ESPN's Merril Hoge provides a quick breakdown of what to watch in the four wild-card playoff games this weekend.
Buffalo vs. Tennessee
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| Steve McNair and the Titans offense have started to roll over the past two weeks. |
This is the best matchup of the first round of the playoffs. Buffalo has the No. 1 defense in the league. However, Tennesee's offense is playing its best football of the season right now.
Defensively, the Titans do a lot of things to confuse the quarterback. Trying to contain the Titans' speed, with guys like rookie Jevon Kearse, will be a concern for the Bills.
Based on Rob Johnson's strong performance in Week 17, he will replace Doug Flutie as the Bills' starting quarterback. Johnson presents a different challenge for the Titans. He brings a downfield passing game that the Bills don't have when Flutie is playing.
I like the Titans in this one. They're playing their best football at the right time.
Detroit at Washington
The Lions' real problem has been a lack of consistency at quarterback and running back. When you have inconsistency at those two positions, then you've got problems.
Washington will do a lot of different things on offense. The Redskins will find matchups and create matchups to put points on the board.
I think Washington's defense is good enough, and the Redskins have too many offensive options for the Lions.
Dallas at Minnesota
The Cowboys must be very creative offensively. They have to be able to create big plays in their passing game. There's no doubt Emmitt Smith is a big part of this game, but Dallas will have to be able to score points.
The Vikings are not as explosive as they were last season, but they can still explode for a quarter here and there. That's often enough to win games.
If the Cowboys can keep Randy Moss from having that one big play, and keep Cris Carter under control, they'll have a chance. But that will be a big challenge.
I like Minnesota. The Vikes are too explosive.
Miami at Seattle
If the league meant for parity to be two average teams getting into the playoffs, that's what you have here.
Seattle is a much different team at home. Defensively, the Seahawks will really get after Miami. They will jam the line and take away the run. They will try to attack Dan Marino and the Dolphins' one-dimensional offense. But I think Marino, with his quick release, will capitalize on Seattle's blitzing. He will hit them with some big plays.
Expect Ricky Watters to have a big game. The Dolphins have struggled defensively on the perimeter, so Watters should be a big part of the Seahawks' game plan. But I believe the Dolphins will force Jon Kitna into a lot of mistakes. They will not allow big plays and will shut the Seahawks down at the line of scrimmage.
Even though Watters may be productive, it won't be enough to win it for Seattle. I like Miami to win on the road.
