Let’s take a look at this week’s Divisional Playoffs.  Will the Colts return to Baltimore end with them once again sneaking out of the city under cover of night?  Will the Saints’ Deuce McAllister continue to help his team’s climb to the top?  Which quarterback will throw the most interceptions in the Seahawks/Bears match up – and more importantly, will the Bears once again be “one and done”?  Finally, what about the Left Coast vs. Right Coast game, New England vs. San Diego?

I’ll take them in order of the games:

AFC Divisional Playoff – Sat, January 13

Kickoff:  4:30 pm EST

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore should be well-rested after their first round bye.  They possess the top-ranked Defense in the NFL and are the No. 2 seed in the AFC.   While the Ravens have allowed the fewest yards (264.1) and points (12.6) per game in the regular season, the Colts led the AFC with yards gained (379.4) and were second in points scored (26.7).

Peyton Manning ranks first in the NFL in touchdown passes (31) and second in passing yards (4,397), but was last week’s game against the Chief (three interceptions, no deep passes) an anomaly or just a harbinger of things to come?  Steve McNair has proved that he can efficiently direct the offense and lead the team to the top.

With the Colts 4-4 road record and the Ravens 7-1 at home, combined with possessing the No. 1 defense in the league I think the scales tip towards Baltimore.

NFC Divisional Playoff – Sat, January 13

Kickoff:  8:00 pm EST

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints

Although the Saints’ offense may not have a full contingent of playoff-experienced players, what they do have is the league’s No. 1 offense.  They will be facing a team that was counted out early in the season, but that has shown a resurgence that is quite impressive. 

It would be great to see the Saints do more this year in the playoffs than they have in the entire franchise history.  They have won only one playoff game since 1967 with a 31-28 win over St. Louis in 2000.  The Eagles are going to be faced with defending against a strong passing game, running back Deuce McAllister – whose actions both on and off the field have energized the team and the town – and Reggie Bush on returns.  The Saints are going to have to put lack of playoff experience aside to stop the hard-charging Eagles.  Will first-year coach Sean Payton’s new system be more successful than Marty Mornhinweg’s play calling?  I think so.  Advantage:  New Orleans

NFC Divisional Playoff – Sun, January 14

Kickoff:  1:00 pm EST

Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears

October 1, 2006.  Can you say blowout?  However, both teams are far different than when they met back then and the Seahawks were on the receiving end of their most lopsided loss in more than nine years, 37-6.  But, the Seahawks have 2005 league MVP Shaun Alexander back, as well as tight end Jerramy Stevens.  That makes them a better team.  The Bears are not the same, either.  Grossman was 17-of-31 for 232 yards, two touchdowns and NO interceptions.  He is definitely not playing at the same level he did then.  In fact, in their last game against Green Bay on New Year’s Eve, his passer rating was 0.0.  If they gave negative numbers, his would have been there.  But, Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman are back, so that is definitely a plus.

The Bears had a bye week, Seattle had an incredible win against the Dallas Cowboys.  What does all this mean?  I don’t know, flip a coin.  On the one side is Seattle, who hasn’t won a playoff game outside Washington since 1983.  On the other is a team that has a quarterback with a spotty record and a backup who has been left idling on the sidelines, but that has shown true moments of brilliance.  This one is a real toss up.

AFC Divisional Playoff – Sun, January 14

Kickoff:  4:30 pm EST

New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers

LaDanian Tomlinson, perhaps the best player in the game and Shawne Merriman, an explosive force on defense are on the Chargers side of the ledger.  New England has Tom Brady and a world of playoff experience on their side.  On the negative side for San Diego is what Marty Schottenheimer himself has dubbed “Martyball”.  He’s 5-12 in the playoffs with his conservative postseason play style. 

Can Shawne Merriman’s ability to disrupt Tom Brady, combined with a 10-game winning streak and home field advantage overcome a team that has a coach with a 12-2 record in the playoffs and a quarterback who has passed for at least one touchdown in 10 straight playoff games?  I think so and look to see San Diego knock off New England.