFC wild-card game on Saturday:
TV announcers: Tom Hammond, Joe Gibbs, Joe Theismann

Keys to the game: Yes, the Bengals held some players out against the Jets last Sunday. And yes, they didn't empty the playbook in an effort to win. But they also came away with serious concerns heading into the rematch. The Jets dominated the trenches on both sides of the ball. The Bengals appeared incapable of handling the Jets' defensive pass rush, and a Cincinnati defense that was steamrolled also suffered injuries that bear watching throughout the week. The big question will be if the Bengals can put Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez into uncomfortable situations. Sanchez wasn't required to do much Sunday. Cincinnati will have to figure out a way to contain WR Brad Smith in New York's version of the Wildcat offense that begins with Smith under center. Offensively, the Bengals will have RB Cedric Benson in the lineup and will bank on countering the Jets' power ground game with their own. The Bengals feature a lot of unbalanced lines, but the Jets did an excellent job of using angles and overloaded fronts to routinely penetrate the backfield. If Jets CB Darrelle Revis shuts down WR Chad Ochocinco, who will step up downfield for QB Carson Palmer?

Matchup to watch: Jets offensive line vs. Bengals front seven: Cincinnati played without DL Robert Geathers and Domato Peko on Sunday, but that alone doesn't account for the ease with which the Jets' impressive offensive line continually moved the line of scrimmage. RBs Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene enjoyed huge holes as they were able to hit the line of scrimmage with a full head of steam. If the Bengals aren't able to reverse that situation, look out. The Jets enter with the confidence that they can dominate this game on the ground.

Fast facts: Cincinnati hasn't defeated a team with a winning record since beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. ... The Bengals won their first division title since 2005 and had their second winning season since 1991. ... The Jets won the only previous postseason meeting, a 44-17 victory in Cincinnati in the first round of the 1982 playoffs.

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Packers-Cardinals NFC wild-card preview

Packers-Cardinals NFC wild-card preview

Packers-Cardinals NFC wild-card preview

USA TODAY previews the Green Bay Packers-Arizona Cardinals NFC wild-card game on Saturday:
TV announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver

Keys to the game: The Packers didn't gain much other than a bit of confidence and momentum from last Sunday's 33-7 victory in the same building they'll return to Sunday. Cardinals QB Kurt Warner made a token appearance, and Arizona featured a vanilla game plan on both sides of the ball. The Cardinals hope the extra rest will provide a boost for Warner, who has been playing through a hip pointer and wasn't sharp the previous two games. The offensive line struggled in two losses to the San Francisco 49ers this season, and Arizona wasn't exposed to many other tough 3-4 schemes. Another issue could be the health of WR Anquan Boldin, who aggravated a nagging ankle injury last weekend. Pass protection could be at a premium for both teams. These defenses like to blitz whenever possible and will bring pressure from all angles. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was sacked 50 times during the regular season. The protection was better down the stretch, but Arizona will put him on the ground consistently if RB Ryan Grant (5.9 yards a carry the last four games) isn't able to generate yardage.

Matchup to watch: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Cardinals Ss Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle: Arizona's safeties will play a critical role as the last line of defense against Green Bay's quick-strike passing game. CBs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Bryant McFadden are athletic, but they also tend to gamble, and the Cardinals gave up 50 completions of 20-plus yards during the regular season. But Wilson and Rolle often make their biggest impact as part of coordinator Bill Davis' blitz packages. Considering Green Bay's difficulties in pass protection, Rodgers had better know where the duo are pre-snap on every play. Rolle sat out last weekend with a badly bruised thigh. He is expected to be ready ? and he might need his coverage skills against Green Bay's fleet of wideouts ? but would be replaced by rookie Rashad Johnson, who has also earned a role in the team's dime package.

Fast facts: The Packers won the only postseason meeting 41-16 at home in the first round of the 1982 playoffs when the Cardinals played in St. Louis. ... Green Bay is the first team to post a 4,000-yard passer (Rodgers), a 1,200-yard rusher (Grant) and two 1,000-yard receivers (Donald Driver and Greg Jennings) in consecutive seasons.

