Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

Saturday's late game will be a battle between offensive masterminds Sean Payton and Chip Kelly, who trotted out the NFL's Nos. 4 and 2-ranked offenses in 2013 total yards, respectively, and Nos. 10 and 4 in points scored. Not surprisingly, this game has the highest over-under of Wild Card weekend at 53.5 points, which still seems conservative.

Kelly's prolific rushing attack has the premier matchup on either side of the ball, taking on a Saints defense that ranked 19th against the run this regular season and served up 4.61 yards per carry, the league's fifth most generous clip. Favored by 2.5 points, the host Eagles can pull off this victory if they stay committed to the run, something Kelly has no problem doing as Philly finished fifth in 2013 rushing attempts.

If you're in a playoff fantasy league, you'll want LeSean McCoy on your team. ... The Saints' defense is much stouter through the air, where DC Rob Ryan's unit finished No. 2 in pass defense behind only Seattle, and No. 4 in sacks (49).

Unless New Orleans builds a big scoreboard lead, I'd look for Nick Foles to operate primarily as a game manager Saturday night, seeking to avoid turnovers and taking only manufactured vertical shots while Shady pounds on the ground. The potentially high-scoring nature of this affair may ultimately require Foles to do more, but I don't think that's what Kelly wants as long as the game is in control. ... Foles' target distribution from Week 13 on: DeSean Jackson 37; Riley Cooper 28; McCoy and Zach Ertz 22; Brent Celek 19; Jason Avant 17.

Matchups: Wild Card Round - Pretzel Crisps' Matchups - Rotoworld.com

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

This should end up being a good game. Saints by 3 in a dual.

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

I hope it isn't that close, but as long as the Saints have at least one more point than the iggles I will be happy!

And NO injuries!!

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

Just my opinion, but I see it just the opposite. I see the premier match up as the #2 passing attack against the leagues worst pass defense. The Saints can force Philly to abandon the run but Philly can't make N.O. give up on the passing game.

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

No doubt! Say we get up by 14, do you think realistically they will continue to run as much? And that's where Fole's first playoff game comes into play, with our #2nd ranked pass D!

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

I would say if we get up 2 TDs in the first half they will keep running; if it is in the 2nd half they won't

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

Yep.
On average, every team can expect loads of possessions yet, after the half.
(30 minutes. Average time per drive at some 3 minutes. Share that between 2 teams).

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

I can see our offense executing slow methodical scoring drives, keeping their D on the field as long as possible. With their fast-paced offense they run, it will actually hurt their D the faster they run.

Not too mention our drives will give our defense ample rest...

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

Hope you right in some ways.
But we have to take what we are given. Brees will and should throw long if our guys are wide open.

We sure don't want too many 3 and outs which 1) will sap a mere 2 minutes from the game and 2) give them the chance to drive after we have flunked.

My thinking is that turnovers settle this game. Philly have a great seasonal TO record. But we can negate that by not throwing interceptions.

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

:bng:

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

Our chances of stopping the run are much better than their chances of stopping the pass. If that manifest early they are in deep trouble.

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

If we win this one I have a strong gut feeling we will win in Seattle. They very well look at the game against us as a sure thing.

Re: Matchups: Wild Card Round
 

After the first match up, I don't blame them.