Game 1- Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts (Saturday 8:15 PM)
Ravens Offense vs. Colts Defense
The Ravens, as well as Joe Flacco has played in his first two seasons, are basically a one dimensional running team. The Colts aren't the best against the run, but they aren't as bad as they have been in years past. In their first meeting, they held the Ravens to only 15 points and intercepted Joe Flacco. I expect it to be somewhere around there this time around as well. Look for Ray Rice to be heavily involved in the passing game much like he was in the first matchup. In open space Rice is a nightmare and they will do whatever they can to exploit the Colts linebackers in matchups against Rice.
Ravens Defense vs. Colts Offense
Ray Lewis vs. Peyton Manning is one of the best chess matches in recent NFL history. Two absolute generals on their respective sides of the ball and they both know every move the other will make. While the Colts haven't had their best offensive outputs against the Ravens recently, they have always found a way to win. Earlier in this season, in the 2007 playoffs and in regular seasons past, Peyton Manning has always found a way to score when necessary against this defense. I don't expect Peyton to have a flawless game, especially not playing the last couple weeks, but I expect them to do enough to win.
Bottom Line
The Colts chose not to chase history and a 16-0 season so they can have this opportunity. They are at home with their team healthy so they need to take advantage. The Colts will make enough plays to win in the end and will host the AFC championship game next week where Peyton Manning will ultimately need to face his kryptonite, the San Diego Chargers.
Prediction- Colts 20 Ravens 10
Game 2- New York Jets at San Diego Chargers (Sunday 4:40)
Jets Offense vs. Chargers Defense
The Jets offense did exactly what I expected them to do last week and that was run the ball effectively and not allow Mark Sanchez the opportunity to turn the ball over. We predicted he wouldn't throw more than 20 passes and he threw 18. He's going to have to throw slightly more this weekend because he will need to match Philip Rivers' offensive output, because as good as the Jets D is, the Chargers will still score points. Expect Sanchez to make a mistake or two that will ultimately end the Jets season.
Jets Defense vs. Chargers Offense
Two of the best units in football go head to head in this matchup. The Jets will continue to stop the run, so don't expect much from LT, and with Vincent Jackson getting locked up by Darrelle Revis, Antonio Gates should have a huge game. Rivers will look to him early and often, as well as some dump-offs to Darren Sproles who always creates mismatches. Philip Rivers has been playing very well and will still put up points this weekend as long as his line can protect.
Bottom Line
The Chargers are the better team and as long as they can win the turnover battle, which shouldn't be that difficult, they will put up enough points to win. They seem to be set on a collision course with the Colts next week with the winner getting a ticket to Miami.
Prediction- Chargers 24 Jets 14
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