Since then, they blew out the Bengals 37-0 in Week 17, and then headed into Cincinnati and manhandled them 24-14 in the Wild Card Round.

The Chargers finished the season 13-3, on an 11-game winning streak, and as the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

In the process of their 11 game winning streak, which came after an embarrassing loss to the Steelers, they shored up their run defense and swept the NFC East.

They enter this game playing well in all three phases (offense/defense/special teams) and are looking to advance to the AFC Title Game.

Onto the analysis of this game:

When the Jets have the ball, expect OC Schottenheimer to continue running the ball with Thomas Jones and rookie Shonne Greene. While the Chargers have vastly improved their run defense over the course of the season, they can still be run on.

The Jets will use a lot of misdirection and counter run plays to take full advantage of their backfield’s ability.

Once the running game finds a little rhythm, they’ll begin attacking through the air with high percentage passes.

The one thing New York wants to avoid is putting Mark Sanchez in a lot of 3rd and longs. So slants and quick outs to Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards and Dustin Keller will be incorporated throughout.

If they find success here, Sanchez will take at least one, maybe two shots down the field to “no-hands” Edwards.

Regardless of whether he catches it or not, the effect will be positive: in the first instance, it could be a TD; in the second, it’ll keep San Diego from bringing their Safetys up to stop the run.

Also keep an eye on Brad Smith in the Wild Cat.

San Diego hasn’t seen the Wild Cat much this season and this could cause confusion defensively.

When San Diego has the ball, look for Rivers to direct the attack through the air.

The Chargers running game has been non-existent in 2009, outside of the 2 yard TD runs LdT consistently gets, and they’ll find little success going against the league’s No. 8 ranked run defense.

The Jets Linebackers and Defensive Lineman plug holes quickly (outside of last week vs. Benson) and will keep Tomlinson and Sproles from finding success.

To combat this, Rivers will throw early and often. The most dangerous weapon for the Chargers will be TE Antonio Gates. The Jets don’t have anyone who matches up well with him, so expect No. 85 to be targeted over 10 times on Sunday.

Vincent Jackson will be limited by Darrelle Revis but Malcom Floyd and Legedu Nanee should have success against the N0 2. and Nickel CB.

Also keep an eye on Darren Sproles out of the backfield who could be a big part of the short passing game.

Screens are the perfect antidote against blitzing teams and the Jets love to bring pressure.

When the clock winds down to 0:00, look for the Chargers, currently favored by 7.5 points, to advance to the AFC Championship with a 20-13 win.

If the Jets can jump on them early, they have a real shot of stealing this game. But if it’s close throughout, which is how we see it shaping up, then expect Rivers and Co. to be too much in the 4th quarter and pull out the close win at home.

Best Bet

1. New England Patriots (-3.5) vs. Baltimore Ravens

The only way Baltimore can win this game, and cover the point spread, is by establishing the running game. But Belichick is smart enough to recognize this and will scheme to take Ray Rice and Willis McGahee away.

Joe Flacco has been horrible at times down the stretch and that inconsistency will lead to a few picks on Sunday.

The Pats won’t light up the scoreboard either, but Brady and Co. will make enough plays to get it done. Keep an eye on Randy Moss whose deep speed could prove too much for the Ravens Secondary.

The Pats have been here before and are hard to beat at home in the playoffs. Look for them to win by a TD.

Next In Line

2. Arizona Cardinals (+2) vs. Green Bay Packers

This is the most difficult game on the board to pick. Both offenses are going to move the ball through the air against each other and it will come down to which team can make the big play/stop on defense.  Our money is on Arizona.

Talented S Adrian Wilson will be all over of the field and his presence in the box will ensure Ryan Grant doesn’t get going. Their creative defensive packages will also account for the Packers receivers, something very difficult to do, and although we see Rodgers and Co. having success passing the ball, we expect Arizona, playing at home, to come up big when it counts.

This team did it last year throughout the Playoffs and look poised to make a run this year too.

3. Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5) vs. New York Jets

Don’t let the 37-0 whooping mislead you; there were many reasons for that lopsided score. The bottom line is the Bengals didn’t need that game and didn’t show much in it either.

Look for Cincinnati to focus heavily on its running game (Cedric Benson) to set up the pass and for the other receivers (outside of Ochocinco), Caldwell and/or Coles, to step up and make plays in the passing game.

New York will attempt to run the ball but the Bengals will scheme to take this away. And Mark Sanchez won’t be able to beat the Bengals, and its talented CBs, through the air.

The Bengals will bounce back this week with a big 17-13 win playing in their homepark.

4. Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles

A week ago, we chose the Eagles straight up and were burned. Dallas had their way with Philly although Reid shut things down once it was apparent that they were not going to win.

The more we analyze this match-up, it’s hard to envision the Eagles keeping this game to within a FG. They can’t  - don’t – run the ball, and by failing to do so, McNabb is put into precarious spots. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer are then able to pin their ears back and go after No. 5.

The inability to go play-action also limits DeSean Jackson’s effectiveness.

On offense, Marion Barber and Felix Jones will run the ball at will on the Eagles smaller defense and when Philly tries to bring up Safety help, Romo will make them pay.

Look for the Cowboys to sweep all three games this season with a 24-17 win on Saturday Night.

A few things to consider when analyzing this game before making your pick:

* The Jets needed last week’s game badly to make the Playoffs; the Bengals didn’t.

* The Bengals, with a win, would have secured the 3rd seed and faced the Ravens for the third time this season.  They’ve won the first two and beating a team three times in one season is something very difficult to accomplish.

