Broncos-Patriots one of four intriguing NFL playoff games this weekend
The effect aside, it's a weekend made for pro football fans and their Barcaloungers with two NFL playoff games each on Saturday and Sunday.
We kick things off late Saturday afternoon with the New Orleans Saints in San Francisco to take on the 49ers (4:30 p.m. ET on Fox). Rookie head coach and former NFL quarterback has the 'Niners back where they used to be every year in the 1980s and 90s - in the playoffs.
But instead of just offensive firepower, San Francisco has in winning the NFC West, allowing just over 14 points per game. The defense is led by linebackers and . It features linemen and , who have combined for 21.5 sacks this season.
San Francisco has a home field advantage, and they may need it. Quarterback has the New Orleans offense humming. The Saints are the in the NFL, averaging just over 34 points and 467 yards per game. New Orleans is arguably the poster child for today's NFL formula that "offenses win championships."
Brees has a variety of targets to throw to, including tight end and wide receiver , each of whom gained in 2011.
Saturday night, the New England Patriots host Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos (8 p.m. ET on CBS). Once all the pre-game 'Tebowing' subsides, Tom Brady and his high-powered offense, , will take to the Gillette Stadium turf.
This is an offense that scored 41 points on the Broncos defense when the two teams met last month in Denver and averaged 32 points per game over the course of the season.
In 2011, Brady enjoyed perhaps his finest season as a pro since his MVP year of 2007, throwing for more than 5,000 yards and 39 touchdowns. However, the Patriots have needed an MVP-type year from their quarterback, as defense - measured by the yards given up per game in the league.
That gives Tebow and the Denver offense a chance to send the Patriots to their fourth consecutive playoff defeat, dating back to the 2008 Super Bowl. Led by running back , the Broncos can control the ball with an .
Sunday afternoon in Baltimore, the Texans play their second-ever playoff game against the Ravens (1 p.m. ET on CBS). Ever since this century began, Baltimore has been known for its defense. And this season is no exception, as the Ravens are in the NFL. Linebacker is the veteran leader of the group, ably supported by and safety .
However, the Texans have improved steadily, so much so that they are the , just behind the Steelers in the regular season.
Houston started the year with Matt Schaub at quarterback, but lost both him and backup Matt Leinart to injury. Third-stringer , a rookie out of North Carolina, gets the start with former Carolina Panther quarterback Jake Delhomme backing him up. Pro Bowl wide receiver and running back are the main weapons at Yates's disposal.
These , with the Ravens winning, 29-14.
The weekend wraps up late Sunday afternoon when the New York Giants take on the Packers in Green Bay (4:30 p.m. ET on Fox). This could be a shootout, as the Packers average while New York's passing attack could feast on the Green Bay defense, .
Back on Dec. 4, the , 38-35.
Like Brady, Packers quarterback has enjoyed an MVP-like campaign, throwing for more than 4,600 yards and 45 touchdowns. His receiving corps includes this season and has been featured on the cover of 'Sports Illustrated.'
of the Giants had perhaps his best season, statistically, in 2011, throwing for nearly 5,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. His two primary targets were Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, in receiving this season.
All in all, it should be another great NFL playoff weekend. Just make sure you get out of the Barcalounger and stretch some during the games.
