Baltimore at Miami
11 a.m., KCNC-4
Records: Baltimore 11-5; Miami 11-5 Point spread: Ravens by 3
Hash marks
Both teams have opportunistic Ds. Dolphins plus-17 in turnovers, Ravens plus-13. . . . Ravens a tale of two teams, starting 2-3 before winning nine of last 11. . . . Dolphins, meanwhile, have won five straight and nine of past 10. . . . Ray Lewis re-established himself as one of league’s premier linebackers, racking up team-high 160 tackles. . . . Ex-Dolphins coach Cam Cameron, axed after 1-15 2007 season, now the Ravens’ offensive coordinator.
Ravens win if . . .
Their second-ranked defense stymies Miami’s 12th-ranked offense, forcing Chad Pennington to try to make a big play against Baltimore’s ball-hawking defense.
Dolphins win if . . .
They maintain their error-free ways (their 13 turnovers tied Giants for fewest in NFL history) and pressure Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco into untimely mistakes.
Ravens player on the spot
Joe Flacco. The Ravens’ first-rounder from Delaware had a typical wild ride in his rookie season. He has done a solid job at staying away from turnovers — 12 interceptions — but don’t look for him to make a big play in the passing game. Flacco’s completion percentages in October, November and December: 67, 59, 47.
Dolphins player on the spot
Joey Porter. You know he’s going to be chirping. Question is, can he back up the talk on the field? This figures to be a low-scoring game in which a turnover-turned-defensive-touchdown could be the difference. Porter, whose 17 1/2 sacks were a career high, will be coming off the corner looking to force a fumble or hurried throw.
Bet you didn’t know
The Broncos’ leading runner, Peyton Hillis, finished with 320 yards. The Ravens had three players with 454 or more — Le’Ron McClain (902), Willis McGahee (671) and Ray Rice (454). McClain’s 11 touchdowns (10 rushing, one receiving) earned him his first Pro Bowl berth.
Key matchup
Dolphins QB Chad Pennington vs. Ravens safety Ed Reed
Pennington has been very good in Dolphins’ low-risk offense (74 pct. completions, eight touchdowns, one interception in December). But Reed, a future Hall of Famer, will be patrolling the middle of the field. Any errant pass or tipped ball and he’s a good bet to grab it. He led the league with nine picks and has three in two career playoff games.
Injury report
Baltimore: QUESTIONABLE: DT Justin Bannan (foot), LB Antwan Barnes (shoulder), G Chris Chester (back), WR Mark Clayton (knee), TE Todd Heap (back), LB Jarret Johnson (calf), WR Derrick Mason (shoulder), S Ed Reed (thigh), RB Ray Rice (calf), CB Samari Rolle (ankle, foot), K Matt Stover (right ankle), CB Fabian Washington (toe). PROBABLE: S Tom Zbikowski (thigh). Miami: QUESTIONABLE: TE David Martin (head, neck), DE Randy Starks (ankle).
Prediction
Ravens 20, Dolphins 16
Philadelphia at Minnesota
2:30 p.m., KDVR-31
Records: Philadelphia 9-6-1; Minnesota 10-6. Point spread: Eagles by 3.
Hash marks
Matchup of Eagles coach Andy Reid and his former offensive coordinator, Brad Childress. . . . Eagles’ decision to sign free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel for big bucks has paid off. Philly defense has allowed 54 percent completions with 19 TDs, 15 interceptions. . . . Eagles ninth in offense — 22nd on the ground, sixth through the air. . . . Vikings just the opposite — 17th overall, fifth in rushing, 25th in passing.
Eagles win if . . .
Their fourth-ranked run defense steps up. The Eagles’ defensive line is stellar, but the Giants and Redskins each racked up 200-plus rushing yards vs. Philly late in the season. If Adrian Peterson breaks off a few big runs early and gets in a rhythm, he could carry the Vikings on his shoulders.
Vikings win if . . .
Peterson runs for enough yardage to keep the pressure off young quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson prone to turnovers, as was his predecessor, Gus Frerotte. Fact: Vikings’ minus-6 turnover ranking the worst of the 12 playoff teams.
Eagles player on the spot
Donovan McNabb. It has been an up-and-down season for D-Mac. He was benched in November, only to regain his job the next week. Since then, he has completed 64 percent of his throws for nine TDs and one interception. He wants a new contract — and how he plays in the postseason could determine whether he gets one. By the numbers: McNabb is 4-0 career vs. Vikings, with eight TD passes and no INTs.
Vikings player on the spot
Bernard Berrian. If Adrian Peterson, who has played on a sprained ankle for three weeks, can’t get it going, Vikings receivers would be under pressure to make big plays. Berrian had career-best 964 receiving yards and a 20.1-yard average.
Bet you didn’t know
The Vikings had not one, not two, but three defensive linemen named to the Pro Bowl: Jared Allen and the Williams boys, Pat and Kevin, who aren’t related. If they bring their “A” games today, Eagles will find running room tough to come by. Minnesota has led the league in run defense for three straight seasons.
Key matchup
Eagles left tackle Tra Thomas vs. defensive lineman Jared Allen Allen may be the best pass-rushing defensive lineman in the league, but Thomas, with a little help from his friends, figures to be a tough assignment. Eagles’ line allowed 23 sacks, well below the league average of 32.
Injury report
Philadelphia: OUT: DE Victor Abiamiri (foot), G Shawn Andrews (back). QUESTIONABLE: T Jon Runyan (knee), CB Asante Samuel (hip), TE L.J. Smith (shoulder), RB Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle). PROBABLE: WR Hank Baskett (knee), LB Stewart Bradley (rib, groin), WR Kevin Curtis (calf), S Brian Dawkins (back), G Todd Herremans (shoulder, ankle).
Minnesota: OUT: DE Ray Edwards (knee). QUESTIONABLE: DT Pat Williams (shoulder). PROBABLE: WR Bernard Berrian (ankle), T Artis Hicks (elbow).
Prediction
Eagles 19, Vikings 16
