The Line: Giants by 3

Former Jets Involved: Kareem McKenzie/Steve Weatherford (NYG) John Abraham (Atl) Advantage: Falcons

Considering Atlanta has the better record, these Falcons sure are flying in (poor pun) under the radar.  The offense is stacked in the passing game with Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, etc.  But their attack runs through (decent pun) Michael Turner in the backfield.  He opens things up rather nicely for the downfield pass.  On defense, the Birds are spotty against the pass and good against the run...which may give them trouble against the pass-happy Giants.  It will be on John Abraham (see above) and Ray Edwards to harass Eli and force some turnovers.  The Falcons play teams tough in domes (road win at Detroit, overtime loss to New Orleans) but on the road in the elements may give them some issues.

Welp, it sure seems like they got all the intangibles.  Pass rush is showing its Super Bowl form of a few years ago.  Eli Manning is playing as well and anyone.  Victor Cruz single-handedly ruined the seasons of the Jets and Cowboys.  The Giants are playing at home and will go as far as Eli takes them.  Depending on who you ask, it can be one-and-done or it can be all the way.  The Giants have had some puzzling losses at home this season (Seahawks, Redskins) but seem to be putting everything together at the right time.

Give me the hometown heroes.  If the Lions were coming into MetLife, I would pick them to blow the Giants' doors off.  But I haven't been too fond of this Falcons team.  Matt Ryan's playoff performances have been forgettable at best.  I think the Giants pass rush makes this trend continue.  If the Falcons don't cover Cruz, he will destroy them.  That, in turn, will leave Nicks in single coverage running amuck.  Just a real tough spot for the Falcons here.  

The Line: Steelers by 8.5

Former Jets Involved: Jerricho Cotchery (Pit) Huge Advantage: Steelers

By being the more talented team.  By being the more experienced team.  By making sure the Lord doesn't strike them down on behalf of his favorite child.

Divine Intervention.

I know, the insight for this game is a little flimsy.  You've seen all the previews for this game, and it seems to be a consensus.  Denver has just played terrible football over the past month.  Quarterback Tim Tebow has hurt the team way more than he's helped in that span.  The Steelers are as beat up as you can possible imagine, and this spread is still hefty.  If Tebow pulls off the win, God bless him.  But I won't holy (last pun) my breath or cross (after-pun) my fingers.

Enjoy the games, everyone.  Congrats to blog reader Dan McShane for going into playoff weekend as new Jeopardy champion.  It's a victory for the nation as a whole.