Championship round breakdown

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Total Talk - Championships

Total Talk - Championships

Total Talk - Championships

Divisional Playoff Recap
After watching the ?over? go 4-0 in the Wild Card round, the pendulum swung the other way last weekend as the ?under? produced a 3-1 record in the Divisional Playoffs. The results were clear-cut and gamblers with winning tickets didn?t have to sweat at all. The Saints? 45-14 victory over the Cardinals was the only game that went ?over? and that happened with both teams posting zeros on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. Second-half players watched the ?under? go 3-1, and the lone ?over? in the final 30 minutes came in the Chargers-Jets battle, luckily too. Most books kept the number at 20 and the two teams combined for 21 in the final quarter. Through the playoffs the ?over? stands at 5-3 through the first eight battles.

AFC Championship ? N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis

According to the early betting trends at Sportsbook.com, the public has leaned heavily toward the ?under? which has pushed the total from 41 to 39. The way the Jets are playing on both sides of the ball, it?s hard not to expect a low-scoring affair. Plus, Indianapolis plays possession football as well these days, evidenced by its 20-3 stifling victory over Baltimore last weekend.

The Jets own the top-ranked defense in the league and earned a little more respect when they held the Bengals and Chargers to 14 points in their first two road playoff games. The Colts? unit is no slouch either and they have the numbers to prove it too, especially at home. If you toss out the 34-point explosion that New England posted at Lucas Oil Field in mid-October, no other opponent was able to penetrate the Colts? defense. In meaningful games, Indy held the other seven teams to 17 points or less, which includes last week?s three-point effort versus the Ravens.



New York did put up 29 in Week 16 at Indianapolis but 14 of the points came off a kick return and a defensive touchdown. We won?t toss out that game completely because it does give us some nuggets, especially on the Jets. New York used its ground and pound attack to pile up 202 rushing yards, the majority coming in the second half. QB Mark Sanchez only passed for 102 yards and he remained handcuffed due to the help from his defense. The Jets? offense only accounted for 10 points in this game, while Peyton Manning put up three scores in six possessions before he was yanked.

What happens if you give the league?s Most Valuable Player double the reps on Sunday? You do the math folks, and toss this note into your handicapping. The Colts offensive line has only allowed their signal callers to be sacked 13 times, which is the best in the league. In case you don?t know, the Jets don?t have a legit pass rush. Most would expect a serious blitz package and that could be dangerous against Manning.

Looking back at Sanchez, he?s done enough not to hurt the Jets but can he step up when necessary. Rookie quarterbacks haven?t fared well in championships according to past history and he hasn?t shown much in these playoffs. With that being said, betting the Jets team total ?under? looks pretty promising.

Before we move onto the other title game, we let you decide what to do with the following total system/trend:

When a team plays three consecutive games on the road, play the ?over? in the third game away from home.

Over the last five seasons, total players have watched the ?over? go 19-8-2 (72%) in the third installment. The following scenario happened three times this year, twice in the regular season. The Giants and Seahawks both saw their games go ?over? and just recently, the Ravens 33-14 victory over the Patriots watched the contest go ?over? the closing number of 44.

Including the two regular season ?over? tickets and the Wild Card winning ticket, the ?over? percentage has jumped to 22-8-2 (73%).

Sunday?s contest in Indianapolis will be New York?s third straight road contest.

NFC Championship - Minnesota at New Orleans

The last time the NFC Championship saw a total in the fifties was during the 1998-99 season when Atlanta upset Minnesota 30-27 on the road as a 10 ?-point underdog. The ?over/under? on this contest was 55 and it?s fair to say that the Saints? juggernaut is just as good if not better than the Vikings? offense that season. We?ll find out for sure for this Sunday when the New Orleans faces a stout Minnesota defense that has been a beast at times, especially at home. On the road, well that?s been a different story for the Vikings.

Minnesota gave up an average of a 14.3 PPG in its first three road tilts albeit against the Browns, Lions and Rams. In the remaining five, the team surrendered 26 points or more in all five. Make a note that the Steelers posted two defensive touchdowns in their 27-17 home victory over Minnesota on Oct. 25. Throwing that game out, the Vikings just haven?t had the same energy outside of Minneapolis and now they head to New Orleans, who just put up 35 points in the first half during its 45-14 win over Arizona in the Divisional Playoffs.

Just looking at those numbers makes you believe that this game could be another clear-cut ?over? winner on the fast surface of the Superdome. And we haven?t even talked about quarterback Brett Favre and a Minnesota team that scored 27 points or more in 14 of 17 games.

Would it be foolish to bet the ?under? on this game?
, ?Anytime you have totals posted of 50-plus, it only takes a couple drives ending in field goals to switch the pace of the game. Last week, the Saints and Cards put up eight touchdowns and four of them were big-play scores, which included a punt return touchdown.?

?On average, teams in the NFL get about 12-14 possessions during a game. Last week, New Orleans had a dozen and it converted half of them into scores, which is incredible. What happens when they only convert four or even five drives into points, and two of those turn into three-spots rather than seven on the scoreboard??

A good point about tempo and even though the 59 points scored in the Saints? win last week went ?over? the closing number of 57, the ?under? still owns an impressive 11-5 (69%) record in games this year that had a total of 50 or higher.

Right now, a 27-24 outcome is a winning ?under? ticket.

Championship Trends


The ?over? is on a 4-0 run in the NFC Championship, but that was preceded by a 4-0 ?under? streak.
The AFC Championship has watched the ?over? go 7-3 the last 10 seasons. Also, the ?over? is 3-1 in the last four title games that had a total of 40 or less.
The ?over? has gone 4-1 in the last five championship games, both AFC and NFC, played indoors.
Peyton Manning has played in two championships, and he?s seen the total go 1-1.
The ?under? has gone 2-1 in championships with an ?over/under? of 50 or higher.
 

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Vikings battle Saints

Vikings battle Saints

Vikings battle Saints


Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
Sunday, 6:40 pm Eastern - Fox

The two highest scoring teams in the NFL meet on Sunday in the NFC Championship Odds game with the winner headed to the Super Bowl. It is a matchup of high profile quarterbacks with Brett Favre leading Minnesota while Drew Brees leads the Saints. Favre threw three TD passes last week in the win over Dallas while Brees had three in the Saints win over Arizona. Both teams have a number of offensive weapons so this should be an entertaining game on Sunday night.

New Orleans is a 3 ?-point favorite with a total of 53 at SBG Global.

New Orleans got a big game last week from Reggie Bush and he could be a factor this week against Minnesota. Last year Bush had two punt returns for touchdowns against the Vikings. The Saints may need Bush to have another big game since Minnesota has even more weapons. The Vikings have Pro Bowl receiver Sidney Rice to go along with Offense Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin, superstar running back Adrian Peterson and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. The New Orleans defense was not very good this season, ranking 25th in the NFL so they could have trouble containing Minnesota. The one positive on defense for New Orleans was the play of safety Darren Sharper who tied for the league lead with nine interceptions.



"I think Darren, I played with him numerous years, and he's one of those guys that is very instinctive," Favre said. "I see Darren and he looks physically as good as he's ever looked. But his instincts, those are the things you can't coach."

Minnesota's defense could be more prepared to handle the New Orleans offense since the Vikings led the NFL Betting league with 48 sacks. They will try and pressure Brees into making mistakes in this game. One concern for Minnesota is the health of Ray Edwards who was injured last week.

The Vikings are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Vikings are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog.

The Saints are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite. The Saints are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in January.

The 'over' is 8-2 in the Vikings last 10 games as a road underdog. The 'under' is 7-2 in the Vikings last 9 games overall. The 'under' is 7-2-1 in the Vikings last 10 games in January. The 'under' is 6-2 in the Vikings last 8 vs. the NFC. The 'under' is 4-1 in the Saints last 5 games overall.
 

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Jets, Colts do battle

Jets, Colts do battle

Jets, Colts do battle


New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, 3:00 pm Eastern - CBS

The Indianapolis Colts host the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Odds game on Sunday in a rematch from a Week 16 contest that the Jets won 29-15. That was the game in which the Colts led 15-10 before pulling their starters. The Jets dominated the Indianapolis backup players and won going away. The Colts were criticized for pulling their starters in that game and now it could come back to haunt them since they face a New York team they could have eliminated.

The Colts are a 7 ?-point favorite with a total of 39 at SBG Global.

New York has been hearing about how they won against the Indianapolis backups and they could use that as motivation although head coach Rex Ryan doesn't believe his team needs extra motivation. "This is the AFC championship," said Ryan, "The motivation is going to come from the fact that the winner of this game advances to the Super Bowl. That's probably motivation enough."



The Colts usually win games with Peyton Manning throwing the ball all over the field while the Jets are just the opposite as they run over teams. New York was the top-ranked rushing team in the NFL while the Colts were the worst. Manning threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns last week while the running game produced only 25 yards. The Colts are going to be challenged against a New York defense that was the best in the NFL Betting league. The Jets shut down the high-powered San Diego Chargers last week and they might be able to do the same thing to Manning and the Colts. In fact, in the last eight games only Indianapolis scored more than 14 points against the Jets defense.

The Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff road games. The Jets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog. The Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog. The Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings against the Colts.

The Colts are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall. The Colts are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite. The Colts are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 playoff home games.
 

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Championship Upsets?

Championship Upsets?

Championship Upsets?


Can the Jets and Vikings win on the Money Line?
Both New York and Minnesota are road underdogs in the Conference Championships on Sunday, yet each in their own way has proven to be a valuable play for the sports bettor. The last time two top seeds made it to the Super Bowl was the season of 1993. Since that time, on seven different occasions a matchup of the best from the NFC and AFC could have happened and not once did this occur. Betting on No.1 leaves a nasty mark at 5-9 against the spread, with seven outright losers, six from the AFC. This means bettors at Sportsbook.com could be in for a healthy return on investment in back one or both of the underdogs.

