AFC Divisional Playoff Game X-Factors

Every year in the playoffs there are players that come out of nowhere and make an impact on the game.  Last year it was James Harrison with his 100 yard interception return for a touchdown.  This year there are a couple of early candidates who will provide the X-factor for their teams.

Saturday 8:15 PM ET- Baltimore at Colts

Ravens RB Willis McGahee:  There’s no question that the spotlight will be on Pro Bowl RB Ray Rice. The main goal for the Colts will be stopping this dangerous little guy.

 As the Colts focus on Rice, McGahee should step up and make the difference.  He is a different player than Rice as he loves to hit hard through the lanes that the offensive lines open for him.

The Ravens ran the football a season-high of 52 times for 234 yards and four combined rushing touchdowns last Sunday and it was because they always had a different answer for what the Patriots defense had prepared.

McGahee will be responsible for gettting the tough yards and to find the end zone when they are in the red zone.

Colts DE Robert Mathis: Dwight Freeney knows how to strike fear into people’s hearts during big games. I’ll bet the Ravens will be prepared for Freeney with double coverage but I doubt they could handle Robert Mathis at the same time.

Mathis had five forced fumbles and 9.5 sacks in the regular season; if you take into consideration that Joe Flacco is injured and will probably lack mobility this Saturday then Mathis could have a big game against the Ravens o-line.

NFL Betting Odds:

Baltimore Ravens +6
Indianapolis Colts -6
O /U 44

Saturday 4:40 PM ET- Jets at Chargers

Jets TE Dustin Keller: Here is guy that was virtually unknown in the regular season, his numbers have dropped compared to his rookie season but he delivered versus the Bengals last week.

Keller caught three passes for 99 yards and a touchdown and he’s capable of doing the same against the Chargers.

Rex Ryan’s passing scheme for the playoffs will be conservative so expect Sanchez to throw short passes with minimum risk. If Keller takes the middle routes he should be able to bag major yards.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates: It’s really difficult to think Vincent Jackson will win the battle against Darrell Revis down the field or even on inside routes in the middle of the field; that’s why Rivers is thinking about second options already, and the go to guy becomes Gates.

New York will be blitzing from all angles, Rivers might need to get rid if the ball fast and Antonio Gates will probably be available in the middle of the field. 

The linebackers will be simply outmatched as they are going against one the best tight ends in the NFL.

NFL Betting Lines:

New York Jets +7
San Diego Chargers -7
O /U 42

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