NFC Divisional Playoffs

Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints
Saturday, January 13. 8:00 PM ET FOX

Eagles keys to victory

Brian Westbrook holds the key to victory, if he rushes for over 100 yards the Eagles will be more balanced offense which will take the pressure off QB Jeff Garcia. Westbrook rushed for 141 yards last week in a wild card victory over the Giants. The running game must be consistent so the Eagles can work the clock, which will limit the Saints offensive possessions. There is no doubt that the potent Saints offense can score on anyone. The Eagles secondary is suspect and will have their hands full with ex Saint Dante Stallworth; the team’s bets deep threat. The Eagles limited Cowboys QB Tony Romo to 189 passing yards by mixing up coverage’s to confuse the young QB. Drew Brees is NOT Tony Romo so they will need some luck.

Defensively the Eagles must pressure Drew Brees period! The Saints running game is good but not great and they team lives or dies with Brees’ arm. Former Saint DE Darren Howard and company must put pressure on Brees early on to force the Saints to run the ball early on to chew up the clock.  The goal will be to keep the Saint offense on the sideline and stay within 10pts leading into the 4th quarter to have a chance.

Saints keys to victory

Drew Brees must continue his magical season; he led the NFL with 4,418 passing yards and had 34.6 pass attempts a game. Brees is looking for his first playoff victory, so he will be under a lot of pressure, but he thrives in that type of environment. He’s been consistent all season. The Eagles pass rush isn’t very strong so expect Brees to get his chances down the field.
If the Saints can run the ball and get a 100-yard rushing game from starting RB Deuce McAllister he can open things up for the rest of the offense against the Eagles. The Eagles were able to beat the Giants despite giving up 137-yard day to Tiki Barber because QB Eli Manning couldn’t deliver. Manning couldn't get the ball downfield much on play-action passing, that won’t be a problem for Brees.
On defense the Saints will have to stack the line and stop RB Brian Westbrook at all costs. If the can limit Westbrook’s production early they will force the Eagles QB Jeff Garcia to beat them. Garcia is riding a 6 game wining streak and has been playing well but the playoffs on the road are very different. Jeff Garcia’s play will make or break the Eagles.

Current Odds: Saints -5, Total 48

NFC 2008 Playoffs Schedule here!

Philadelphia Eagles vs New Orleans Saints Game Results
Saints 27, Eagles 24

In a game featuring four lead changes, Deuce McAllister scored two touchdowns in the third quarter and New Orleans' defense held off Philadelphia in the fourth quarter. Phiadelphia's Brian Westbrook rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns -- one from 62 yards out -- and Donte' Stallworth had a 75-yard touchdown catch early in the third quarter that pushed the Eagles' lead to 21-13. Reggie Bush also scored a touchdown, and McAllister wound up with 143 rushing yards. The Saints are in the NFC title game for the first time in their 40-season history.

NFC Divisional Playoffs

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
Sunday, January 14. 1:00 PM ET FOX

Seahawks keys to victory

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck needs to play above his head for them to have a chance. Since coming off the knee injury that sidelined him four games, Hasselbeck has yet to get on a roll. Hasselbeck is a rhythm quarterback that relies on his running game to give him play action pass opportunities down the field to his pair of speedy receivers. He is at his best when he jumps to the line of scrimmage and calls audibles and adjustments with plenty of time left on the play clock. Hasselbeck had one of his worst games in a 37-6 loss to the Bears in Week 4 and hasn’t forgotten. He has something to prove this weekend in Chicago. They will need a BIG day from RB Shawn Alexander to have a shot. In the Week 4 loss to the Bears back up RB Maurice Morris was only able to rush for 35 yards so it will be an uphill battle all game.
Defensive coordinator John Marshall will need to be at his best. His secondary is banged up but is playing well. He should have some success mixing up coverage’s to confuse the less than average Bears QB Rex Grossman. Rex had a good game against the Seahawks in week 4 but has been playing poorly the second half of the season. Expect the Seahawks to stack the line and force Grossman to beat them.

Bears keys to victory

If Rex Grossman can play four quarters without screwing things up this game should go like their Week 4 37-6 win over Seattle. Despite his hot start to the season, Grossman has been horrible lately. The fans want him benched in favor of Brian Griese and head coach Lovie Smith continues to support him. That could change this week if Rex gets off to a poor start. Griese has looked good when given the opportunity and expect him to be under center in the 2nd half if the Bear trail at the half. The Bears running game has been good but not great and will need to step up if the QB situation heads the wrong way. Expect whoever is under center to hit Bernard Berrian down the field for at least 1 td against the banged up Seattle secondary.
The Bears defense and special teams have been stellar all season long. They stop the run and don’t give up big plays through the air. There is no question that they will miss their Pro Bowl defensive tackle but expect the interior defense to still click on all cylinders. Chicago has to limit Alexander to 80 yards or less. If the Bears seal in the inside running lanes and force the Seahawks into more of passing game, that matches up well with the Bears' defensive speed. If the Bears can do that, they will win easily.

Current odds: Bears -8.5, Total 37

NFC 2008 Playoffs Schedule here!

Seattle Seahawks vs Chicago Bears Game Results
Bears 27, Seahawks 24

It wasn't a complete offensive display, but the Bears and Seahawks still put up the points in a 27-24 overtime win for Chicago. The Bears established their offense early, scoring on their first drive, but the Seahawks got in on the act soon enough. After twice trading touchdowns, Thomas Jones scored to give the Bears a 21-14 halftime lead. Seattle came back to score 10 in the third, thanks in part to the rushing of Shaun Alexander, who finished with 108 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears tied it up in the fourth quarter, and then Rex Grossman, who finished with 282 yards passing, led the Bears to agame-winning field goal in OT.

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