NFL Playoffs

The regular season is over, the formalities out of the way and now the real show begins.

Here's the Corners preview of today's Wild Card playoff games.

NY Jets at New England
The New York Jets surprised many by reaching the playoffs in their first year under Eric Mangini. A bigger surprise would be if they defeat the New England Patriots on the road for the second time this season when the AFC East rivals meet in a wild-card game. Mangini, a former assistant under Bill Belichick at New England (12-4) before leaving to become the youngest head coach in the NFL with the Jets (10-6), was able to get veterans and young players to buy into his system of high-percentage, disciplined football - a strategy that has been quite successful for the Patriots. New York is in the playoffs for the fourth time in six years and trying to win its third consecutive first-round matchup. Tom Brady is 9-2 as a starter against the Jets, throwing for 2,357 yards and 12 touchdowns with only five interceptions. New England's defense matched a franchise record by allowing only 237 points, but will be without a key player. Safety Rodney Harrison suffered a torn MCL in his right knee in the season finale. Winner: Patriots.

NY Giants at Philadelphia
Less than two months ago, it seemed the Philadelphia Eagles' playoff hopes were lost and the New York Giants were a favorite to reach the Super Bowl. Now, Philadelphia is possibly the league's hottest team entering the postseason and New York hardly deserves to be a part of it. A funk that lasted into late November saw Philadelphia drop five of six to fall below .500, but more importantly, the team lost star quarterback Donovan McNabb to a season-ending knee injury. Garcia, though, went on to lead the Eagles to four consecutive victories - he barely played in Week 17 while Philadelphia won a fifth straight - and a 10-6 record to win the NFC East. The Giants seemed to lose that focus in the second half of the season en route to an 8-8 finish, and many feel it could cost Coughlin his job, especially with a loss today. New York was 6-2 in early November before losing six of seven, but pulled out a 34-28 win at last-place Washington last week to qualify for the playoffs. New York has won its only two playoff meetings with Philadelphia, in 1981 and 2001. While the Eagles will next head to New Orleans if they win, New York would visit top seed Chicago. Winner: Eagles.


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