2006 AFC WILD CARD PLAYOFF

Kansas City Chiefs (9-7) @ Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
Saturday January 6, 2007. 4:30 ET.  NBC

Kansas City  Chiefs

It is well known that the Colts have a one of the worst run defenses in the history of the league. The Chiefs will plan on giving RB Larry Johnson at least 30 carries and let him punish Indy’s terrible run defense. This should keep Colts QB Peyton Manning & Co. on the sideline. This is a miss-match that will be exploited.

If Kansas City executes the running game plan on them taking shots down the field with deep pass plays.  The Colts pass defense isn’t very good either. Indianapolis will have to dedicate extra defenders near the line of scrimmage to slow down Kansas City's running game, meaning the Chiefs' receivers often will face single coverage. Opposing QB’s are completing over 64% of their passes. If Chiefs QB Trent Green plays well they should be able to pull off an upset.

Indianapolis Colts

QB Peyton Manning orchestrates the Colts outstanding passing attack and should be able to exploit the Kansas City pass defense. The Colts will need to establish the running game to give Manning time to get the ball down the field.

Rookie RB Joseph Addai should get the start over a banged up Dominic Rhodes and is a much better runner. Indianapolis has done a great job of keeping its first-round pick fresh for the playoffs. The Chiefs' secondary is no match for Colts WRs Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Both are hot right now and should have a big game. If the Colts can establish the run it should be an easy victory for the Colts at home

Current odds:  Indianapolis Colts -7, total is 51

AFC 2008 Playoffs Schedule here!

Kansas City Chiefs vs Indianapolis Colts Game Results
Colts 23, Chiefs 8

This was not the game we expected. Both offenses sputtered for most of the game, but Peyton Manning and the Colts got going in the second half and pulled away from the Chiefs. Manning threw a touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne, but his three interceptions helped keep the Chiefs in the game. Joseph Addai rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Colts' maligned rushing defense held Larry Johnson to 32 yards on 13 carries, and Indianapolis forced Trent Green into three turnovers. The Colts, who outgained the Chiefs 435-126, will play next week at Baltimore.

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2006 AFC WILD CARD PLAYOFFS

N.Y. JETS (10-6) @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-4)
Sunday, January 7, 2007. 1:00 PM. ET.

NEW YORK

The Jets surprised everyone this year and made the playoffs behind the NFL’s comeback player of the year QB Chad Pennington. The Jets are a disciplined and smart team that makes good adjustments to attack an opponent's flaws. The New England Patriots secondary is suspect and Pennington can pick apart their secondary with short and intermediate throws. The Jets are a balanced offensive team and RB Leon Washington has been running well lately but you will have to expect the Patriots run defense to shut him down and the Jets the passing game will have to get it done if they plan on winning. The Jets have always played the Patriots tough and will need a huge game from QB Chad Pennington if they plan on getting a road win.

NEW ENGLAND

New England QB Tom Brady will have to put his team on his back again for another possible Superbowl run. They will go as far as Brady and their defensive line takes them. Brady is more than capable of carrying a team to a Superbowl. His receivers will have to step up their play and find some separation so Brady can hit them down the field. The Jets play the run well and will give  to RB Laurence Maroney fits. The Patriots have been successful at spreading the field to let Brady find mismatches underneath, but that might not work against a defense with fast, athletic linebackers. The WR play will have to be the difference if the Patriots move on.

Current odds:  New England Patriots -9, total is 37.5

AFC 2008 Playoffs Schedule here!

N.Y. Jets vs New England Patriots Game Results
Patriots 37, Jets 16

Meeting for the third time in less than four months, the Patriots couldn't shake the pesky Jets until a methodical 13-play touchdown drive in the fourth quarter was followed by an Asante Samuel interception returned for a score. Tom Brady threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns to move to 11-1 in the playoffs. The Patriots move into the divisional playoffs for the fourth straight year and will travel to play San Diego on Sunday, Jan. 14.