Though the NFL playoffs began on Jan. 5 with Wild Card weekend, the real action essentially starts this weekend, as the NFL's “Big 4” — Dallas, Green Bay, Indianapolis and New England — all open their respective postseasons. Here's an idea of what to expect when those four teams take on the Wild Card weekend victors in the NFL Divisional round.
 

AFC

JACKSONVILLE AT NEW ENGLAND
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12
TV: CBS

THE EARLY EDGE GOES TO ......: The Patriots, for the following reasons: They have the best quarterback in the league (Tom Brady), the best wide receiver in the league (Randy Moss), the best coach in the league (Bill Belichick), they haven't lost this season and they have won nine consecutive home playoff games — the second-longest streak in NFL history.

THE X-FACTOR: David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville. Bet on this — Belichick is going to stack his defense near the line with the hopes of stymieing the Jaguars' vaunted running game, thus forcing Garrard to throw. If he throws well, Jacksonville has a real shot of knocking off the unbeaten Patriots. If he struggles, New England wins in a rout.

THE 210 PREDICTION: New England 31, Jacksonville 21

SAN DIEGO AT INDIANAPOLIS
WHEN: Noon, Sunday, Jan. 13
TV: CBS

THE EARLY EDGE GOES TO ......: The Colts, who are rested and have the advantage of playing at home. Oh, yeah, the defending champs also have a quarterback by the name of Peyton Manning.

THE X-FACTOR: Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego. If Gates is able to overcome a sprained left toe and play against Indianapolis, it will make things a whole lot easier for San Diego's young quarterback, Philip Rivers. But if Gates is unable to play, or if he's limited significantly by the injury, it will not only eliminate Rivers' best receiving threat, but will also allow the Colts to gang up on Chargers all-world running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

THE 210 PREDICTION: Indianapolis 28, San Diego 20

NFC

SEATTLE AT GREEN BAY
WHEN: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12
TV: Fox

THE EARLY EDGE GOES TO ......: The Packers, who have experienced a resurgence this season thanks in part to a revitalized Brett Favre, an improved running game and some solid young receivers. Not only that, but they'll have the advantage of playing at Lambeau Field, which provides arguably the best home field advantage in all of professional football.

THE X-FACTOR: Brett Favre, QB, Green Bay. Favre, though much more effective this season than in recent years, was rather average over the final five games of the regular season (six TDs, seven INTs). If he settles back into a groove, the Packers should prevail. But if he reverts to his mistake-prone, gunslinging ways of old, Seattle might just sneak out of Lambeau Field with a victory.

THE 210 PREDICTION: Green Bay 34, Seattle 28

NEW YORK GIANTS AT DALLAS
WHEN: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13
TV: Fox

THE EARLY EDGE GOES TO ......: Dallas ..... just barely. Though the Cowboys were rather mediocre over the past month of the regular season, they already beat the Giants twice during the regular season. Plus, New York has to be worn down after facing Tampa Bay and New England in consecutive weekends.

THE X-FACTOR: Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas. If a high ankle sprain limits Owens' productivity, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is going to have a much tougher time picking apart the Giants' secondary. But if T.O. is able to overcome the ankle sprain, as he did in the Super Bowl three years back with Philadelphia, Dallas' aerial assault will likely be too much for New York to withstand.

THE 210 PREDICTION: Dallas 27, New York 23