NYJ @ OAK
First of all, whomever wins this game will be the conference champ. Both of them have way more emotional edge over the other teams. On the 'D', OAK has a beat up secondary and therefore vunerable to the deep ball but has a very strong front seven, while NYJ are average secondary and front seven. The edge would have to go the NYJ. Both have high powered Offenses, but Pennington doesn't have the strength for the long ball as much as Gannon. I would have to give the advantage of special teams to NYJ. Remember, NE got through the playoffs last year on the strength of their special teams.
Edge: Jets.
PIT @ TEN
Okay, I understand that the record of TEN is very good over the season and that McNair has been playing great despite missing practices and such, but this is a more balanced game then most of the other ones. Both teams again have high powered passing attacks, with George really not contributing as much as he has in the past. On offense I would have to give the advantage to PIT, simply because they have more threats at reciever then TEN. On defense, the edge would have to go to TEN. They have been winning games with their 'D', Shulters is playing as well as anyone. I know PIT has been strong, but last weeks score leads to some questions on PIT 'D'. On special teams, well, Randle El is all I really need to say. PIT has the edge.
Edge: PIT
ATL @ PHI
Alright, I have yet to understand why they haven't renamed ATL to Vick's Team, but alas.
On the 'D', no question, PHI has the edge, hands down. On the offense, with McNabb still questionable with rust and such, ATL has a slight edge. The deal with PHI is that they have been studing the way TB shut down the Vick show twice. And the problem with that is the fact that TB has fast defensive lineman then PHI, therefore they have a better chance of containment of him. On special teams, again I would have to give the edge to PHI. The most consistant kicker this year.
Edge: PHI
SF @ TB
Okay, first I will tell you that I am a Niner's fan, so take this with a grain of salt. On the 'D' no question TB is stronger. But is the Niner's 'D' strong enough to deal with a mediocre offense in TB. I understand that Gruden came to town to build some sort of offense into TB, and he has been doing great with the personal he has, but it is still poor. Especially if Johnson with a B, out. His status is still questionable. Therefore, the offensive edge goes to SF. Special teams, first off, TB at home seems to do better on special teams then away, but on a side note, TB has NEVER returned a kickoff for a TD. But they have one of the better kickers in the league, with Gramatica. SF special team has been showing up, and that is about it. The special teams goes to TB. On a side note, if SF gets ahead by more then two TD's they win. TB has diffculty coming back.
Edge: TB.