Open thread: Saturday's playoff action

by Site Admin

Coming up today/tonight:

Colts at Texans - 4:35 p.m. ET

A team the Jets beat faces off against a team the Jets almost beat to get the postseason underway. The Texans had a nine-game winning streak in the middle of the season, but otherwise lost five of their other seven games. However, the Colts bounced back from a 1-5 start to make it to the postseason at 10-6.

Early in the season, an ill-fated fourth down gamble by Colts head coach Frank Reich failed and the Texans won on a late field goal. However, the Colts got their revenge last month when a key offsides penalty by Jadeveon Clowney on third down enabled them to run out the clock and cling on for a 24-21 win.

The Texans are led by Deshaun Watson (103.1 QB rating), DeAndre Hopkins (115 receptions) and JJ Watt (16 sacks). They also recently got Lamar Miller (973 rushing yards) back from injury. The Colts will counter with an offense that was fifth in the league in scoring. Andrew Luck (39 touchdown passes), TY Hilton (1,270 receiving yards) and Marlon Mack (908 rushing yards) lead the offense, while their defense is led by rookie sensation Darius Leonard, who led the NFL in tackles.

Seahawks at Cowboys - 8:15 p.m. ET

These teams also met earlier this season, with the Seahawks coming out on top 24-13. However, a lot has changed since then, with Earl Thomas now on injured reserve and a trade for Amari Cooper having bolstered the Cowboys' offense.

Dallas won seven of their last eight to run away with the NFC East as their divisional rivals floundered, but Seattle has also been hot as they've won six of seven down the stretch behind the genius of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Seattle is led by MVP candidate Russell Wilson and running back Chris Carson, who had a thousand-yard season. Their leading receiver is Tyler Lockett but Doug Baldwin has been the clutch go-to guy down the stretch. On defense, Frank Clark and Jarran Reed each had double digits in sacks. Dallas is led by Cooper and running back Ezekiel Elliott, who had over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. Their defense is keyed by Demarcus Lawrence (10.5 sacks) and young linebackers Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch

WHO YA GOT?