NFL Wildcard Weekend

The second season begins today with a couple of interesting matchups, followed Sunday by two intradivisional games.

COLTS -7 over Chiefs: All the chatter is about how Larry Johnson will run all over the hapless Colts run defense. Which may well be true. People seem to be overlooking the explosive Indianapolis offense, however. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne figure to have huge days against a suspect Kansas City secondary, and Peyton Manning doesn't figure to lose consecutive playoff games at home. Colts 37-24

Cowboys +3 over SEAHAWKS: Both teams have struggled mightily down the stretch, and Dallas was humiliated at home against lowly Detroit last week. Still, despite the home crowd, I like Dallas to throw at will on a Seattle secondary that has lost both starting corners. Loathsome as he may be, look for Terrell Owens to have a huge game, with Terry Glenn getting in on the action. Cowboys 31-23

PATRIOTS -8.5 over Jets: Jets may be happy just to get here and I like their chances to pull the upset. But New England just doesn't lose playoff games at home. New York should stick around and give the hosts a scare, but the Patriots have big plans and as a quiet No. 4 seed, may well go far this year. They will scare the daylights out of San Diego next week and may just win. First, they tune up on the Jets. Patriots 27-17

Giants +7 over EAGLES: I've been figuring the Giants would get blown out by the hottest team in the league, but I have a hunch they'll be able to move the ball and Tiki Barber will go out in style. Still, their defense is struggling with all the injuries and I don't see them stopping Garcia and Westbrook when it counts most late. Eagles 27-23