Confident New York rolling

The Jets are the bigger underdog at 7.5-points at Sportsbook.com and are +280 on the money line. Indianapolis has nobody to blame but itself for ending up with this opponent. The Colts pulled many of their top players against the Jets in Week 16 and New York stormed to a 26-6 second half, providing the momentum they needed to start winning. Make no mistake, Coach Rex Ryan has this team believing they are every bit as good as the 85? Bears and ?00 Ravens, both defensive-oriented teams that won Super Bowls.

In analyzing the rosters of the two teams, take away Peyton Manning; a case could be made the Jets have a better starting roster. The Colts offensive line is merely average with Indy have no running game to speak of, saved by Manning?s ability to get rid the ball. No doubt Manning has the skill to pick apart any defense, but this is a unique Jets D, who creates relentless pressure from every angle imaginable and whose job this week is to make Manning miserable, leading to bad throws and possible picks.


The Jets are going to run the ball with Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene, as the duo, behind a talented offensive line, averages 4.5 yards per carry on 38 attempts per contest. Quarterback Mark Sanchez has played smartly in recent weeks and his confidence has been growing, and he has been making better throws especially once the second half arrives.

NFL playoff football has evolved into getting hot at the right time. The Flyboys have won and covered seven of eight and aren?t worried about playing a third straight game on the road, the Giants and Steelers have won Super Bowls in the last four years doing so.

Strong defensive teams allowing 14-18 points per game, against teams that allow 18 to 23 points per contest, after allowing 17 points or less in three straight times, are 44-18 on the money line.

Minnesota is Favre-ulous

It was a little shocking to see New Orleans as four-point favorites over Minnesota, since the Vikings appear to have a decidedly better defense. That said, the Vikings have not been nearly as good away from the Metrodome this season, with a .500 record SU and ATS and haven?t won or covered a road game since Nov. 1 in Green Bay (0-3).

It would be foolish to dismiss Minnesota since this team is right where many thought they would be dating back to the middle of October. Brett Favre has been amazing.

While New Orleans has offensive weapons all over the field, the Minnesota crew is hardly second-rate. Receivers like Sidney Rice are explosive and rookie Percy Harvin is a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any time. The Vikings offensive line and Adrian Peterson have seen a number of different defensive schemes, all designed to stop A.P.; nonetheless they have to be encouraged with the Saints permitting 4.6 yards per carry.

The strength of Minny?s defense is not in the secondary, however, if the Vikings defensive line plays the same as they did against Dallas, it won?t matter again. Minnesota has four legitimate run stoppers and pass rushers on every play. The affects of defensive pressure have been on display in eight playoff games and if they can shake up Drew Brees, the possibilities start to open up.

This is the moment Favre yearned for and no doubt wants retribution for the NFC title game failure while with Green Bay two years ago. Teams that average 7.3 or more yards per pass attempt, against average passing defense (5.9-6.7 YPPA), after gaining eight or more passing yards an attempt in two straight games, are 37-12 on the money line the last five seasons. At +160, the Vikes are worth serious consideration.

Head over to Sportsbook.com to get in on the Conference Championship wagering. Be sure to place your bets on Friday at a discount with -105 Juice.
 

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NFL CONFERENCE TITLE CAPSULES

NFL CONFERENCE TITLE CAPSULES

NFL CONFERENCE TITLE CAPSULES
TIME: noon LINE: Colts -71/2 TOTAL: 39

? FACTS: In the regular season, foes were 19-for-23 on field-goal tries against the Jets. In two playoff games, however, enemy kickers have missed all five attempts, including Nate Kaeding's chilling 0-for-3 performance last week for San Diego. No other kicker had as big an oh-fer this season. ... The Colts endured gruesome losses in their only two postseason meetings against the Jets, first falling 16-7 in Super Bowl III in Miami as an 18-point favorite and seven seasons ago losing 41-0 in the Meadowlands. That's the only time a Peyton Manning team has been shut out. ... New York is 5-2 straight up as an underdog this season, including last week's 17-14 victory at San Diego as an 81/2-point underdog, the fifth time the past three years a favorite of 8-plus points has been upset in the postseason. ... The Colts are 2-2 against the line as a favorite of 8-plus points this season. ... The Jets, 9-7 in the regular season, had five fewer victories than Indianapolis. The greatest discrepancy between combatants in postseason history has been a six-game bulge, which last occurred two seasons ago when the 16-0 Patriots lost to a 10-6 Giants team, 17-14. ... Indianapolis averaged 3.5 yards a rush this season but yielded 4.3 a carry. That negative-0.8 differential is the worst for any conference finalist since the 2006 Colts, who were at minus-1.3 (4.0/5.3) en route to winning the title. The worst ever for a world champion was minus-1.7, when the 1960 Eagles had a norm of 3.2 a rush and yielded 4.9. ... The Colts, Vikings and Saints finished in a three-way tie for most touchdown throws in 2009 with 34. The Jets were tied for third worst with 12. That's the fewest for any team that got this far in a nonstrike season since the 1976 Steelers had 10. ... New York led the league with five 200-yard rushing days this season. The Colts allowed that many rushing yards in a game twice, but they occurred during their late-season shutdown.

? ANALYSIS: Early on in Indy's Week 16 loss to the Jets, when the Colts still were paying attention, they were a buzz saw with 17 first downs on their first six drives, two of which exceeded 80 yards. Manning had 192 yards passing and no interceptions. Then two weeks ago against New York, Cincinnati RB Cedric Benson gouged the Jets for 169 yards rushing. Thus, New York's No. 1-rated defense indeed has had its Swiss cheese moments and isn't just CB Darrelle Revis blanketing four receivers at once. Plus it won't help that standout LB Bart Scott has an ankle injury (probable) and DE Shaun Ellis has a broken hand (probable) and had only one tackle last week in San Diego. As for Jets QB Mark Sanchez, only twice this season did he throw more passes than the team had rushes. If Indianapolis gets off to its typical fast start at home (outscoring foes 57-20 in the first quarter), the Jets will be out of their comfort zone. It's hard to believe the suddenly savvy Sanchez won't dissolve into a rookie again in the din of a dome. After all, only Jay Cutler threw more interceptions than Sanchez did this season.

? FORECAST: Colts 26, Jets 10

TIME: 3:40 p.m. LINE: Saints -31/2 TOTAL: 521/2

? FACTS: Powerhouse Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has been held to less than 3 yards a carry in six games in his three-year career, including a 2.4 norm in last week's 34-3 victory against Dallas. Last season, he had by far his worst game of the season at New Orleans, rushing 21 times for 32 yards, for a 1.5 average. But Minnesota won that one, too, 30-27, behind journeyman QB Gus Frerotte. ... Saints RB Reggie Bush, running for a big contract, had a 46-yard rushing TD last week in a 45-14 rout of Arizona. In 2007-08, his longest run was 43 yards. ... Minnesota, which led the league in sacks with 48 this season, got six more against Dallas on Sunday. New Orleans, conversely, has given up more than one sack in only one of its past 10 games. ... The Saints went a league-record 20 consecutive seasons without a winning record (1967 to 1986) before going 12-3 in 1987. That season culminated with a first-round home playoff game against Minnesota. New Orleans took a quick 7-0 lead but was down 31-10 by halftime in an eventual 44-10 loss. Eight times in history a home dome team has blown a lead of 7-plus points in a loss, and three times it was by the favored Saints and then-coach Jim Mora. His record of 0-6 in the postseason (0-4 with New Orleans) is by far the worst of any coach. ... The Vikings allowed 15 more touchdown passes than they had interceptions this season (26/11), but that's a lot better than the ratio last year's NFC champion Cardinals had (36/13). ... Should New Orleans and Indianapolis reach the Super Bowl, it would be the first time in 16 seasons both No. 1 seeds met for the title, when Buffalo and Dallas collided for the second year in a row. ... If Vikings QB Brett Favre doesn't throw an interception in Sunday's game, he will match a career high with four straight games without one. In 2005-06 with Green Bay, he threw an interception in 12 straight games. ... Minnesota DE Ray Edwards, who had three sacks and five hurries last week, is questionable (knee), as is run-stuffing DT Kevin Williams. Not to mention WR/KR Percy Harvin (questionable) is struggling with migraines again. For the Saints, CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) and TE Jeremy Shockey (knee) are questionable.

? ANALYSIS: It seems no folks make as much noise at football games as Saints fans, many of whom in 1988 helped cause seismographs to go haywire while rocking Louisiana State's stadium in nearby Baton Rouge. And because it's a night game, the scene is sure to be madhouse. Though the Vikings will be well-prepared to work the silent count, OTs Bryant McKinnie and rookie Phil Loadholt will have their ears and hands full while not having the snap-count edge against New Orleans' speed rushers. Home dome teams are 5-0 this postseason for a reason, with outdoor home clubs going 0-3. And although the savvy Favre has a Super Bowl victory on his record and helped defeat five playoff teams this season, only one of those victories came on the road, where the Viking have lost three straight and four of five. This could be a game in which former Favre teammate Darren Sharper, the Saints' Mr. Instant Offense in the secondary, could play a key role, much the way S Ed Reed does with Baltimore.

? FORECAST: Saints 28, Vikings 14

? LAST WEEK: 2-2 vs. spread; 2-2 straight up

? SEASON TOTAL: 124-132-8 vs. spread; 158-106 straight up
 

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BETWEEN THE LINES
THREE REASONS TO LIKE THE SAINTS (-31/2) OVER THE VIKINGS

Don't underestimate the importance of home-field advantage.

