Divisional Round

Save the best for last
Cards, Packers play sudden death
Birds win in shootout

(A Haggy Haiku)

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Not surprising. Only one game from the Divisional round of the playoffs was close, predicated on repeat one-sided matchups from Week 17.
Thank goodness the Arizona Cardinals trashed the trend, getting revenge on the Green Bay Packers in an Old West 10 paces and turn affair, otherwise the intrigue of the divisional games and the outcomes would have been as abysmal as Ryan Leaf's professional career.
The Bengals offense showed their ineptness one last time, the Eagles proved too one dimensional for the more complete Cowboys, and Tom Brady and the Patriots shot themselves in the foot too many times in what resulted in the worst first quarter under Bill Belichick. In the last one, Baltimore took advantage and held firm the rest of the way in a 33-14 victory.
Now the playoffs really begin -- fresh matchups and the top four teams record-wise during the regular season return to action after first week byes.
Expect a competition overhaul as three games almost certainly appear destined to be close, or at worst entertaining (high scoring).
Baltimore's defense will make things challenging for the Colts offense and the team's running game can make the score interesting; Dallas is playing great football and the Vikings have a deafening Metrodome, an ageless gunslinger and talented running back; and the Saints have Drew Brees, but are injury-depleted on defense and must face Kurt Warner, a quarterback every bit as precise, and his slew of big play receivers.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said before the playoffs began that his team is the favorite to win the Super Bowl. Defeating the Bengals gets them closer to walking the talk, but hardly counts as proof that this team can contend with the likes of the true AFC contenders, Indianapolis and San Diego.
New York will have its shot this coming weekend against the Chargers.
Mark Sanchez has made few mistakes of late and the defense and rushing attack have been brilliant. The rookie signal-caller's good game management should end in Southern California. San Diego has one of the best offenses in the league, a solid defense and is the hottest team in the NFL.
Sorry Rexy, your run stops after one game.