All four division playoffs are rematches
January 5 Fort Worth Star-Telegram
"That's the theme of the four NFL divisional playoff matchups Saturday and Sunday. All four games are rematches of regular-season meetings. If the previous games were a glimpse, this weekend could provide some thrillers. Each game was settled by no more than six points.
In the NFC, the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants face East Division archrival Philadelphia on Sunday in the Meadowlands. They split their two meetings this season, with the Eagles winning at Giants Stadium on Dec. 7. On Saturday night, Carolina will host Arizona in a rematch of the Panthers' 27-23 victory in Week 8.
The AFC has two rematches from games settled by a combined four points. On Saturday, Tennessee hosts Baltimore - two teams with similar strong defenses and solid running games. The Titans won at Baltimore 13-10 on Oct. 5.
On Sunday, San Diego heads to chilly Pittsburgh for the second time this season. The Chargers lost at Heinz Field 11-10 in the waning seconds in Week 11.
What's L.T.'s status?
San Diego might have to play in Pittsburgh without star running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He was forced to miss the second half of the victory against Indianapolis on Saturday with a groin tear he suffered in the regular-season finale. If L.T. can't play, San Diego dynamo back Darren Sproles showed against the Colts he can carry the load. Sproles rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns, including a 22-yard game-winner in overtime, and accounted for 328 all-purpose yards. He and Michael Bennett will have a big challenge against Pittsburgh's physical, No. 1-ranked defense.
Defensive gurus face off
The Giants and Eagles offer a matchup of two of the NFL's best defensive coordinators. New York's Steve Spagnuolo has become one of the NFL's hottest head-coaching commodities and rebuilt his unit after significant losses from the Super Bowl-winning team. New York's defense finished the regular season ranked fifth, and the Eagles' was third. Philly's Jim Johnson mastered the Dallas offense in the regular-season finale and stifled Minnesota on Sunday.
Arizona is running
Just when Cardinals running back Edgerrin James wanted out of town, he breaks out in the playoff victory against Atlanta. James, who lost his job to rookie Tim Hightower during the season, returned to his starting role and had 73 yards on 16 carries against the Falcons. James' suddenly fresher legs could help him continue his success as he faces Carolina's 20th-ranked rush defense. James helped Arizona win its first playoff game since it knocked off Dallas in 1998."Link
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