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Ravens-Patriots AFC wild-card preview

Ravens-Patriots AFC wild-card preview

Ravens-Patriots AFC wild-card preview

USA TODAY previews the Ravens-Patriots AFC wild-card game on Saturday:
TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms

Keys to the game: These teams played a highly competitive game in Week 4, a 27-21 Patriots victory at home. Baltimore returns as a far different team offensively. In early October, the Ravens were relying heavily on QB Joe Flacco's development in his second season. But when Flacco started to struggle around midseason, Baltimore got back to its strength ? the power running game. RB Ray Rice is leading the charge, but Baltimore ideally will rotate Willis McGahee in for several series. The Patriots allow 110.5 rushing yards a game and gave up 119 and two touchdowns to Houston Texans undrafted rookie RB Arian Foster last Sunday. The outcome could hinge on whether New England can prevent Baltimore from stringing together long drives to protect its defense. That's because the Ravens secondary is looking vulnerable after giving up a combined 282 passing yards to Raiders QBs Charlie Frye and JaMarcus Russell last weekend despite getting FS Ed Reed back in the lineup. Patriots QB Tom Brady threw for 258 yards in the first meeting but is dealing with rib and finger issues and is without injured WR Wes Welker. That could lead to the Patriots featuring a more balanced run-pass ratio than normal.

Matchup to watch: Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison vs. Patriots WR Julian Edelman: New England will rely more on receiving outlets such as RB Kevin Faulk and TE Ben Watson, but it's Edelman who will have to do his best Welker impersonation. The rookie former quarterback from Kent State caught 10 passes Sunday to finish the regular season with 37 ? the most for a Patriots rookie since Deion Branch's 43 in 2002. Mattison brought a lot pressure in the first meeting, but Brady enjoyed sufficient time in the pocket for the most part. His answer for the Ravens' pressure was his trusted underneath target, as Welker caught six of the 10 passes thrown his way to serve as an outlet against the blitz. While Edelman looks similar to Welker in stature, his lack of experience will force New England to be creative in how it counters Baltimore's pressure scheme.

Fast facts: The Patriots have won all five previous meetings, but the teams have never played in the postseason. ... Flacco had a 75.8 passer rating on the road during the regular season compared with 101.5 at home. ... New England was 8-0 at home during the regular season.

Lumi · Jan 8, 2010

Eagles-Cowboys NFC wild-card playoff preview

Eagles-Cowboys NFC wild-card playoff preview

Eagles-Cowboys NFC wild-card playoff preview

USA TODAY previews the Eagles-Cowboys NFC wild-card game on Saturday:
MORE ABOUT THE GAME

TV announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Andrea Kremer

Keys to the game: Philadelphia is coming off a franchise-record 429 points during the regular season, but none of those came in Sunday's 24-0 loss. The Eagles fell behind, became one-dimensional offensively and the Cowboys' pass rush took over with four sacks and five quarterback hits. The first quarter will be critical for the Eagles, who ran six offensive snaps in the first quarter compared with Dallas' 21. As explosive as Philadelphia's passing attack can be, the Eagles need to run the ball with effectiveness to stay out of obvious long passing situations. The Cowboys have no problem with balance right now. QB Tony Romo has thrown two interceptions over the last six weeks, while RBs Marion Barber III and Felix Jones are sharing the workload in the backfield. The Eagles are known for their attacking defense, but one of their hallmarks has been the ability to generate turnovers (38 takeaways during the regular season). If Dallas protects the ball, it could be trouble for Philadelphia, which has been giving up yardage in chunks. Romo is also doing an excellent job of spreading the ball around, completing passes to nine receivers Sunday.

Matchup to watch: Eagles run defense vs. Cowboys RBs Marion Barber and Felix Jones: Philadelphia has to be concerned after watching Barber and Jones average 6.3 yards a carry against them Sunday. One of Dallas' strengths is its physical offensive line, and if the Cowboys are generating good gains on first and second downs, then Philadelphia's blitz packages won't be nearly as effective. That leads to fewer opportunities to create turnovers. The Eagles have been searching for the right linebacker mix and need a big game out of MLB Akeem Jordan. Moise Fokou has supplanted Chris Gocong on the strong side.

Fast facts: Dallas has won two of three playoff meetings, the most recent being a 30-11 victory at home in 1995. ... The Eagles are the first NFL team with three players 24 or younger with 50-plus catches (Brent Celek, 24 years old, 76 catches; DeSean Jackson, 23, 63 catches; Jeremy Maclin, 21, 55 catches).

