Online Franchise Divisional Playoff Preview

The Wild Card Weekend saw a three tight games and one blowout with the Pastapadre Madden 10 Online Franchise having now advanced to the Divisional Playoff Weekend. One underdog has advanced while three favorites have moved on. They now face the tough task of playing top seeded teams that rolled through the regular season.

Continue on for a preview of the Divisional Playoff Weekend in the online franchise.

The #5 Chargers have advanced only to face the #1 and undefeated Raiders. This looks to be the best game of the round with an explosive offensive team in San Diego attempting to take down the only team that seems unbeatable. The Chargers come off a 24-17 victory over the Jets that had Reggie Wayne catching two TDs and Shawne Merriman recording a sack and INT.

The Chargers aerial attack combines Philip Rivers with Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne, Chris Chambers, and Antonio Gates. They have kept balance though with a strong season from Darren Sproles and he is backed up by Fred Taylor. Merriman led the league in sacks with 18.

The Raiders though are the story of the league having rolled with ease…the smallest margin of victory was seven points. Offensively they don’t have numbers that would blow anyone away but the passing game spreads the ball around and Darren McFadden with Michael Bush have split carries effectively. On defense it is another story where both Chris Johnson and Nnamdi Asomugha had nine picks and Trevor Scott recorded 14 sacks. The Raiders have won with smart offensive play and a tremendous defense.

These teams faced each other twice in the regular season with the Raiders coming out on top 42-14 and 25-14. The second game may be the one to focus on though as the first didn’t have all the current players involved and was full of turnovers. That second game was much cleaner but the Raiders defense was too much to overcome.

Oakland has to be the big favorite but the Chargers have a chance because of their explosive offense. It is going to take a near perfect game to top the Raiders.

Line: Raiders -6.5

The #4 Packers pulled off the upset over the Bucs and now have the difficult task of facing the #1 seeded Cardinals. It was a 31-20 victory for GB last week as Josh Freeman struggled and threw 4 INTs and Derrick Ward was shut down on the ground. James Jones shined with five catches for 113 yards and a TD.

Arizona brings in the NFC’s top rated offense and defense. Not only that but they have a lethal special teams unit with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie having returned 11 kicks for TD. Larry Fitzgerald had a good year with 10 TDs on 73 receptions and Frank Gore carried the team on the ground with 1750 yards and 24 TDs.

These teams just played in week 17 with the Cards winning 52-35. Arizona actually didn’t have a big game offensively but Aaron Rodgers threw five picks and that was the difference. Ryan Grant was effective with four TDs which could be a good sign if GB can limit the turnovers.

The Cardinals had a great season but appear a little vulnerable. The Packers can’t afford to give up big plays in special teams. If they keep it close they’ll have a chance at the end.

Line: Cardinals -4

The #3 Eagles have moved on to face the #2 Saints. Philadelphia comes off a defensive battle against the Seahawks having scraped by 17-14. The Saints have won six straight games heading into the playoffs.

These two teams played early in the season but the results aren’t an indication of what to expect in the rematch because of the ownership change Philadelphia had mid-season. Drew Brees had a big year throwing for 4381 yards and 29 TDs.

The Saints have the #2 offense in the NFC but only the #11 defense. They could give up points here to a powerful offensive squad in the Eagles. However the question will be whether the Eagles can limit the damage that Brees and Reggie Bush, who was a double-threat throughout the season, will do.

Line:  Saints -4.5

The #3 Ravens rolled over the Steelers in the Wild Card round and now face the tough Jaguars. If it wasn’t for the Raiders it would be the Jags getting all the attention right now. They went 14-2 and were only really challenged three times. A three point win over the Texans and the two losses which came to the Titans and Seahawks.

The Jags have the #2 offense and #2 defense in the franchise and have also been successful with big plays in the punt return game. Maurice Jones-Drew had a terrific year with 2481 yards and 25 TDs on the ground along with 44 receptions. Reggie Nelson led the team with nine picks.

This looks to be a great game as the Ravens could provide the toughest foe that the Jaguars will have faced. Joe Flacco threw for six TDs in the Wild Card game and Brian Westbrook has provided a dynamic element to the team that had been missing.

Line: Jaguars -3