NFL Divisional Positional Matchups

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 13, 2012

NFL Divisional Positional Matchups

Saints vs. 49ers

Record-setting quarterback Drew Brees gets all the publicity, but the Saints are no slouches when it comes to running the ball, finishing sixth in the league in rushing this season. New Orleans' rotating cast of running backs torched Detroit in the Wild-Card round, rushing for 167 yards and three touchdowns in the Saints' 45-28 win. They'll face a much tougher test in San Francisco on Saturday -- the 49ers defense gave up the fewest rushing yards in the league in 2011.

Saints vs. 49ers

Davis was San Francisco's second- leading receiver in the regular season, catching 67 passes for 792 yards and six touchdowns. New Orleans strong safety Harper traditionally struggles in coverage against tight ends, but did relatively well against Brandon Pettigrew last week, holding Detroit's playmaking tight end to 49 yards on four catches.

Saints vs. 49ers

Rogers had one of the best seasons of his seven-year career in his first season in San Francisco, setting a career high with six interceptions and earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl. He'll have the tough job of stopping Colston on Saturday. The Saints receiver had 80 receptions for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns in the regular season and added seven grabs and another 120 yards in last week's win over Detroit.

Broncos vs. Patriots

For all of his flaws as a passer, Tebow showed in the upset of Pittsburgh that he can throw effectively. Tebow completed three passes that went for at least 50 yards -- including the 80-yard catch-and-run overtime winner by Demaryius Thomas. Denver's newfound big play capability is bad news for New England's dreadful pass defense, which finished the regular season ranked second to last in the league.

Broncos vs. Patriots

Gronkowski and Hernandez are two of the best tight ends in the league, combining for an astonishing 169 receptions for 2,237 yards and 24 touchdowns. Denver linebacker D.J. Williams figures to matchup with the duo quite often on Saturday -- if he lets either run wild, it will be a long night for the Broncos.

Broncos vs. Patriots

The Patriots interior line, particularly Brian Waters, has been fantastic this year, playing a big part in New England allowing the ninth fewest sacks in the league despite attempting the third most passes. Denver defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Brodrick Bunkley have had solid years, but both have flown under the radar. It will be critical for them to continue their good play and to pressure Tom Brady up the middle.

Texans vs. Ravens

The Texans-Ravens matchup will be a battle of perhaps the two best running backs in the game. Rice had another great season, finishing second in the NFL with 1,364 yards on the ground and 12 rushing touchdowns. Foster nearly matched him, running for 1,224 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 regular season games. Rice did get the better of Foster in the Ravens' Week 6 win over the Texans, rushing for 101 yards compared to 49 for Foster.

Texans vs. Ravens

Houston's offensive line had a great season, paving the way for the league's second-ranked rushing attack and allowing the 10th fewest sacks in the NFL. The line didn't fare too well against the Ravens in Week 6 though, allowing four sacks and netting just 94 rushing yards. It'll need to do better than that against Defensive Player of the Year candidate Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis if the Texans are to win this weekend.

Texans vs. Ravens

Baltimore's pass game has taken a nosedive since Boldin had minor knee surgery three weeks ago. He'll return to action on Sunday -- the question is whether he'll torch Houston like he did in Week 6, when he had a season-high eight catches for 132 yards. He'll likely be matched up for most of the game with Joseph, who had a pick in Week 6 and another last week against Cincinnati.

Giants vs. Packers

Giants' wideouts Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham will look to feast on the Packers' secondary on Sunday. Though they have some big names in the defensive backfield, Green Bay gave up the most passing yards in the history of the league this season. The Packers' secondary allowed 277 yards and three passing touchdowns in their narrow Week 13 win at the Giants.

Giants vs. Packers

New York's three-headed monster of Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora appears to be back in full swing. Umenyiora is nearing full health after missing four games in December with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Tuck and Pierre-Paul continue to play well, with the trio combining for 14 tackles and a sack in last week's 24-2 win over Atlanta. They'll be a tough assignment for Packers' tackles Chad Clifton and Brian Bulaga, both of whom recently returned from injuries.

Giants vs. Packers

Jennings missed the last three weeks of the regular season with a knee injury but looks set to return on Sunday. The talented receiver should be matched against Giants corner Corey Webster for most of the game. Both players had strong seasons, though Jennings got the best of New York in Week 13, catching seven balls for 94 yards and a touchdown in Green Bay's 38-35 win.