Lumi · Jan 9, 2010

NFL WILD-CARD CAPSULES

NFL WILD-CARD CAPSULES

NFL WILD-CARD CAPSULES

Last week: 9-7 vs. spread; 11-5 straight up

Season: 115-117-6 vs. spread; 144-95 straight up

NFL wild-card capsules

Last week: 9-7 vs. spread; 11-5 straight up

Season: 115-117-6 vs. spread; 144-95 straight up

TODAY'S GAMES

NEW YORK JETS (9-7) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (10-6)

TIME: 1:30 p.m. today LINE: Bengals -21/2 TOTAL: 34

? WEATHER: Mid-20s, 30 percent chance of snow

? FACTS: Jets coach Rex Ryan said this week he thinks his fifth-seeded team should be favored to win the Super Bowl. Johnny Avello, the sports book boss at Wynn Las Vegas, disagrees, making them a 25-1 shot, the longest odds on his board. The Bengals are 20-1, with Indy favored at 5-2. Cincinnati, though, was 85-1 when the lines were first posted last winter. ... New York rookie Mark Sanchez from USC is the worst-rated QB to make it to the postseason (28th), with 12 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions. However, Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger was crummiest among last year's playoff passers (24th) en route to winning the title. A year earlier, Eli Manning was the 25th in the Giants' Super season. ... The Bengals and Colts are the lone teams to go 6-0 in division play this year. A year ago, Cincinnati was 1-5 in the AFC North. ... In last week's 37-0 Jets victory over an uninspired Bengals team, Cincinnati generated 72 yards of total offense, the NFL's puniest total in the past seven years. ... The Jets yielded a league-low 252.3 yards a game, New York's lowest norm since its 1968 Super team allowed 240.2. This New York unit will be facing another former Trojan, seven-year veteran QB Carson Palmer, in his second playoff start. New York's defensive passer rating (58.8) is the league's best since the Super Patriots of 2003 were at 56.2. ... New York averaged a league-leading 172.3 rushing yards, the most by any team the past three years. It helped that its 607 carries were the second most by anyone the past 23 seasons. Thomas Jones led the way with 1,402 yards. Cincinnati's Cedric Benson was eighth with 1,251. ... Cincinnati WR Chad Ochocinco (in Russian that's Chad Vosyempyat) has a knee ailment (probable). Jets LB David Harris, the team's top tackler, has an ankle sprain (questionable).

? ANALYSIS: Ryan will have trouble keeping his rookie QB out of trouble while handling a slick ball in frigid conditions before a hostile crowd. In his four games against top-five pass defenses (based on defensive passer rating) Sanchez has one TD throw and nine INTs. Cincinnati's unit is ranked seventh and has held opponents to 6.4 yards per throw, tied for fifth best. Not to mention the Bengals' defense will be getting a jolt with the return of run-stuffing DT Domata Peko and DE Robert Geathers, not to mention safety Cris Crocker. The Jets' recent bubble of success, which was built on a pair of victories against teams that didn't care, is about to burst.

? FORECAST: Bengals 20, Jets 10

Philadelphia EAGLES (11-5) at Dallas COWBOYS (11-5)

TIME: 5 p.m. today LINE: Cowboys -4 TOTAL: 34

? WEATHER: High 30s, 10 percent chance of rain

? FACTS: Dallas' late run to the NFC East title included shutouts against Washington and Philadelphia the last two weeks. Tennessee closed with two shutouts in 2000, then lost in its playoff opener to Baltimore, 24-10. ... In the Eagles' 20-16 and 24-0 losses to the Cowboys this year, standout WR DeSean Jackson was held to five catches for 76 yards and no TDs. Also, the Eagles' 10 rush attempts last week, for 37 yards, matched the second-lowest total by a team all season. ... Philadelphia is 0-4 against this year's playoff teams, only the second time in the past five years a team entered the postseason without such a quality win. Dallas is 3-2, but also had six victories against teams with double-digit losses, tied for the most among playoff invitees. ... In 2007, the last time Dallas won the NFC East, it hosted the divisional round to a Giants team it had already beaten 45-35 and 31-20, then lost 21-17. It is the only time a team failed to finish a three-game season sweep after winning twice by 10-plus points. ... Andy Reid, coach of sixth-seeded Philadelphia, was in this position before in 2001, facing the Giants on the road in the postseason after losing twice in the regular season. New York won again, 20-10. It's the only time in Eagles history they were beaten three times by a team in the same season. ... Dallas is tied for the longest current playoff losing streak at six, including two losses as a favorite of 7-plus points. ... If the Cowboys win, they will be traveling to Minnesota for the second round. The Eagles would get the Saints in New Orleans, a team that beat them 48-22 in Week 2, Philly's most one-sided loss of the season. ... If Dallas coach Wade Phillips doesn't win, he'll drop to 0-5 in the playoffs, one game off the playoff futility mark of ex-Saints and Colts coach Jim Mora Sr., who was 0-6 before being exiled from the coaching ranks. Reid, meanwhile, is 7-0 in playoff openers.