The difference will be the Saints defense, which will cause a few turnovers and shift field position. Reggie Bush could be the difference on special teams.

The Saints should be able to protect Drew Brees, and that means the offense should score enough points.

THREE REASONS TO LIKE PEYTON MANNING OVER 241/2 COMPLETIONS

The Colts offense is predicated on the pass, not the run. Manning will attempt at least 40 throws.

Against the Ravens, who run a similar defense, Manning had 30 completions.

Manning probably will play the entire game. In Week 16, he completed 14 passes in about half a game.

LAST WEEK: 3-1

SEASON: 17-23-2
 

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NFL'S FINAL FOUR: AFC an over, NFC under in title games

NFL'S FINAL FOUR: AFC an over, NFC under in title games

NFL'S FINAL FOUR: AFC an over, NFC under in title games

Handicapper eschews sides, opts for totals


LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
When the betting lines were posted for last year's NFL divisional playoffs, my opinions were quickly formed. But both of today's conference championships require plenty of painstaking thought.

A solid case can be made for all four teams perched one win from the Super Bowl. Here's a scouting report on the AFC and NFC title games:

? New York Jets at Indianapolis (-8): The Jets were given a pass-go card by the Colts in Week 16 of the regular season. Lo and behold, the Jets now have an opportunity to knock out Indianapolis. Ironic? You bet.

The Jets are this postseason's Cinderella story. A rookie coach and rookie quarterback have the opportunity to accomplish what was unthinkable a few weeks ago. New York's running attack has been strong and Mark Sanchez has protected the ball.

But it's the Jets defense that has stolen the show and two playoff victories. The chess match between New York's incessant blitzing and Peyton Manning will be fun to watch.

Indianapolis looked disoriented at times against the Baltimore defense last weekend. The Colts have maintained this past week that the Ravens' defensive approach is extremely similar to what New York has to offer. That makes sense, as Jets coach Rex Ryan took that package with him from Baltimore to the Big Apple.

Also, the Colts' starters got a taste of what the Jets do during the first half of Week 16, before putting their feet up in the recliner.

New York will try to take away Manning's big guns. Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark will garner plenty of attention from the Jets, meaning the wideout duo of Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon might have the best chance to step up and make some plays. Manning could need an extra piece of equipment for this game -- a drool cup. He welcomes extra pressure. If the offensive line can buy him an extra second, he'll find the mismatches in the secondary.

As for the Jets' offense, they will again look to pound it on the ground. In the regular-season meeting, Thomas Jones ran for 105 yards and rookie Shonn Greene banged out 95. Many of those yards came against backups in the second half.

Since then, Greene has become the go-to guy in the backfield. He has been impressive in the playoffs, gaining 135 yards on 21 carries at Cincinnati and 128 on 23 carries last weekend at San Diego. He was the Jets' quick-strike weapon in both wins, recording a 39-yard touchdown run against the Bengals and providing the margin of victory over the Chargers with a 53-yard sprint.

It's hard to pull the trigger on a side in this game. The key in that regard may be the first 10 minutes. The Jets aren't built to come from far back, so they can't let Manning get rolling early.

The total has dropped by 11/2 points during the past week. I envision Manning inflicting his regular dose of damage against the Jets, with the odd turnover giving New York a short field and enhanced scoring opportunities.

The Jets will move the ball on the ground and give Sanchez some play-action opportunities. I also think the rookie makes his share of mistakes that lead to points for the Colts.

Hence, over the total of 39 is the play I recommend in the AFC Championship Game.

? Minnesota at New Orleans (-31/2): The shootout everyone is anticipating might not materialize in the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome.

Arizona's defense was porous in two playoff games, surrendering 45 points each in a victory over Green Bay and a loss at New Orleans. The Saints will be hard-pressed to have that type of field day against the Vikings.

Brett Favre lit up the Cowboys for 34 points, with a piling-on touchdown at the end. What the betting public last witnessed was the Vikings and Saints rolling up a combined 79 points last weekend.

Forget the hype about Favre and Drew Brees, because the ultimate star of this game will be a defender.

Veteran safety Darren Sharper springs to mind for the Saints. Will he be able to pull the old bait-and-switch against Favre? For the Vikings, their run-stuffing tackles and Jared Allen are easy picks, but I think cornerback Antoine Winfield will make several immense plays. He's the best cornerback in the league against the run and can put a hurt on unsuspecting wideouts.

The Super Bowl is on the line today, and the total of 53 points is hefty. Both teams are capable of creating turnovers, and I would look for both offenses to be a tad more cautious than they were last weekend.

Under is the way I'm going here.
 

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N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis Betting Preview

N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis Betting Preview

N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis Betting Preview


Normally this time of year in professional football, everyone is talking about how important quarterback play is and how the teams matchup. Well, New Yorkers are often known for their bravado and as it turns out the Jets have the perfect coach to make believers out of the players and fans alike. Rex Ryan may not understand the mathematical workings of the NFL playoff system (after losing to Atlanta he said his team had almost no chance to make the postseason) but he?s able to rally the troops with the familiar ?us against the world? refrain, used expertly by his father Buddy Ryan and George Allen before him.

It?s the clich?d ?respect card? that has been reformulated in green and white by coach Ryan, winning seven of last eight (7-1 ATS) which has his players believing him like the pied piper. Ryan?s conviction had him making comments like New York should be favored for the Super Bowl and his logic is correct based on statistical information.

The Jets (11-7 SU & ATS) have the best defense in the NFL and attack opposing quarterbacks like a siege of numerous battalions. While seven or sometimes eight Jets are on the fly, a confident group of pass defenders led by Darelle Revis back them up. The Flyboys cornerback sticks to receivers better than Super Glue and helps the secondary provide better coverage than Safe Auto?s Justin Case. New York is 8-2 ATS on the road against teams with winning home record.

New York also runs the ball better than anyone in the NFL averaging 172 yards per game. Between the defense and running game that is the foundation of Ryan?s belief system, OC Brian Shottenheimer is on a roll as play-caller, protecting Mark Sanchez and calling the right plays which the Jets have been able to execute.

The Indianapolis Colts organization is completely different. They give away undefeated season in hopes of winning a bigger prize. The Colts (15-2, 11-6 ATS) let their play on field do the talking, however don?t for second think they haven?t been listening to all the huffing and puffing coming out of the Big Apple. A person not familiar with professional football might surmise the Jets are the favored and better team by reading newspaper and online accounts of the AFC Championship. Indianapolis has been to a Super Bowl in the last 39 years and actually won something, New York can?t make the same claim. The Colts have to be simmering in listening to all the talk.

Sportsbook.com has Indianapolis as 7.5-point favorites with total of 39.5 and they are 8-2 ATS after one or more consecutive wins against the spread this season. Home favorites of seven to nine points in conference championships are 11-3 ATS in last 14 outings. While Peyton Manning will be blitzed extensively, he?s arguably the smartest quarterback in the game. His impeccable film study allows him to find and edge or two against any defense.

Expect the Colts to test Revis early with Reggie Wayne. Though Revis has stopped virtually every top receiver he has faced this season, Wayne is slightly different type of pass catcher, not a home run threat per se, his real expertise is running crossing routes, which is more difficult for any defender to cover. The Jets safeties are average in pass coverage and Indy won?t make the same mistake San Diego did with Antonio Gates. Because a tight end is often the hot read in blitzes, Dallas Clark will shorten his routes and with film study, see were the weakness are in the Jets secondary, look for him to have big game for Colts who have covered last four games as 3.5 to 10-point favorites.

The Colts defensive run numbers are not imposing; however they only allowed 17.7 points a game a Lucas Oil Stadium this season. Their goal is to force third down and five and longer all day long.

Sanchez has played better in each of two playoff games, but can his teammates protect from being too excited being 60 minutes away from Super Bowl? The offensive line will gain rushing yards with Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene toting the pigskin, the question is can they score once on the Indianapolis side of the field. Gang Green is a splendid 7-3 SU and ATS on the road and riding the crest of emotion. New York?s defense will look to stone a meager Colts running game and try to contain Wayne and Clark and smack around young receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon, causing them to lose concentration in the moment to stall Indy?s offense.

This game has Under written all over it and the line has dropped precipitously from opening 41points. The Colts are 37-21 UNDER when they rush for 50 to 75 yards, which is a distinct possibility and the Jets are 22-9 UNDER in road games vs. good passing teams averaging seven or more passing yards per attempt. A system to consider is playing on home teams when the total is between 35.5 and 42 points and they out-score opponents by seven or more points a game, after allowing nine points or less last game. (29-8)

Power Line ? Jets by 2
*** Dave ? Indianapolis covers
 

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Minnesota at New Orleans Betting Preview

Minnesota at New Orleans Betting Preview

Minnesota at New Orleans Betting Preview

Brett Favre vs. Drew Brees. That sets the stage for what should be a highly entertaining NFC Championship encounter. In interviews this week, both quarterbacks have expressed the belief they were destined to be on these particular teams after believing they were no longer wanted by a previous employer.

Favre has enjoyed the ride this season, being in a place we wanted after rightfully or wrongly feeling his services were no longer required in Green Bay after losing NFC title game two years ago. Whether it?s the motivation of winning another Super Bowl and going out on top like John Elway did (something he?s always craved) or sticking it to the Packers organization, or both, the 40-year old quarterback has played with a sense of urgency, knowing his football clock is ticking.
Brees left San Diego with the organization believing they could not be a consistent winner with the former Purdue quarterback. However, Brees signed with New Orleans became a huge part of a community that suffered unfathomable strife from Hurricane Katrina and found the right coach who could develop his abilities and bring out the creative aspects of his game.

