Matchups? We're talking 'bout matchups!
The divisional round of the NFL playoffs may be the best weekend in sports with four teams fighting to get to the championship games.
This year, the matchups are as good as you can get, especially in the AFC where the Indianapolis Colts play at the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots play at the San Diego Chargers.
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| Skilled center Nick Hardwick will bear a heavy burden for the Chargers. (Getty Images) |
The NFC also has a pair of interesting games. The Eagles are riding high, but now must go to New Orleans and face the feel-good team of the season. The top-seeded Chicago Bears are no sure thing with their lack of offense as they ready to play the Seattle Seahawks.
By Sunday night, we will know the NFL's four finalists, each one victory away from a Super Bowl.
Before that, there are games to play. And inside every game are key matchups that will decide them. Here are four that caught my attention.
Chargers C Nick Hardwick vs. Patriots NT Vince Wilfork
You know the Chargers want to run the football with LaDainian Tomlinson, the NFL MVP. That means they need to get push in the middle. That's where Hardwick comes into the equation.
Hardwick has developed into an outstanding center, but he isn't a power player at 290 pounds. At 6-4, he's also tall for the position. That can be a problem against Wilfork, who is listed at 325 pounds but probably weighs more like 350 -- or even more.
Wilfork is a big reason the Patriots gave up just 3.9 yards per rush this season. He missed the final three games of the regular season with an ankle injury but returned to play well against the Jets last week.
If Hardwick has problems with Wilfork it will force the double on him, which will free up the New England inside linebackers to run at Tomlinson. If Hardwick gets push, look for Tomlinson to have a big day.
Colts WRs Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison vs. Ravens CBs Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle
This is a battle between four veteran players who have seen it all. Wayne and Harrison form the best receiving combo in the league, while McAlister and Rolle have both been to the Pro Bowl numerous times.
