The Wild card round of the playoffs were for the most part high scoring games that saw every game go over the posted total prior to kickoff. There were two competitive games and two games that were blowouts and over in the first half. With the divisional round of the playoffs on deck there are four more offenses and quarterbacks on the field that are very capable. While the Colts, Saints, Vikings and Chargers had an extra week to prepare and rest games for the second round of playoffs, the Bengals, Cowboys, Cardinals and the Ravens will have a limited week to lick their woulds and get ready to take the road for this week's action. The Ravens and the Jets will be taking to the road for the second straight week while the Cowboys and the Cardinals will be on the road for the rest of the playoffs after hosting their first round victory. The playoff picture is wide open with several teams that have what it takes to win the Superbowl.

The Jets defense was huge in their 24-14 victory over the Bengals. The Jets 1st ranked defense in the league held the Bengals to 282 total yards while their running attack, also ranked number 1st in the league, churned out 171 yards. This might be a bit deceiving with a an injured receiving core for the Bengals that limited their passing game and Cedric Benson ran wild for 169 yards and a touchdown. The Jets have to travel across the country and three time zones to take on the hottest team in the L in the San Diego Chargers.

The Baltimore Ravens looked to be playing themselves out of the playoffs after losing 27-14 to Green Bay with a record of 6-6. They won three out of their last four games to get in the wild card with an improved defense that allowed a total of 46 points over the last four games. The Raven's defense was the dominant unit on the field yesterday when they frustrated Tom Brady into what may be his worst playoff performance ever. Brady completed 23 of 42 passes for two touchdowns but was intercepted three times for a quarterback rating of 49.1. Running back Ray Rice was on fire rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns. The passing game was non-existent with just 10 attempts and 34 yards with an interception. the Ravens will need a more balanced attack against the Colts defense that is ranked 8th in points allowed with just 19.2 points per game.

The Cowboys swept the Eagles in three meetings this season and will be heading to Minnesota for the second round. The Eagles offense was never able to get itself established due to the pressure for the Dallas Cowboys. The offense line suffered a huge blow the week before when they lost their starting center Jamaal Jackson. The Eagles patchwork offensive line was dominated throughout the game. The Cowboys defense has been stellar over the last five games giving up just 51 total points. Marion barber was impressive gaining 148 yards and scored a touchdown on just 16 carries. Tony Romo finally earned a playoff victory completing 23 of 35 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. The Dallas will now be facing one of the best offensive lines in league when they travel to Minnesota to take on Bret Farve and the Vikings.

The Arizona Cardinals jumped out to an early 17-0 lead over Green Bay and looked to be on their way to New Orleans with a 31-10 before Arron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers almost made one of the biggest comebacks in NFL History. Ironically, the Cardinal's defense made the winning score in their 51-45 victory, the highest scoring game in playoff history. The Cardinals running game has stepped up once again in the playoffs. Beanie Wells led way with 91 yards on just 14 carries. As a team the Cardinals ran the ball for 156 yards while limiting the Packers to just 90 yards. In what may be Warner's last home game, he left all on the field completing 29 of 33 passes for 349 yards that resulted in five touchdowns. The Cardinals will need to keep the offense going with the Saints on deck.
 

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