? ANALYSIS: Dallas has two significant advantages, excluding the 100,000 throats that will be cheering them in JerryWorld and drowning out QB Donovan McNabb's signals for Philadelphia. Cowboys NT Jay Ratliff is worlds better than backup Eagles center Nick Cole, who will either need to get a lot of help or every play will be a bubble screen. A guy named Dallas McReynolds is Cole's backup. Also, TE Jason Witten is too fleet for Philadelphia's linebackers. And if gambling-mad DB Asante Samuel breaks his coverage in an attempt to help out, pump fakes will make him look foolish again as speedy WR Miles Austin and his WR buddies go deep.

? FORECAST: Cowboys 27, Eagles 17

SUNDAY'S games

Baltimore RAVENS (9-7) at New England PATRIOTS (10-6)

TIME: 10 a.m. LINE: Patriots -31/2 TOTAL: 43

? WEATHER: Mid-20s, 10 percent chance of snow

? FACTS: Home teams in the wild-card round were 23-7-2 against the line from 1994 to 2001, but since then are 13-15 (14-14 straight up). ... New England and Minnesota were the only teams to have perfect home records this season. Last year, the only two unbeaten clubs at home were Super Bowl combatants Arizona and Pittsburgh. ... Baltimore, which allowed the fewest yards per rush at 3.4, held New England to 2.8 yards on 30 carries in a 27-21 Week 4 loss on the road. In the Ravens' final two games, the Steelers and Raiders' norm was 2.3 an attempt. ... The Patriots had a decided edge with 23.3 first downs per game this season, but shifty wide receiver Wes Welker had 71 of them, second in the league, before blowing out his knee last week. He has been replaced by ex-college QB Julian Edelman, who had 10 catches for 103 yards in Week 17. ... The Pats are 8-0 at home in the playoffs in the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era, 4-3-1 against the line. They were 0-2 vs. the spread in the 2007 playoffs, their last previous appearance. ... Belichick has won 15 of 19 playoff games, only four fewer victories than this year's other 11 playoff coaches. Baltimore's John Harbaugh, in his second year, is 2-1. ... The Patriots haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2004, tied for the longest drought in the league. Their leading ground gainer is Laurence Maroney, with 757 yards, but he's been benched since fumbling at the goal line early against Jacksonville two weeks ago. Baltimore's Ray Rice easily beat Maroney's yardage total, with 1,339, for a team that tied for the league high with 22 rushing TDs. ... When the temperature at kickoff this year is freezing, the home team is 14-2. ... Baltimore became the first team in 15 years to make the playoffs despite leading the league in yards penalized. ... The Patriots opened the season the favorites to win the championship at 4-1. Now they're 11-1.

? ANALYSIS: Baltimore appears to have its five starters on the offensive line ready to go for only the second time in the past seven games, and that unit was at its bulldozing best last week by trampling Oakland for 240 rush yards. New England's defense, meanwhile, is relatively soft with few dynamic playmakers. In Week 4 against Baltimore, the Ravens scored on two 80-yard-plus drives and probably would have won if Brady wasn't at his drama-queen best drawing roughing penalties. The Ravens just have to be on their best behavior -- and quit dropping passes that hit them in the chest and face mask.

? FORECAST: Ravens 26, Patriots 21

Green Bay PACKERS (11-5) at Arizona CARDINALS (10-6)

TIME: 1:40 p.m. LINE: Cardinals -1 TOTAL: 471/2

? WEATHER: Low 70s, no chance of rain

? FACTS: Green Bay's plus-24 turnover differential is the best in the league since Cincinnati was plus-25 in 2005 -- the same year the Packers were minus-23, which hasn't been matched since. On the other hand, Arizona is minus-7. But that doesn't necessarily spell doom. The 2009 Giants entered at minus-9 and won it all. ... QB Kurt Warner, who has started three Super Bowls, and the Cards were 8-0 against teams with defensive passer ratings in the bottom eight this year, getting 17 TD passes and only one interception. But Arizona was 0-5 against top-12 units, with Warner having a TD/INT ratio of 4/11. Green Bay's defense, led by Pro Bowler Charles Woodson, is ranked fourth, the best Arizona has faced. ... In addition to the Packers giving the Cardinals and their JV units their worst loss of the season last week, 33-7, Baltimore, Dallas and Seattle also suffered their most lopsided defeats of the season to Green Bay. ... Arizona DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who has a team-high six interceptions, is questionable with knee and toe injuries and likely will be a game-time decision. ... The Cardinals are the only team in history that is unbeaten in home playoff games (3-0), with two victories coming last year. The other was at Chicago in 1947. ... Arizona is the lone playoff qualifier that was outgained during the regular season, but by an average of only 2 yards per game. In 2001, New England won the title despite an average yardage differential of minus-29.4, worst ever by a champion. ... Green Bay's 11-5 record against the spread this season was second in the league to San Francisco's 11-4-1. ... Packers QB Aaron Rodgers tied for the NFL high with 17 completions of 40-plus yards. Warner had only three, nine fewer than last year when he guided the Cardinals to the NFC title.