Minnesota (13-4, 10-6-1 ATS) is three-point underdog with total of 53 at Sportsbook.com, which is the highest since Atlanta and Minnesota in 1999 title tilt (55). The Vikings were 8-4-1 ATS against the NFC this year and as important as Favre is, Adrian Peterson could well be the most important player for the Vikings in this contest. A.P. has gone eight games without busting past 100 yards rushing and most believe it?s because the offense is more based around No. 4 and he has audibled out of a good number of running plays this season. Talking to a scout who watches film on all NFL teams, he?s noted Peterson has been less patient in following blocks this season, often making poor decisions trying to break longer runs.

Minnesota would be foolish to not give Peterson a large number of carries against a defense that surrenders 4.6 yards per carry. Peterson can?t get caught up in the emotion of the moment and forget ball protection (six lost fumbles this year) in trying to make 50-yard run when four or five is all he can get. Peterson and Chester Taylor have to think averages against the Saints. Two runs means third and one giving Favre lots of options against New Orleans defense.

Given the listed total, this is presumed to be a touchdown game. Favre will have his work cut out for him since New Orleans (14-3, 9-8 ATS) had the NFL?s best red zone pass defense. This is where clever play calling and execution is tantamount for club that is 7-15 ATS against teams with winning home record.

If the Vikings can?t generate the same pass rush as they did against Dallas (three of the four D-linemen missed two practices this week), the ?Who Dat? talk will begin early. Brees has more weapons of mass destruction than Iraq ever had. Minnesota has their best cover corner Antoine Winfield hobbling; mainly playing slot receivers in the nickel and rookie middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley can be influenced by the flow of the play and taken out of position. The Saints are 10-2-1 ATS after covering the spread and will attack the Vikings at their weakest points.

In reviewing New Orleans this season two aspects standout when they play their best. The Saints are able to run the ball and they use Jeremy Shockey a lot in the first 20 minutes. That?s not to say Brees can?t have a big game using other players, however peak effectiveness has occurred when this pattern is established.

The Saints offensive line had problems with the Cowboys pass rush when they suffered their first defeat of the season, which they can?t allow the league?s top sacking unit to have the same type of success or they lose fourth game in last five and end the season 1-6 ATS in final seven contests.

New Orleans has lost and failed to cover last four meetings vs. Minnesota, with each going Over the total. The Saints are 11-3 OVER off a home win over the last three seasons while Minny is 7-0 UNDER in road games after a win by 14 or more points during the same time span.

For believers of fate, watch the outcome of Colts game, since the last seven times the two top seeds have played in Conference Championship contests, not once have both advanced to the game with roman numerals.

Power Line ? New Orleans by 1
**** Steve ? New Orleans covers
 

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DUNKEL INDEX UPDATE

DUNKEL INDEX UPDATE

Today's NFL Picks
NY Jets at Indianapolis
The Jets look to build on their 8-2 ATS record in their last 10 games as an underdog. New York is the pick (+8) according to Dunkel, which has the Colts favored by only 6. Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+8). Here are all of this week's picks.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24
Time Posted: 10:00 p.m. EST (1/20)
Game 301-302: NY Jets at Indianapolis
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 141.004; Indianapolis 146.897
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 6; 42
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 8; 39
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+8); Over
Game 303-304: Minnesota at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 131.779; New Orleans 140.363
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 8 1/2; 59
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3); Over
 

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What bettors need to know: Jets at Colts

What bettors need to know: Jets at Colts

What bettors need to know: Jets at Colts

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts (-7.5, 39)

Sunday?s AFC Championship will feature an incredible contrast in style, and in more ways than one.

Indianapolis, an offensive juggernaut, has been one of the Super Bowl favorites right from the start. New York, a defensive force, appeared to have little chance of even reaching the playoffs less than a month ago.

The Colts (15-2, 10-5-1 ATS) started the season 14-0, rested their starters for the majority of the final two games and then bounced back after a bye week to hammer Baltimore 20-3 in the Divisional round.

The Jets (11-7, 11-7 ATS) were 7-7 after a December 20 home loss to the Falcons, but they snuck into the playoffs on a two-game winning streak and have since scored road wins over Cincinnati and San Diego.

Line movement

The Colts opened as 7.5-point favorites at most betting sites and the line has experienced almost no fluctuation. The total opened between 40 and 41 at most shops but has crept down to 39.

Hamburger helper

New York and Indianapolis squared off one time this season, on December 27, but the Colts limited their starters and fell 29-15 at home for their first loss. They led 15-10 midway through the third quarter before coach Jim Caldwell decided to bench Peyton Manning and the rest of his top players.

The Jets ran for 202 yards ? 105 from Thomas Jones and 95 courtesy of rookie Shonn Greene. Of course, a lot of that yardage came at the expense of a second-string Colts defense.

New York also controlled the clock for more than 33 minutes, and they will once again try to keep the Indianapolis offense off the field by featuring a ground game that is tops in the NFL (172.2 ypg during the regular season). The Colts, meanwhile, were No. 24 in the league in run defense, allowing 126.5 yards per contest.

Coach Rex Ryan, however, knows this trip to Indianapolis will have little resemblance to the last.

?Yes, we got some hamburger helper in that game,? Ryan admitted. ?But we'll just go in there and try to win another ballgame.?

Wayne?s World?

Something will have to give on Sunday because the second-best passing offense in the NFL is going up against the league?s top passing defense.

Manning (393-for-571, 4500 yards, 33 TDs, 16 INTs) recently became the first player in NFL history to win the Associated Press MVP Award four times. His favorite down-field target, Reggie Wayne, hauled in 100 passes for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns this year.

Against heralded Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, Wayne was limited to 33 yards on three receptions in less than three quarters of action. Wayne, however, clearly had Revis beat on several pass plays before Manning missed the throws.

Sure to play all four quarters this time around, Wayne is eager for another shot at the NFL?s runner-up Defensive Player of the Year.

?He understands the game,? Wayne said of Revis. ?He understands routes. He understands combinations. Now we've got a whole game to play each other. May the best man win.?

Infirmary report

The Jets had almost no notable injuries to report until safety Kerry Rhodes collided with a teammate during Thursday?s practice and departed with his right knee heavily wrapped. Ryan, however, assured that it was just a ?bump? and that Rhodes, who contained tight end Antonio Gates last week and could have the task of stopping Dallas Clark, is good to go.

Clark was limited at Wednesday?s practice, but he returned in full a day later and is listed as probable on Indy?s injury report.

The news is less encouraging for the Colts starting secondary. Cornerback Jerraud Powers is questionable with a foot injury and cornerback Antoine Bethea is questionable with a bruised back.

Trending topics

New York is not only riding a four-game surge, but the upstart team is also on fire against the spread. The Jets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall, 5-0 ATS in their last five road trips and 5-0 ATS in their last five against AFC opponents.

The Colts have fared quite well ATS in their own right. They are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games overall, 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine against the AFC and 3-1-1 ATS in their last five home outings. They are also 5-2 ATS in their last seven playoff games.

Head-to-head, New York is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings between the two teams. The over is 5-1-1 in the last seven encounters.

Neither the Jets (8-9-1 O/U) nor the Colts (9-8 O/U) have been strong over/under plays this season. The over however, is 4-1 in Indy?s last five games overall and 6-2-1 in New York?s last nine against the AFC.
 

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NFL Championship Round's biggest betting mismatches

NFL Championship Round's biggest betting mismatches

NFL Championship Round's biggest betting mismatches


New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts (-7.5, 39)

Peyton Manning vs. Mark Sanchez

The four-time NFL MVP will be starting his 17th postseason game for the Colts Sunday. Manning completed a career-high 68.8 percent of his pass attempts this season. In just over a half of football in Week 16 against the Jets, he completed 14-of-21 passes for 192 yards.

While Manning is in the top four all-time in passing yards and touchdowns, New York's rookie signal-caller may be called on to answer Manning through the air if the Jets fall behind in the AFC Championship game. Sanchez (28th in NFL in quarterback rating) has been a work in progress throughout his first pro campaign. After being picked off 20 times in the regular season, he has thrown only one interception in 38 postseason passes.

New York's kick return offense vs. Indianapolis kick return defense

The Jets are fifth in the NFL in kick return average. In the regular season against the Colts, Brad Smith returned the second half kickoff 106 yards for a touchdown.

The Colts are 31st in the league in kick return defense. The unit has allowed an average of over 25 yards per return this season.

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (-3.5, 53)

Minnesota's pass offense vs. New Orleans pass defense

The Vikings are eighth in the NFL in passing offense. With Adrian Peterson and the rushing attack struggling in recent weeks, Minnesota has had to rely on Brett Favre a little more than expected down the stretch. Favre hooked up with emerging wideout Sidney Rice for three touchdowns in last week's 34-3 rout of Dallas.

New Orleans is 26th in the league in passing defense. The squad's pass defense didn't face much pressure last week after the Saints jumped out to a big lead against Arizona. The ability to force Favre into a mistake or two could be the difference in this matchup. While Favre was only picked off seven times during the regular season, the Saints were able to register 26 interceptions to help offset some of the lapses in the secondary.

Minnesota vs. The Superdome

Over the last two seasons, the Vikings have posted a record of 15-3 (includes playoffs) at home. When Minnesota is forced to play away from the Metrodome, the club is usually pretty average. The Vikings are 8-8 on the road since 2008.

Ironically, Minnesota lost its final three road games of the regular season to waste a chance at hosting the NFC Championship game. Since returning to action from a bye in Week 10, the Vikings have been a Jekyll-and-Hyde club. During this stretch, Minnesota is 6-0 at home. The average score of these six contests has been 34-8. In contrast, the Vikings lost by an average score of 31-18 in its final three road outings.
 

