2010 NFL Conference Championship Playoff Betting Odds

NFL Conference Playoff Preview 2010

After 17 weeks of regular season action and two weeks of exciting wild card a divisional playoffs, the moment has finally arrived – it’s time to kick off the 2010 conference playoffs. It’s all come down this, four of the leagues best teams will do battle to earn their spot in this years Super Bowl.  Here is a short rundown on each game along with my predictions to help you make your wagers winners.

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Sunday, January 24 – 3pm – New York Jets (9-7) @ Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
Line: Indianapolis -7 ½ (Total 39)

The New York Jets surprised the Chargers and shocked the football world wining at Qualcomm Stadium 17-14 and knocking the Chargers out of championship contention last Sunday. Meanwhile, the Colts disposed of the Ravens as they battled their way to an unimaginative 20-3 win.

The Jets’ success was in their ability to play “their” game, forcing a high-powered San Diego offense to play smash mouth football. Something the Chargers don’t do well. New York played smart ball using their potent rushing attack to control the game’s tempo and the clock. Their tenacious defense was able to contain San Diego’s offense including star quarterback Phillip Rivers. Rivers still completed nearly 70 percent of his passes and threw for close to 300 yards, but it in the end it did not equate to enough points on the board to win the game.

Meanwhile the Colts beat the Ravens in unexpected fashion — with their defense. Indy’s defense was able to all but completely shut down Baltimore’s offense holding them to just 270 yards of total offense and just 87 on the ground. This well executed plan worked as Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was forced into throwing 35 times, completing just 20 with no touchdown receptions and two interceptions. Offensively, the Colts were short of spectacular as star quarterback and league MVP Peyton Manning finished the contest 30-for-44 for 246 yards and just two TDs.

If New York is forced to win this game solely on the ability of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, they’re in trouble. They will need to present the Colts defense with as much Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene as they can throw at them. Greene did well against the Chargers last week running for 128 yards, including a 53-yard game-winning touchdown run. Defensively, the strategy will be to eliminate Manning’s available targets and take away his passing lanes. The Jets secondary will face their toughest test in containing All-Pro wide out Reggie Wayne However, if the Jets are successful in wearing down Indy’s receivers, it doesn’t matter how many quality passes Manning can make.

The key to a Colts victory is very simple. Much like last weeks game against the Ravens, stop the run and force Mark Sanchez into making plays the Jets don’t want to make. Offensively, they will need to patient, not forcing the ball and creating a balanced attack. Manning will get his opportunities and will need to capitalize on every mistake the Jets secondary gives up. This is a quarterback that can make you pay with one or two big plays.

The Jets have proven they deserve to be here by playing their brand of football forcing other teams to fall victim to their game plan. However, the Colts have a way with being able to win games no matter what the opposition throws their way.   I expect a tight contest and a battle of wills with Indianapolis coming away with a 20-17 victory and the AFC championship title.

Sunday, January 24 – 6:40 pm – Minnesota Vikings (12-4) @ New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Line: New Orleans –3 ½   (Total 53)

The Vikings pounded the red-hot Dallas Cowboys on their way to a 34-3 win last weekend. The contest wasn’t even close as Minnesota’s defense shut down the Cowboys offense and rained down fire on quarterback Tony Romo sacking him six times. Over in New Orleans the No.1 seeded Saints ended the Arizona Cardinal’s bid to return the Super Bowl for the second consecutive season with a 45-14 romp.

Minnesota dominated Dallas from start to finish, holding them without a single touchdown and to just 248 yards of total offense, with fewer than 100 on the ground. The Vikes forced four fumbles including two by Dallas quarterback Tony Romo. They held Romo to just 198 yards passing and picked off one out of 25 passing attempts. Offensively, the Vikings controlled the game and the clock with a well executed balanced attack. Veteran quarterback Brett Favre proved why he is one of the best to play the game, going 15-for-24 for 234 yards and 4 touchdown receptions– including a controversial fourth TD pass with two minutes remaining.

The Saints played like a team possessed scoring five touchdowns in their first five possessions while shutting out the Cardinals offense in the second half. Quarterback and league MVP runner up Drew Brees completed 23 passes out of 32 attempts for 247 yards and three TDs, while running back Reggie Bush helped with a 46-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and an 83-yard punt return for a TD in the fourth. Defensively, the Saints kept Cardinals Pro Bowl quarterback Kurt Warner without a touchdown and just 205 yards total passing. They also did an exceptional job of tying up All-Pro receiver Larry Johnson who finished with just six receptions for 77 yards while keeping Arizona to just 101 yards total rushing — seventy of which came on the Cardinals first play from scrimmage when Tim Hightower turned the corner and ran for a 70-yard touchdown.

Minnesota will need another solid performance from their defense if they want to advance to the Super Bowl on Sunday. It won’t be easy containing Drew Brees and his receivers, and they will need a huge push from their front four in an effort to disrupt any offensive rhythm the Saints get going. Nullifying third down conversions and shortening drives will be key. Offensively the Vikes will want to create a balanced game plan that utilizes all of their weapons. Running back Adrian Peterson will need to have a break out game and try to give Minnesota some added dimension to their offense.

The Saints will want to do what they do best and get out to a quick start, but they will be facing very tough Vikings defense that will be ready for them. Running the ball will not be an option for the Saints so they will be forced to start their passing game a little earlier than usual. A key element will be in the ability of tight end Jeremy Shockey to be Brees’ short pass target. If the two can mount a few early drives based on quick short yardage gains, it could disrupt the Vikings pass rush and eventually lead to crucial plays downfield. Defensively, the Saints need to contain the Vikes Adrian Peterson and force Minnesota to their passing game. Favre does not rattle easily so keeping constant pressure on him will be key.

There will definitely be a lot of offense on the field come Sunday night as Brees and Favre trade touchdowns all game long.  But can the old man win the shootout? I expect that with Minnesota’s road record combined with New Orleans’ home field advantage and ability to pull off late quarter game changing drives, the Saints knock off the Vikings in an epic 41-38 NFC championship battle.

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Matt Martz is a sports writer for the Bakersfield Californian located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.