NFL Wildcard Preview

New York Jets (11-5) at Indianapolis Colts (10-6)

Key Jets Offensive Players: Mark Sanchez, Shonn Greene, Santonio Holmes
Key Jets Defensive Players: Bart Scott, Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie

Key Colts Offensive Players: Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne
Key Colts Defensive Players: Dwight Freeney, Gary Brackett, Robert Mathis

Key Matchups: The Jets will shift their coverages toward Reggie Wayne, and The Colts might rely on supplementary players. Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, and Dominic Rhodes could all play vital roles. All three players might have to run, catch, and pass protect against a blitzing Jets defense. The Colts will unleash their relentless pass rush with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis coming off the outside, but The Jets could control the clock by running the ball against a dreadful Colts rush defense. Last year, the playoff game between these two teams completely changed after the injury to Shonn Greene.

Green Bay Packers (10-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

Key Packers Offensive Players: Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver
Key Packers Defensive Players: Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews

Key Eagles Offensive Players: Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson
Key Eagles Defensive Players: Asante Samuel

Key Matchups: For the Eagles, it all starts and stops with Michael Vick. They might start with a deep pass down the field to DeSean Jackson. The Eagles have had problems with blitzing secondary defenders in the past, and Charles Woodson will play a pivotal role. The Packers have a dangerous passing attack with a dynamic duo of Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. If Aaron Rodgers has time to throw, then it could be a long day for the Eagles.

Baltimore Ravens (12-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

Key Ravens Offensive Players: Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin
Key Ravens Defensive Players: Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs

Key Chiefs Offensive Players: Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe
Key Chiefs Defensive Players: Tamba Hali

Key Matchups: After being mortified at home, The Kansas City Chiefs want to be put that loss against The Oakland Raiders behind them. Unfortunately, The Baltimore Ravens are coming to town this week. The Chiefs have had success all year with their running game, so the man with two first names (Jamaal Charles) will attempt to run at the teeth of the Ravens defense. If the running game fails, then Matt Cassel could look for Dwayne Bowe down the field. However, Ed Reed could be roaming around the field waiting to pounce on the football. Tamba Hali leads The Chiefs in sacks, and Joe Flacco has been vulnerable. Ray Rice has improved his pass catching ability over this year, and the screen passes might be significant.

New Orleans Saints (11-5) at Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

Key Saints Offensive Players: Drew Brees, Chris Ivory, Marques Colston
Key Saints Defensive Players: Darren Sharper

Key Seahawks Offensive Players: ???????????????
Key Seahawks Defensive Players: ???????????????

Key Matchups: What key matchups? Saints win. End of story.

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