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Public playing the dogs

Public playing the dogs

Public playing the dogs
By BETED.COM
Randy Scott is an oddsmaker for betED.com

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts (-8, 40)

Opening Line: 7.5, 40.5

Where the early action is:

- Pointspread: 52 percent - Jets

- Moneyline: 52 percent - Jets

- Total: 56 percent - Under

- Teasers: 76 percent - Colts -1.5 or better

Comments: The public loves the Jets getting more than a touchdown in this AFC Championship game. Jets coach Rex Ryan put it best when he said his team has a punchers chance to beat the Colts. Yes, New York does indeed pack a very good one-two punch with a top-ranked rushing offense and a top-ranked overall defense, but this is the Colts.

Manning and Co. have been very successful against a Rex Ryan-led defense. In the last five games against Ryan?s defenses, Manning has thrown for 1,136 yards with nine TDs while winning four of those games by more than a touchdown. The only loss came a month ago when the Colts pulled their starters with less than six minutes to go in the third quarter, leading 15-10.

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (-3.5 -115 53)

Opening Line: 4, 53

Where the early action is:

- Pointspread: 58 percent - Vikings

- Moneyline: 89 percent - Vikings

- Total: 57 percent - Over

- Teasers: 53 percent - Saints +2.5 or better

Comments: The NFC Championship game highlights two of the highest scoring offenses in the NFL but also two currently top-ranked defenses.

For example, the Vikings defense dominated Dallas last week, only allowing three points while sacking Tony Romo six times. The Vikings? All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen led the NFC with 14.5 sacks and second to him was Saints? D-end Will Smith with 13 sacks. The Saints defense shut down Arizona?s No. 2 offense last week, allowing only 14 points.

A case can be made to bet on either team here. The line has been as high as 4.5 and is currently at its lowest. We are taking on some big moneyline action on the Vikings (+160) as well as Vikings on the buy to +4.5.
 

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What bettors need to know: Vikings at Saints

What bettors need to know: Vikings at Saints

What bettors need to know: Vikings at Saints

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (-3.5, 53)

In a battle between the league?s highest-scoring teams and the two highest-rated quarterbacks, the Vikings and Saints face off for the NFC Championship in New Orleans? Superdome.

This is the Saints second NFC title game in team history, having lost to Chicago three years ago, 39-14, as 2.5-point dogs. The Vikings are 3-4 straight up and 2-4-1 against the spread in conference championships, losing their last four SU and ATS.

Line movement

New Orleans opened as a 4-point favorite and the line increased to 4.5, but has since dropped to 3.5 and could be as low as 3 by kickoff. The total opened at 53 and can be found at 52.5 in some markets.

More than four out of five bettors wagering on the moneyline are taking Minnesota at +160. For those who like New Orleans, laying the points and not considering the moneyline seems like the smart choice for this particular game (see the first ?trend? at the bottom).

Significant injuries

According to the Star Tribune, Minnesota rookie Percy Harvin missed Thursday?s practice due to a migraine.

Migraines caused the star wide receiver to miss a regular-season game six weeks ago and also slowed Harvin the following week. The two consecutive games in mid-December Harvin missed, were Brett Favre?s two worst (as far as passer rating) of the season.

? expect [Harvin] to be OK,? said Minnesota head coach Brad Childress. ?He has to take care of [the migraine]. It?s not something you can fight through.?

Harvin was named the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year this season and set a team record for all-purpose yardage (2,081).

No place like home

While the Vikings were 9-0 this season at home in the comfy confines of the Metrodome, they have only a 4-4 record on the road and haven?t won an away game in nearly three months.

In their last three road games ? losses to Arizona, Carolina, and Chicago ? Minnesota was more than a touchdown favorite on average but lost the three contests by an average of nearly two touchdowns.

The Vikings must perform under the pressure of the Superdome, regarded as one of the loudest and most intimidating environments in the NFL.

?Not only are you playing the Saints, but you?re playing their fans,? said Favre.

Last week, the Superdome crowd was considered the loudest it has been all season and was certainly a factor in New Orleans? 31-point win over Arizona. This week, Favre and the Vikings can expect it to be even louder.

Run, Adrian, Run

Minnesota?s Adrian Peterson has not rushed for 100+ yards in eight consecutive games after gaining 100 or more in 19 of his first 39 regular-season games in the NFL.

The three-time Pro-Bowler is due for a breakout game, especially considering the last time these two teams played (Oct. 6, 2008) Peterson had one of the worst performances of his career (21 carries, 32 yards).

The Saints biggest weakness may be its run defense. New Orleans allowed 122.2 rushing yards per game (21st in NFL) and 4.5 yards per carry (26th) during the regular season.

Establishing the run and riding Peterson would help quiet the raucous crowd and keep Saints quarterback Drew Brees and the explosive New Orleans offense off the field.

Key matchup

Safety Darren Sharper spearheads a Saints secondary that held Kurt Warner in check after he had arguably the best passing performance ever in NFL playoff history the week before against Green Bay.

Statistically, Favre is having the best season of his illustrious, 19-year career; however, the 40-year-old quarterback and his teams have often struggled in the playoffs (4-6 SU and 4-5-1 ATS since 1997).

If New Orleans? defense, and end Will Smith in particular, can apply consistent pressure, Favre, as he has demonstrated in past playoff games, may become rattled, force the football into coverage and commit turnovers.

Trends

Since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, the winning teams of the conference championship games (NFC and AFC) are 65-0-2 ATS when the line is less than 10 points.

In 38 of the 78 conference championship games, or nearly half, the margin of victory has been 14 points or more.

Minnesota is 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS versus New Orleans since 1992; the over is 8-2 in these 10 games.

New Orleans is 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games as a favorite of 3.5-10 points.
 

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NFL Underdogs: Championship pointspread prediction

NFL Underdogs: Championship pointspread prediction

NFL Underdogs: Championship pointspread prediction

The trick to being a good backup is the ability to spring into action when called upon without a moment's hesitation.

That call came early Monday morning when Covers.com associate editor and NFL Underdogs columnist Ashton Grewal phoned my house with a jumpiness to his voice. His frantic words were about as coherent as a Nirvana song but it was crystal clear what was happening.

Ashton and his wife welcomed a beautiful little girl to this world Monday afternoon (congrats), taking our star analyst out of action for the next week or so and putting the ball in my hands for this weekend's installment of NFL Underdogs.

With the pressure on for the NFL Championship games and even more tension added to the noose with underdogs going just 1-3 against the spread last weekend, I've looked for inspiration from other backups who rose to the occasion when thrust into the spotlight.

Guys like Tom Brady, who parlayed a Drew Bledsoe injury into a Brazilian supermodel wife, and Kurt Warner, who went from asking ?paper or plastic? to winning Super Bowl XXXIV.

Another second-stringer that jumped at the opportunity got his start when Don Majkowski shredded his ankle, putting the Green Bay Packers' 1992 season in the Mississippi-hardened hands of a second-year quarterback.

Fast forward through three MVP awards, a Super Bowl title, a cameo as ?Brett Fav..ere..re..? in There's Something About Mary, numerous Wrangler Jeans ads, two or three retirement balks and more than 300 consecutive starts and Brett Favre could be the most opportunistic player in NFL history.

And as the fates would have it, Favre has another opportunity this Sunday.

He leads the Minnesota Vikings into the Big Easy for the NFC Championship game, hoping to crash the party on Bourbon Street like a Girls Gone Wild camera crew. Oddsmakers have set No. 4 and the Vikes as 3.5-point road underdogs for Sunday's game.

Favre can get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since losing to John Elway and the Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII. Since that game, the gunslinger has regressed ? being known more for his reckless passes and interceptions than winning the big games. He totaled 215 picks while passing for 315 touchdowns between the 1998 and 2008 seasons.

That span included some memorable moments but also some nasty performances. Like a five-interception game against the Bengals in Week 8 of the 2005 season and a three-interception nightmare in his final game as a New York Jet last season. That could have been Favre's swan song if Brad Childress hadn't read from the ?Book of the Dead?, awakening the quarterback from his 3,000-year-old slumber (wait...that was The Mummy).

But this season's been different for Favre. Not only does he still look weird in the Purple and Gold deep into January, but his first campaign in the Twin City has been unlike any other season in the past decade.

Favre has been among the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL, completing more than 68 percent of his passes (a career high) and ranking second in QB rating, behind none other than Saints quarterback Drew Brees. The number that stands out the most is his interceptions ? or lack thereof.

Favre has thrown just seven picks this season, keeping a clean sheet for the past three games and making football bettors on both sides of the line very nervous for Sunday's game. With his brilliant playmaking and downfield attack comes the threat of one of those disastrous, multi-interception games or as many have tagged them, Favre's ?senior moments?.

It seems football fans, Favre haters or not, have been waiting for the other shoe to drop since Week 1. Those people have been holding their breath for the ?I told you so? moment, and are almost as purple as Favre's horned helmet heading into the weekend.

Hopefully those doubters have some oxygen left in tank. If not, they can suck in the rush of wind when Favre lets the air out of the Superdome this weekend.

Pick: Minnesota +3.5
 

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NFL Playoff Preview - N.Y. Jets (11-7) at Indianapolis (15-2)

NFL Playoff Preview - N.Y. Jets (11-7) at Indianapolis (15-2)

NFL Playoff Preview - N.Y. Jets (11-7) at Indianapolis (15-2)

- When they take the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for Sunday afternoon's AFC Championship, the New York Jets will be looking to prove that the notions of homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, first-round byes, and even postseason home games are overrated factors in the quest for a championship.

