Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints

Breakdown: I will be the first to admit when I’m wrong. Last week when I said, “The Packers win in a blowout.” I was wrong. It was a close game that was the highest combined scoring game in NFL playoff history. It was also an exciting game. This week will be no different. The Saints are rested and looking to explode right out of the gate. Drew Brees is looking to get the Saints back on track after losing their last three games of the regular season. The Cardinals will be without Anquan Boldin for this game as well, but Steve Breaston and Early Doucet were more than ready to carry the load. Kurt Warner when he is on his game is one of the best quarterbacks in the playoffs. I don’t see much defense in this one either and the running games will the second class citizens for both teams. Arizona wins in a semi-shootout/close game.

Matchup to watch for: Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals WR vs. Darren Sharper Saints FS

Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts

Breakdown: The Ravens come in to Indiana looking to upset another powerhouse in the AFC. Peyton Manning, now a four time MVP, will be looking to quell any criticism of his team for its less than inspired play to finish the season. The city of Baltimore won’t be too upset if they lose to their old franchise. They will be ecstatic if they do beat them though. This is the Super Bowl for those fans that still remember when they had the Colts. The Ravens defense will be the key here. If they can put pressure on Manning like they did with Tom Brady, the game is theirs. The Colts don’t have a running attack to speak of and without Manning they are helpless. The Ravens do need to score their fare share of points to win of course. Joe Flacco is banged up with a hip injury, but it didn’t matter when you have Ray Rice and Willis McGahee to hand it off to. The Colts, however will do just enough to win another game against the Ravens. They simply don’t lose to Baltimore. Colts win barely.

Matchup to watch for: Peyton Manning Colts QB vs. Ray Lewis Ravens LB

Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings

Breakdown: Tony Romo looks like a new quarterback. Heck, the Cowboys look like a team that wants to win now. They have perfect balance on the offensive side. The defense is attacking the ball with tremendous speed. The Eagles had two chances at them and never had an answer. The Vikings had plenty of rest now have the task of stopping the Cowboys hot streak. Brett Favre was brought in for this moment. He has to get them past this hurdle and it will probably be smooth sailing to the Super Bowl. Adrian Peterson had better have fixed his fumbling problem because he can’t repeat what happened in the playoffs last year. This will be the best game of the weekend, no doubt. The Vikings defense has their work cut out for them too, but it will just enough with the dome crowd on their side to get one step closer to a title. Vikings win a great game.

Matchup to watch for: Brett Favre Vikings QB vs. DeMarcus Ware Cowboys LB

NY Jets vs. San Diego Chargers

Breakdown: The Jets are on coming off a great win against the Bengals in which everyone expected the Bengals to make a game out of it, but the Jets still hammered them like the week before. Mark Sanchez for a rookie QB isn’t doing a whole lot, but does he have to? They have a great running attack and a defense that gives it right back to that running game. Unfortunately for the Jets, they are running into a Chargers team that has won 11 straight games this season. Philip Rivers has done a fantastic job leading the offense, while the defense is as good as I’ve ever seen it. The Jets have their work cut out for them if the Chargers get out to a two touchdown lead. There aren’t many tricks in Rex Ryan’s playbook to ignite a comeback. Chargers win decidedly.

Mathcup to watch for: Vincent Jackson Chargers WR vs. Darrelle Revis Jets CB