? ANALYSIS: There's been a lot of harping on the Packers' pass protection, which resulted in Rodgers being sacked 50 times, tied for the league high. But since bookend veteran tackles Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton have worked in tandem the final seven games, Green Bay has gone 6-1, and Rodgers, the fourth-rated QB, was sacked only nine times. This stretch also coincides with the return from injury of TE Jermichael Finley, who's had 38 catches for four TDs in that span. Also, there's been a lot of talk about how disruptive Arizona DT Darnell Dockett is. Then how come he's had no sacks the past five games and teams (including the Rams and Lions) averaged 4.4 yards a rush?

? FORECAST: Packers 30, Cardinals 24

TODAY

? NEW YORK JETS at CINCINNATI BENGALS -- Jets: QUESTIONABLE: LB David Harris (ankle), CB Donald Strickland (quadricep). PROBABLE: WR Jerricho Cotchery (hip), WR Braylon Edwards (elbow), DE Shaun Ellis (knee), LB Ryan Fowler (head), CB James Ihedigbo (neck), RB Thomas Jones (knee), QB Mark Sanchez (knee), P Steve Weatherford (right hamstring). Bengals: QUESTIONABLE: S Tom Nelson (knee). PROBABLE: S Chris Crocker (ankle), DE Robert Geathers (knee), RB Larry Johnson (knee), DT Tank Johnson (foot), WR Chad Ochocinco (knee), DT Domata Peko (knee), DT Shaun Smith (ankle).

? PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at DALLAS COWBOYS -- Eagles: PROBABLE: WR Jason Avant (knee), WR Reggie Brown (shoulder), TE Brent Celek (knee), C Nick Cole (knee), S Quintin Demps (ankle), G Max Jean-Gilles (ankle), T Winston Justice (ankle, knee), WR Jeremy Maclin (thumb, foot), DE Juqua Parker (ankle), CB Dimitri Patterson (knee), QB Michael Vick (quadricep). Cowboys: QUESTIONABLE: S Pat Watkins (knee). PROBABLE: RB Marion Barber (knee), RB Tashard Choice (concussion), T Marc Colombo (ankle), CB Terence Newman (knee), S Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb), LB DeMarcus Ware (wrist, back).

SUNDAY

? BALTIMORE RAVENS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -- Ravens: PROBABLE: QB Joe Flacco (hip), LB Tavares Gooden (groin), TE Todd Heap (neck), LB Jarret Johnson (back), C Matt Katula (elbow), WR Derrick Mason (knee), NT Haloti Ngata (ankle), S Marcus Paschal (back), DT Trevor Pryce (head), S Ed Reed (groin), G Marshal Yanda (knee), S Tom Zbikowski (neck). Patriots: QUESTIONABLE: C Dan Connolly (ankle). PROBABLE: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder, right finger, rib), WR Julian Edelman (forearm), DE Jarvis Green (knee), T Nick Kaczur (shoulder), WR Randy Moss (not injury related), CB Shawn Springs (knee), DT Ty Warren (ankle), TE Benjamin Watson (knee), DT Vince Wilfork (foot).

? GREEN BAY PACKERS at ARIZONA CARDINALS -- Packers: DOUBTFUL: S Derrick Martin (ankle). PROBABLE: LB Brandon Chillar (back), T Chad Clifton (knee), RB Korey Hall (elbow), DE Johnny Jolly (foot), DE Mike Montgomery (ankle), DT Ryan Pickett (hamstring), CB Charles Woodson (shoulder). Cardinals: QUESTIONABLE: WR Anquan Boldin (ankle), DE Calais Campbell (thumb), G Deuce Lutui (back), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (toe, knee), S Antrel Rolle (thigh), QB Brian St. Pierre (back). PROBABLE: RB Tim Hightower (knee), DE Kenny Iwebema (head), RB Dan Kreider (neck), WR Sean Morey (head), TE Ben Patrick (head), K Neil Rackers (right groin).

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