The homestanding Indianapolis Colts, meanwhile, can prove exactly the opposite with a victory of their own.

The Jets and Colts made their way into the 2009 NFL Playoff bracket in markedly different manners, and in the four weeks that have passed since their much- debated regular season meeting, little has changed about their perceived stature.

The fifth-seeded Jets were not so long ago a 4-6 team that blazed a trail into the playoff field through a combination of improved play, seeming deference by two late-season opponents, and a weak AFC field that helped Rex Ryan's team get in at all with a 9-7 mark (the Jets were a playoff-less 9-7 last year, when the Patriots were also on the outside looking in at 11-5). The uphill climb that the Jets began in late November has continued throughout the postseason, as they've taken to the road to upset the Bengals (24-14) and Chargers (17-14), and now stand at the cusp of the organization's first Super Bowl berth in 41 long seasons.

The Jets are in the AFC Championship for just the second time since Joe Namath led the then-young franchise to an AFL title in 1968, and the first since 1998, when the Bill Parcells-coached edition of the team was a 23-10 loser to the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. A 1982 shutout loss to the Miami Dolphins ranks as the team's only other experience on the conference title stage.

The history of the organization, then, would seem to be stacked against a Jets win, though recent NFL history is not. With a victory on Sunday, the Jets can join the 2005 Steelers and 2007 Giants as the third team in the last five seasons to reach the Super Bowl after winning three consecutive road games as a wild card entry. Both the Steelers and Giants won Super Bowls.

If the Jets are the scrappy underdog, the Colts are the regal pure-bred that would seem to have a reservation for the winner's circle.

After remaining undefeated until after Christmas and clinching homefield advantage in the AFC with three games to spare, that top-seeded Indianapolis finds itself in a position to reach its second Super Bowl in the past four years is a surprise to absolutely no one, least of all the Colts themselves.

Any skeptics that might have questioned the Colts' fire after going more than a month without playing a meaningful game have scattered in the wake of Indy's formulaic 20-3 pasting of the Baltimore Ravens last Saturday. The victory marked the first time Indianapolis had won a postseason game following a first- round bye, after previously going 0-3 under those circumstances since 1999.

The Colts are 2-3 in the AFC Championship, including 1-2 since moving to Indianapolis.

SERIES HISTORY

The Colts and Jets have met on two prior occasions in the postseason, both of them memorable. The first-ever meeting between the franchises resulted in a landmark 16-7 win for the Jets over the then-Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Also, in a 2002 AFC First-Round Playoff, the Jets scored a 41-0 home victory.

Indianapolis holds a 40-26 edge in its all-time regular season series with the Jets, but New York scored a 29-15 win at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 16. In that contest, Colts head coach Jim Caldwell pulled Manning and a bulk of the team's starters with Indianapolis ahead, 15-10, early in the third quarter, sparking a firestorm of debate about the undefeated team's decision not to play at 100 percent to attempt to win the game. The result snapped a two-game winning streak for the Colts in the series, which included a 31-28 road win in 2006 and a 38-31 decision at the RCA Dome in 2003.

The Jets' Ryan is 1-0 against both the Colts and Caldwell. The winner of Sunday's meeting will become the first rookie NFL coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl since the Raiders' Bill Callahan in 2002. The 49ers' George Seifert (1989) is the last rookie head man to win a Super Bowl.

WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL

After leading the NFL in rushing offense during the regular season (172.2 yards per game), the Jets have maintained their ground-based approach by totaling 340 rushing yards in the postseason. Rookie running back Shonn Greene (2 TD) has been a breakout star, with his 263 rushing yards in two postseason games ranking as the second-most by a rookie in NFL history (Duane Thomas). Greene had a Jets franchise record 53-yard touchdown run to help sink the Chargers last Sunday. Thomas Jones (29 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD) has been quieter. Greene and Jones combined for 200 rushing yards against the Colts in Week 16, though many of those came against Indy's second-string unit in the second half. Mark Sanchez (282 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) and the Jets passing game have been a complementary piece, with the rookie turning the ball over just once and suffering only one sack while generating a 92.2 passer rating. Wideouts Jerricho Cotchery (9 receptions) and Braylon Edwards (4 receptions) are the outside threats, with Dustin Keller (6 receptions, 2 TD) the best weapon over the middle.

As if to reinforce the notion that the Colts didn't go 14-2 just because of one side of the ball, the Indianapolis defense almost completely shut down the Ravens attack last Saturday. Baltimore managed just 12 first downs, committed four critical turnovers, and could find little of the traction in the running game that had fueled their upset of the Patriots the week before. An underrated Indy run-stopping group, led by tackle Daniel Muir (7 tackles) and end Raheem Brock (5 tackles) along with linebackers Gary Brackett (5 tackles) and Clint Session (4 tackles, 1 FR), helped limit Ray Rice to a pedestrian 67 yards on 19 carries. On the back end, cornerback Jerraud Powers (3 tackles) and safety Antoine Bethea (3 tackles) both had interceptions of Joe Flacco, and corner Kelvin Hayden posted a team-best six solo tackles and a forced fumble in the contests. Ends Dwight Freeney (4 tackles) and Robert Mathis (4 tackles) were shut out of the sack category, a trend they will be looking to reverse this week. Indy surrendered just 19.2 points per game during the regular season - tied for eighth-best in the league, and was also in the top half of the NFL in sacks (34), interceptions (16), and passing defense (212.7 yards per game). In the first half of their Week 16 game against the Jets, before the first-string was lifted, the Jets managed just seven first downs.

WHEN THE COLTS HAVE THE BALL

As Indianapolis has shown countless times over the years, the best defense can often be a great offense, especially one led by the methodical Peyton Manning. Manning completed 30-of-44 passes for 246 yards and a couple of touchdowns in last week's win, with six different players making multiple catches, and Indianapolis had more first-downs passing (16) than Baltimore had in total (12). The Ravens' only interception of Manning was negated when Ed Reed fumbled it back to Indy in the third quarter, and Baltimore had just two sacks one week after punishing New England's Tom Brady in the wild card round. The Colts had a wide advantage in time of possession, 33:58 to 26:02, greatly reducing the Ravens' margin for error when they did touch the football. Reggie Wayne (8 receptions, 63 yards, 1 TD) and tight end Dallas Clark (7 receptions, 59 yards) were again Manning's top targets, and youngsters Austin Collie (4 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD) and Pierre Garcon (5 receptions, 34 yards, 1 FF) contributed as well. The Colts' bottom-ranked running game totaled 42 yards on 25 carries against Baltimore, led by Joseph Addai's 23 yards on 11 totes.

The Jets defense kept the team in business last week at a time when Sanchez and the offense weren't getting much done, keeping the game a manageable 7-0 at halftime to give them a chance. Then, in the second half, two interceptions of Philip Rivers - one an incredible grab that cornerback Darrelle Revis (5 tackles, 2 INT) somehow kept from hitting the ground, another by safety Jim Leonhard (10 tackles) to set up the go-ahead touchdown - allowed the Jets to steal the game in the fourth. The Jets have now allowed only 75 points over their last eight games (9.4 per game). The key to shutting down Manning will be the play of the secondary, led by Revis, fellow corner Lito Sheppard (7 tackles), Leonhard, and fellow safety Kerry Rhodes (10 tackles). Rhodes came up big with eight tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in San Diego. Linebacker Bryan Thomas (10 tackles, 1 sack) and end Shaun Ellis (7 tackles, 1 sack) will be among those trying to put pressure on the quick-firing Manning. After being gutted by Cedric Benson in Week 1, the Jets recovered to allow just 61 ground yards to San Diego last week. Linebackers David Harris (14 tackles) and Bart Scott (9 tackles) were part of that effort, with nose tackle Sione Pouha (6 tackles) notching five tackles at the point of attack. The Jets finished the regular season atop the NFL in total defense (252.3 yards per game), scoring defense (14.8 points per game), and passing defense (153.7 yards per game), among other categories.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jets kicker Jay Feely has made both of his field goal attempts during this postseason, including a 46-yarder last week, while his kickoff unit has generally tightened up since allowing a 56-yard return to Bernard Scott on the opening play of the wild card round. Punter Steve Weatherford (38.8 avg.) returned last week after missing the Bengals game due to an irregular heartbeat, and his highlight was pinning the Chargers at the 4-yard-line just prior to a critical Philip Rivers interception in the third quarter. Neither kickoff return man Brad Smith (24.8 avg.) nor punt returner Jerricho Cotchery (12.0 avg.) have had a huge return this postseason, though Smith scored on a 106-yard kickoff return against the Colts back in Week 16.

Indianapolis kicker Matt Stover's first postseason effort as a Colt was solid, as he connected on field goals of 44 and 33 yards. Stover hasn't missed a postseason kick since Jan. 13, 2002, when the then-Raven missed an inconsequential field goal against the Dolphins. A kickoff coverage unit that struggled a bit during the regular season allowed the Ravens to amass just 18.8 yards per return last week. Pat McAfee punted to a solid 45.8 average and did not allow a single punt return yard in the contest. Kickoff returner Chad Simpson (14.0) and punt returner T.J. Rushing (7.3 avg.) were quiet. Simpson (23.6 avg.) had a 93-yard kickoff return for a TD against the Jaguars in Week 14.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Anyone who views the Jets as some kind of upstart fluke hasn't been paying attention. The team's stretch of 7-1 football, and march to the AFC Championship, has stuck to the tried-and-true NFL formula of riding a solid running game and outstanding defense to victory. It's a formula that will also keep this one close, as Greene and Jones find some yards working against a relatively light Indy front seven, and the Jets get Manning and the Colts offense off the field more often than opponents normally do. But when it comes down to it, noting that the Colts have an incredible advantage at the most important position on the field, look for Indianapolis to find a way to win. No matter how well the Jets have been playing, or what holes you can find to poke in Indianapolis, it's simply inconceivable to imagine that Mark Sanchez would beat Peyton Manning on the road in the AFC Championship.

