January 16th, 4:30PM, CBS

--I predicted the Jets to beat the Colts in a tight one, so there really was no big surprise here. The Colts played a good game, limiting turnovers and mistakes. Peyton Manning also had a nice day, but a roughing the kicker penalty and an Antonio “9 Kids” Cromartie kickoff return ultimately did Indianapolis in. The Jets were stout on defense, surrendering only one touchdown on a blown assignment. Other than that, Mark Sanchez settled down, and the Jets rode their second-half momentum to a 17-16 victory. Now, it’s on to a familiar foe in Foxborough, Mass. Nothing like round three of the Jets/Pats rivalry to heat up your weekend, and this time, it’s for all the marbles.

--The Patriots enter the tournament as the best team in all of football at 14-2. The usual suspects are in place in the form of Brady and Belichick, along with a young defense that has made big plays all season long. The one weak spot for the Patriots is their lack of a true vertical passing game, while the search party continues for the missing body of WR Randy Moss, last seen in Tennessee. Since the departure of Moss, the Pats have relied on their short passing attack, and intermediate routes by Welker, Edelman, Gronkowski, Hernandez and of course Danny Woodhead out of the backfield to move the ball downfield, freeing up the running attack.  The Jets come into New England riding high, off of their “revenge” game against Peyton Manning. After the dismantling which occurred on Monday Night Football not long ago, in which the Pats took apart the Jets 45-3, the Jets will be playing with a chip on their shoulder, just how they like it. I do not expect the Patriots to win by 40 points this time, although it is not out of the realm of possibility.  But it is a tall order for the young Jets to go into Bradyland in January and win a playoff game. Brady will ultimately be too much for the Jets, who will use his big physical tight ends to keep the Jets' linebackers on their heels. Look for a close game, and plenty of trash talk from Rexy leading up to the showdown next weekend.

January 15th, 4:30PM, CBS

--The Ravens took care of business in Kansas City, forcing turnovers and mistakes en route to a 30-7 beating of the young Chiefs. Joe Flacco and his magical unibrow were good enough for 265 yards and 2 TDs, along with Ray Rice supplementing a hot passing game. While the Chiefs look to the future, the Ravens look to a hated rival in Pittsburgh, who will host Baltimore at Heinz field in what should be a physical, rough, low scoring game.

--The Steelers interesting year was capped off with a 12-4 finish, earning them a first-round bye. Big Ben was able to put his womanizing aside in order to ensure the Steelers another AFC North crown, with great defense as we have become accustomed to. Along come the Ravens, who are in many ways just like the Steelers. They play outstanding defense, forcing turnovers and mistakes, all while being able to move the ball with Flacco and Rice. The Ravens also added Anquan Boldin, who has helped exponentially in the vertical passing attack. This is my type of game. Two division rivals who cannot stand the sight of each other, meeting once again in January for a shot at the AFC Championship game. The Steelers and Ravens split the season series, so this game is essentially a tiebreaker with epic rewards. It will be ugly, rough and downright dirty. If there was ever a year for the Ravens to upend the Steelers, it is 2011. If you like defense, don’t miss this game.

January 16th, 1PM, FOX

--Well, I don’t believe anyone saw this one coming. The Seahawks and Matt Hasseljerk did the unthinkable, knocking off the defending champions at their own game – scoring a lot of points. You have to be proud of Seattle based on the circumstances, unless of course your root for New Orleans. I believe a collective tip of the cap is in order to the ‘Hawks, who are by far riding the most momentum of any team in the tournament. Side note: the Seahawks would need to win out in order to have a winning record on the year (10-9). Welcome to the NFL.

--The Seahawks strut into the windy city with another upset on their minds. Seattle is coming off their best win in quite sometime, and lord knows I am big believer in momentum. I have stated on this very website that I am not a huge believer in the Bears. I see a good, not great defense, and an offense that is streakier than Will Ferrell in Old School. Jay Cutler has to be the X-factor in this game. Which one will show up? The Favre 2.0 Cutler who serves up picks like Chicago deep dish? Or the Cutler who makes accurate and secure throws, meticulously moving his offense down the field? I love Julius Peppers, but he is but one man. And if Seattle showed us one thing, it is their youthful exuberance and elusiveness (see Marshawn Lynch). The Seahawks are again a total wild card and it is completely unknown what to expect from them. But for some reason, I am beginning to believe there is something in the water in the Pacific Northwest. Remember where you heard it first.

January 15th, 8PM, FOX

--God bless the Packers. Someone had to put Mike Vick and the disgusting Eagles in their place, and thankfully it was Aaron Rodgers and the Packers defense in Philadelphia. Nothing like watching a rookie running back run wild across Lincoln Financial Field, all over the Eagles defense. And I got chills watching Akers miss two chip shots.  So much for being clutch.

--This game is a rematch of what was an extremely competitive contest earlier this season. A last second win by the Falcons in Atlanta tells the tale of these two teams. They are both similar in styles, and closely matched in terms of talent. Both have near elite QBs in Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan, wide receivers who can make big plays, and relentless defenses that hound the quarterback until they make a mistake. I will be locked into this game. The X-factor in this one has to be the home crowd at the Georgia Dome. These folks come loud and proud every week, and will be excited to host a playoff game for the first time in a long time. This game is almost too close to call, but I am going with my gut on this. Packers pull it out, again.

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