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QBs, defenses to play important role on Sunday

The top Super Bowl contenders will be showcased in Sunday's playoff action. The AFC's two best defenses square off in the early AFC game while the NFC afternoon matchup features the two best quarterbacks in the league.

Brett Favre is the most competitive player in the NFL. He's probably at his best playing from behind during a two-minute drill. Favre doesn't have the weapons Kurt Warner has, but he has brought the tight end back into the Packers' passing game. Look for Bubba Franks and Tyrone Davis to play important roles against a Rams defense that ranks in the bottom half of the league in the red zone. That could be a problem, because Green Bay has one of the NFL's most productive red-zone offenses.

The Packers would very much like to keep the St. Louis offense off the field, and that means Ahman Green has to move the chains. The Rams ranked third against the run this year, but that is due in part to opponents always being behind and forced to throw the ball.

Everyone associates the passing attack with The Greatest Show on Turf but don't forget the Rams led the league in average yards per rush and ranked sixth in total rushing. (Thanks, Marshall Faulk.) To slow them down, Green Bay will play zone and mix in key blitzes to get to Warner and disrupt the offensive machine.

If top-notch defenses are more your style, check out the Steelers and Ravens. Keep your eyes on Ray Lewis and you'll see what contact is all about. He'll be looking to take on Jerome Bettis at the line of scrimmage -- if not sooner.

Terry Allen has been on a roll for the Ravens these last two games, averaging five yards per carry. But now he faces the best rushing defense in the NFL. Both offenses are likely going to have to pass to win this game. Relying heavily on Elvis Grbac could spell trouble for Baltimore. Then again, the Ravens wouldn't mind Kordell Stewart shouldering the load. Stewart is mobile and elusive, but Peter Boulware has become one of the most dangerous pass-rushers in the league.

The Ravens beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh back in November when Kris Brown missed four field goals. This time around Bill Cowher's team wins a very tough, close game. In the other matchup, even one of Favre's best performances won't be enough. St. Louis gets by the Packers and it's smooth sailing to the Super Bowl.

Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNNSI.com.

 

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