Predicted Outcome: Colts 20, Jets 17
 

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NFL Matchup - New York Jets at Indianapolis

NFL Matchup - New York Jets at Indianapolis

NFL Matchup - New York Jets at Indianapolis

New York Jets (11-7) at Indianapolis Colts (15-2)
Date: Sunday, January 24th
Kickoff: 3 p.m. (et)
Site: Lucas Oil Stadium (63,000) -- Indianapolis, Indiana
Surface: FieldTurf
Home Record: New York 4-4; Indianapolis 8-1
Away Record: New York 7-3; Indianapolis 7-1
Versus A-F-C: New York 9-5; Indianapolis 11-2
Versus A-F-C South: New York 3-1
Versus A-F-C East: Indianapolis 2-2
Versus Playoff Teams: New York 5-2; Indianapolis 4-1
Current Win/Loss Streak: New York 4W; Indianapolis 1W
Current Road Win/Loss Streak: New York 5W
Current Home Win/Loss Streak: Indianapolis 1W
Television: CBS
Announcers: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
Playoff Record: New York 10-11; Indianapolis 20-18
All-Time Series: Indianapolis (40-28 -- New York, 2-0 in playoffs)
Last Meeting: December 27, 2009 (New York, 29-15 at Indianapolis)
Series Streak: Indianapolis has won two of the last three meetings.

Season Schedule/Results
New York Jets
Sep 13 - W at Houston, 24-7
Sep 20 - W vs. New England, 16-9
Sep 27 - W vs. Tennessee, 24-17
Oct 4 - L at New Orleans, 10-24
Oct 12 - L at Miami, 27-31
Oct 18 - L vs. Buffalo, 13-16 (OT)
Oct 25 - W at Oakland, 38-0
Nov 1 - L vs. Miami, 25-30
Nov 8 - Open
Nov 15 - L vs. Jacksonville, 22-24
Nov 22 - L at New England, 14-31
Nov 29 - W vs. Carolina, 17-6
Dec 3 - W at Buffalo, 19-13
Dec 13 - W at Tampa Bay, 26-3
Dec 20 - L vs. Atlanta, 7-10
Dec 27 - W at Indianapolis, 29-15
Jan 3 - W vs. Cincinnati, 37-0
Jan 9 - W at Cincinnati, 24-14 (AFC Wild Card Game)
Jan 17 - W at San Diego, 17-14 (AFC Divisional Playoff)
Jan 24 - at Indianapolis, 3:00 PM (AFC Championship)
Indianapolis Colts
Sep 13 - W vs. Jacksonville, 14-12
Sep 21 - W at Miami, 27-23
Sep 27 - W at Arizona, 31-10
Oct 4 - W vs. Seattle, 34-17
Oct 11 - W at Tennessee, 31-9
Oct 18 - Open
Oct 25 - W at St. Louis, 42-6
Nov 1 - W vs. San Francisco, 18-14
Nov 8 - W vs. Houston, 20-17
Nov 15 - W vs. New England, 35-34
Nov 22 - W at Baltimore, 17-15
Nov 29 - W at Houston, 35-27
Dec 6 - W vs. Tennessee, 27-17
Dec 13 - W vs. Denver, 28-16
Dec 17 - W at Jacksonville, 35-31
Dec 27 - L vs. NY Jets, 15-29
Jan 3 - L at Buffalo, 7-30
Jan 16 - W vs. Baltimore, 20-3 (AFC Divisional Playoff)
Jan 24 - vs. NY Jets, 3:00 PM (AFC Championship)
 
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NFL Playoff Preview - Minnesota (13-4) at New Orleans (14-3)

NFL Playoff Preview - Minnesota (13-4) at New Orleans (14-3)

NFL Playoff Preview - Minnesota (13-4) at New Orleans (14-3)

- A long-awaited Super Bowl appearance will be at stake when the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings, two teams that have endured their share of heartaches over the years, square off in this Sunday's NFC Championship Game. And although both participants share intriguing tales of past misfortune, neither figures to be the primary storyline for this highly- anticipated showdown between the conference's top two seeds.

That spotlight has been reserved for Brett Favre, who'll be seeking the ultimate vindication for his controversial comeback when the legendary quarterback leads the Vikings into the Louisiana Superdome.

Favre's first season in Minnesota has so far been a magical one, with the 40- year-old fitting right in as the missing piece for a talent-rich Vikings squad that captured a second consecutive NFC North title with a 12-4 regular-season record. The future Hall of Famer did his part by delivering one of the best statistical seasons of his storied 19-year career, amassing over 4,200 passing yards and placing second in the league in touchdown throws (33) and quarterback rating (107.2) in addition to completing a personal-best 68.4 percent of his attempts.

The three-time NFL MVP, who will become the oldest quarterback to start a conference championship game, further illustrated that he still has what it takes during last weekend's Divisional round of the NFC Playoffs. Favre threw for 234 yards and set a career postseason high with four touchdown passes to fuel Minnesota's 34-3 rout of the Dallas Cowboys, putting the Vikings within one win of advancing to their first Super Bowl in 33 years.

Favre himself will be trying to get to the Big Game for the first time since the 1997 season, when the former Green Bay star took the Packers to the second of back-to-back Super Bowls. He came close to making a return trip during his final year with the Pack, but threw a crippling interception in overtime of the 2007 NFC Championship that set up the deciding points in the New York Giants' 23-20 victory that day.

The Vikings have been through some gut-wrenching outcomes in the NFC Championship as well. Minnesota has lost in each of its last four bouts for the conference crown, the most recent being a 41-0 shellacking by the Giants in 2000. Two years earlier, a heavily-favored Vikings team that went 15-1 during the regular season was upset in overtime by the Atlanta Falcons in a game best remembered for usually-automatic Minnesota kicker Gary Anderson's missed 38-yard field goal try late in the fourth quarter.

The Saints certainly know a thing or two about hard times. A franchise that has produced only nine winning campaigns in 43 years of existence and didn't make the playoffs in its first 20 seasons will be playing in the NFC title game for only the second time in its history come Sunday.

New Orleans' only other berth in the NFC Championship came during its storybook 2006 season. One year after both the city and team were decimated by the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, the Saints orchestrated a remarkable seven-game turnaround to reach the playoffs before having their Super Bowl dreams dashed by a 39-14 loss at Chicago.

The 2009 Saints have also experienced plenty of highs and lows. After ripping off 13 straight wins to start this season, New Orleans limped into last weekend's NFC Divisional matchup with Arizona on an untimely three-game losing streak. The top-seeded Saints quickly regained their early-year form, however, by coming through with a resounding 45-14 triumph over the defending conference champion Cardinals.

New Orleans had all three phases operating at peak efficiency against Arizona. The NFL's top-ranked offense piled up 418 total yards and received three touchdown passes out of All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees, the defense forced two critical first-half turnovers that were converted into touchdowns, while dynamic running back Reggie Bush had a back-breaking 89-yard punt return for a score in the third quarter.

Like his counterpart on Sunday, Brees had a huge hand in getting the Saints to this point. The gritty field general established an NFL single-year record with a 70.6 completion percentage and also led the league with 34 touchdown passes and a 109.6 quarterback rating. Those sensational numbers were a big reason why New Orleans finished atop the NFL with 510 points over the course of the regular season.

Minnesota stood right behind the Saints in that category with an average of 29.4 points per game, making Sunday's clash the fifth conference championship that will pit the league's top two scoring teams.

SERIES HISTORY

The Vikings and Saints have met twice all-time in the postseason, with Minnesota winning an NFC Divisional Playoff in 2000 (34-16), one week after New Orleans had posted its first playoff win in franchise history, and also claiming a 44-10 decision in an NFC First-Round playoff in 1987, which marked the first postseason game in Saints annals.

Minnesota has a 18-7 lead in its all-time regular season series with New Orleans, and extended its winning streak over the Saints to four with a 30-27 road win in Week 5 of the 2008 season. Minnesota has won three straight at the Superdome since the Saints were 28-15 victors in a 2001 contest, a game that also marks New Orleans' most recent victory in the series.

The Vikings' Brad Childress is 1-0 against both the Saints and New Orleans head coach Sean Payton.

WHEN THE VIKINGS HAVE THE BALL

Favre (4202 passing yards, 33 TD, 7 INT) may be the only current Minnesota player capable of remembering the team's last Super Bowl season, but the elder statesman's terrific performance and display of unbridled enthusiasm during this past weekend's win shows he's still got plenty left in the tank. The veteran ironman has good reason to be excited, considering he presides over a dangerous offense that set an NFL record with six receivers catching 40 or more passes this season. The best of the bunch is wideout Sidney Rice (83 receptions, 1312 yards, 8 TD), a Pro Bowl selection who burned the Cowboys for 141 yards and a club playoff-record three touchdowns on only six grabs in the Divisional round. Speedster Bernard Berrian (55 receptions, 4 TD) and rookie sensation Percy Harvin (60 receptions, 8 total TD) prevent opponents from focusing solely on Rice, and running backs Adrian Peterson (1383 rushing yards, 18 TD, 43 receptions) and Chester Taylor (338 rushing yards, 44 receptions, 2 total TD) give Favre reliable options when he checks down. The Saints will also have to pay attention to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (56 receptions), a terrific red-zone weapon who led the Vikes with 11 touchdown catches in the regular season. Peterson finished second in the NFC in rushing yards this year but enters the title game in a slump, having failed to eclipse 100 yards since mid-November and managing just 63 yards on 26 carries in last week's win. He's averaging a mediocre 3.3 yards per attempt over his past eight outings.

Minnesota's potent passing game will be challenged by an aggressive New Orleans stop unit that ranked third in both pass efficiency defense and interceptions (26) at season's end. A strong secondary is anchored by ball- hawking free safety Darren Sharper (71 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 15 PD), a former teammate of Favre's in Green Bay who earned a fifth career Pro Bowl nod after tying for the league lead with nine interceptions. The 34-year-old should be quite familiar with Sunday's foe, having spent four seasons with the Vikings before joining the Saints via free agency in the offseason. New Orleans only registered one sack against the Cardinals last week, but a front line headed by end Will Smith (49 tackles, 13 sacks, 1 INT) and tackle Sedrick Ellis (34 tackles, 2 sacks) was able to effectively pressure quarterback Kurt Warner and create problems. The Saints can be run on, however, and it will be up to linebackers Jonathan Vilma (110 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 INT) and Scott Fujita (58 tackles, 1 sack) and strong safety Roman Harper (102 tackles, 1.5 sacks) to contain the powerful Peterson and prevent any long runs like the 70-yard touchdown burst the team allowed to Arizona's Tim Hightower its last time out.

WHEN THE SAINTS HAVE THE BALL

Like the Vikings, New Orleans sports a high-powered and versatile offense that features an elite quarterback in Brees (4388 passing yards, 34 TD, 11 INT) and doesn't lack for playmakers. Wide receiver Marques Colston (70 receptions, 1074 yards, 9 TD) has posted over 1,000 yards in three of his first four seasons, while running mate Devery Henderson (51 receptions, 2 TD) averages nearly 20 yards per catch for his career and hauled in a 44-yard touchdown strike from Brees against Arizona last week. Bush (390 rushing yards, 47 receptions, 8 total TD) showed off his superior open-field skills as well, with the former Heisman Trophy winner ripping off a 46-yard scoring run in addition to his big punt return and generating 108 yards from scrimmage on only nine touches. He'll again share the backfield load with the steady Pierre Thomas (793 rushing yards, 39 receptions, 8 total TD) to provide support for Brees, an exceptional marksman who's been intercepted only four times and thrown 23 touchdown passes in nine games at the Superdome this season. The Saints compiled a healthy 171 rushing yards in their ousting of the Cardinals and may have to rely more on the ground game on Sunday, with two important pass-catchers -- tight end Jeremy Shockey (48 receptions, 3 TD) and wide receiver Robert Meachem (45 receptions, 9 TD) -- dealing with injuries. Shockey is expected to play despite a nagging turf toe problem, but Meachem's status appears iffy after he sprained an ankle versus Arizona.

The key to slowing down the Saints' prolific attack is taking Brees out of his comfort zone, no easy feat against a quarterback who's been sacked one time or less in 11 of New Orleans' 17 games this season. The Vikings are one team with the potential to do so, as evidenced by the defense's merciless harassment of the Cowboys' Tony Romo in the Divisional round. Minnesota sacked the Dallas triggerman six times last week, with unheralded end Ray Edwards (51 tackles, 8.5 sacks) accounting for three of those takedowns and premier pass rusher Jared Allen (51 tackles, 14.5 sacks) getting one that forced a turnover deep in Cowboys' territory. The Vikings are able to manufacture constant pressure in part because they're so good at stopping the run, with the stout tackle tandem of Pat Williams (44 tackles, 2 sacks) and Kevin Williams (30 tackles, 6 sacks) anchoring a group that yielded an impressive 87.1 rushing yards per game during the regular season. Minnesota also has a pair of very good coverage linebackers in Chad Greenway (99 tackles, 3 INT) and Ben Leber (46 tackles, 2.5 sacks), both of whom will come in handy in combating the Saints' polished short passing game. There is some concern about the secondary, though, as top cover corner Antoine Winfield (55 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) is still bothered by a cracked foot that limited him to nickel duties in the Dallas game. Edwards sustained a slightly sprained knee in the win, although the injury likely won't have an impact on his availability for Sunday's tilt.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Two of the game's most electrifying return men will be on display in Minnesota's Harvin (27.5 avg. on kick returns), who ran back two kickoffs for touchdowns en route to being named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the Saints' Bush (4.8 avg. on punt returns). The Vikings know firsthand of the fourth-year pro's abilities handling punts, since Bush had two special-teams scores in a matchup with Minnesota last season. New Orleans also has a quality kick returner in Courtney Roby (27.1 avg.), who had a 97-yard touchdown in a midseason win over St. Louis, while Minnesota's Darius Reynaud averaged a respectable 10.3 yards on punts for the year.

New Orleans will attempt to keep Harvin in check by utilizing the strong leg of punter Thomas Morstead, who ranked fourth in the league with 26 touchbacks while performing kickoffs. The rookie also acquitted himself well on punts, averaging 43.6 yards per kick while showing good hang time. Minnesota's Chris Kluwe (43.7 avg.) can boom them as well, having averaged 44.4 yards per attempt over his five seasons with the Vikings.

Minnesota is also in good hands in the kicking department, where reliable vet Ryan Longwell missed only twice on 28 field goal tries this season and owns a career 87 percent success rate (107-of-123) in domes. The Saints' Garrett Hartley has shown promise in a brief sample, with the sophomore kicker having made 23-of-25 lifetime three-point attempts in the pros and nailing a 43- yarder in last week's playoff win.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Football fans everywhere have been longing for this showdown since midseason, and with both teams possessing explosive offenses led by premier signal- callers and a wealth of game-changing skill players, this is one of those games that's got the potential to live up to its lofty advance billing. With a jaw-dropping 10 members chosen to this year's Pro Bowl, the Vikings seem to have the edge in overall talent, but it's the Saints' raucous home crowd that may be the biggest factor in determining the final outcome. Add in Brees' exceptionally quick release and decision-making and a running game that should be effective enough to keep the Vikings' ferocious pass rush from going wild, and the day those long-suffering backers on the Bayou have waited nearly a half-century for may just have finally arrived. A determined Favre will make sure Minnesota won't go down easy, but the end result may be a familiar one for both the longtime quarterback and the supporters of his new team.

Predicted Outcome: Saints 30, Vikings 27
 

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NFL Matchup - Minnesota at New Orleans

NFL Matchup - Minnesota at New Orleans

NFL Matchup - Minnesota at New Orleans

Minnesota Vikings (13-4) at New Orleans Saints (14-3)
Date: Sunday, January 24th
Kickoff: 6:40 p.m. (et)
Site: Louisiana Superdome (68,000) -- New Orleans, Louisiana
Surface: Sportexe Momentum
Home Record: Minnesota 9-0; New Orleans 7-2
Away Record: Minnesota 4-4; New Orleans 7-1
Versus N-F-C: Minnesota 10-3; New Orleans 10-3
Versus N-F-C South: Minnesota 0-1
Versus N-F-C North: New Orleans 1-0
Versus Playoff Teams: Minnesota 5-1; New Orleans 4-1
Current Win/Loss Streak: Minnesota 2W; New Orleans 1W
Current Road Win/Loss Streak: Minnesota 3L
Current Home Win/Loss Streak: New Orleans 1W
Television: FOX
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
Playoff Record: Minnesota 19-26; New Orleans 3-6
All-Time Series: Minnesota (20-7 -- 2-0 in playoffs)
Last Meeting: October 6, 2008 (Minnesota, 30-27 at New Orleans)
Series Streak: Minnesota has won the last four meetings.

Season Schedule/Results
Minnesota Vikings
Sep 13 - W at Cleveland, 34-20
Sep 20 - W at Detroit, 27-13
Sep 27 - W vs. San Francisco, 27-24
Oct 5 - W vs. Green Bay, 30-23
Oct 11 - W at St. Louis, 38-10
Oct 18 - W vs. Baltimore, 33-31
Oct 25 - L at Pittsburgh, 17-27
Nov 1 - W at Green Bay, 38-26
Nov 8 - Open
Nov 15 - W vs. Detroit, 27-10
Nov 22 - W vs. Seattle, 35-9
Nov 29 - W vs. Chicago, 36-10
Dec 6 - L at Arizona, 17-30
Dec 13 - W vs. Cincinnati, 30-10
Dec 20 - L at Carolina, 7-26
Dec 28 - L at Chicago, 30-36 (OT)
Jan 3 - W vs. NY Giants, 44-7
Jan 17 - W vs. Dallas, 34-3 (NFC Divisional Playoff)
Jan 24 - at New Orleans, 6:40 PM (NFC Championship)
New Orleans Saints
Sep 13 - W vs. Detroit, 45-27
Sep 20 - W at Philadelphia, 48-22
Sep 27 - W at Buffalo, 27-7
Oct 4 - W vs. NY Jets, 24-10
Oct 11 - Open
Oct 18 - W vs. NY Giants, 48-27
Oct 25 - W at Miami, 46-34
Nov 2 - W vs. Atlanta, 35-27
Nov 8 - W vs. Carolina, 30-20
Nov 15 - W at St. Louis, 28-23
Nov 22 - W at Tampa Bay, 38-7
Nov 30 - W vs. New England, 38-17
Dec 6 - W at Washington, 33-30 (OT)
Dec 13 - W at Atlanta, 26-23
Dec 19 - L vs. Dallas, 17-24
Dec 27 - L vs. Tampa Bay, 17-20 (OT)
Jan 3 - L at Carolina, 10-23
Jan 16 - W vs. Arizona, 45-14 (NFC Divisional Playoff)
Jan 24 - vs. Minnesota, 6:40 PM (NFC Championship)
 
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