* The Bengals sat Cedric Benson and a few of their other key defensive players.

* The Jets showed everything in their arsenal (offensively and defensively) while the Bengals showed very little.

Now to the rematch and how we see things shaping up on Saturday.

When the Bengals are on offense, look for Palmer to feed the ball to Cedric Benson between 25 and 30 times. It is imperative that the Bengals can get a solid running game going because their pass offense has been unable to carry them over the last six weeks of the season. What’s becoming more apparent is that when the late Chris Henry was placed on IR, the threat of a deep passing game went with him.

Aside from Ochocinco, who’s now slowed by a knee injury, Coles and Caldwell have failed to step up and this has defenses shifting focus to his side of the ball. The Jets have the luxury of being able to put CB Darrelle Revis on No. 85 in single coverage so the other receivers will need to step up and make plays when the opportunity presents itself.

When the Jets are on offense, expect them to follow a similar blueprint to the one they used in their blowout victory in Week 17. They will run the ball with Thomas Jones and Shonne Greene and hope that they can continue to pick up 1st downs in bunches.

But they’ll find things aren’t as easy this week when Mike Zimmer actually prepares his defense to take away the Jets lone offensive weapon: the running game.

Zimmer will keep his talented corners on an island against Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery and they’ll be able to lock them down. He’ll then bring extra help from the Safety position up to the line in order to render the Jets running game ineffective.

The lack of a running threat will induce Mark Sanchez into mistakes because he’s shown time and time again that he is not ready to carry this offense as a rookie.

This fact might have us seeing Brad Smith run the Wild Cat more frequently but although it caused some confusion and led to a score last Sunday, you can bet  the Bengals defenders will have things cleaned up by Saturday.

When the clock reaches 0:00,  expect Cincinnati to pull out a close 17-13 win. They’ll play exceptional defense and force Sanchez into a few turnovers which will be the deciding factor in the game.

The O/U of 34.5 is a good bet too.

Best Bet

1. Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) vs. Tampa Buccaneers

The Seahawks were annihilated vs. the Texans last week yet are the best bet this week. How? Because they’re a much better team at home and are welcoming the 1-12 (0-6 road) Bucs to town.  Seattle will control this game offensively and use the legs of Justin Forsett to wear down the Bucs defense late.

Rookie QB Josh Freeman has been a turnover machine the past few weeks and Seattle’s D will capitalize on a few of his mistakes here.

Next In Line

2. Kansas City Chiefs (-2) vs. Cleveland Browns

This is likely the most unwatchable game on the schedule except for those with money on the line… both teams have been horrible lately outside of Cleveland’s upset of the Steelers last Thursday. The Chiefs have suffered offensively during Dwayne Bowe’s absence but he returns on Sunday. This will help out Cassel who’ll have more options in the passing game. The Browns offense is inept as a group and Kansas City is still a difficult place for opponents to play.

3. Baltimore Ravens (-11) vs. Chicago Bears

The Bears season has been a complete wash and Cutler has struggled without the necessary talent surrounding him. They also travel poorly (1-5 on road). The Ravens are still in the thick of the playoff race and we like Baltimore to pour it on this Sunday. Look for a lot of Ray Rice offensively and for the Ravens D to get after Cutler and force him into sacks and turnovers.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (+6.5) vs. San Diego Chargers

See Money Line analysis.

Others We Like

Arizona Cardinals (-12) vs. Detroit Lions

The Cardinals on the road in 2009 have been phenomenal. They’re 5-2 and one of those losses came when Kurt Warner was out. The other came on Monday against the 49ers, who have owned them recently. They’ll get back to their winning ways with a romp in Detroit. Warner and Co. will pick apart the Lions D and Detroit is looking like they’ll be forced to go with Daunte Culpepper at QB.

New Orleans Saints (-7) vs. Dallas Cowboys

This will probably be the last game of the regular season that the Saints get revved up for and look for them to put a show Saturday Night in the Big Easy. No one to date has stopped Drew Brees and Co. at home and the Cowboys won’t be the first. Dallas is also playing on edge after hearing all the “can’t win in December talk” and will lose in by at least 10.

Denver Broncos (-14) vs. Oakland Raiders

The Broncos have laid a few eggs in recent years when hosting the Raiders as big time favorites, but we don’t see that happening again. The main reason is this year’s team has a defense. They’ll get after Charlie Frye and make his life miserable, forcing turnovers and a lot three and outs. On top of that, the offense is playing well and Orton and his skill players are clicking at the right time. Look for a rout on Sunday.

Money Line

Cincinnati Bengals (+220) vs. San Diego Chargers

This game has huge playoff ramifications as the team that wins puts itself in the driver’s seat for the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

Cincinnati will be playing this one with a heavy heart after the death of WR Chris Henry on Thursday.

The Bengals actually play a style of defense which matches up very well against San Diego. The Chargers are excellent at passing the ball but the Bengals feature one of the top rated pass defenses in the NFL. Their CB duo, Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall, is one of the best in the business. The Bengals stop the run fairly well but the Chargers don’t feature much of a ground attack, so expect most of their attention to be on Phillip Rivers.

Offensively, the Bengals have been in a slump but have a chance to get back on track here. Look for them to pound the ball with Cedric Benson as the Chargers still have issues stopping the run. They’re much better than they were earlier in the season but still vulnerable against better running attacks.

In the passing game, look for Palmer to execute a safer attack to Ochocinco, Coles and Caldwell. The Chargers are good at preventing the long ball so we expect more of an underneath passing game.

When it’s all said and done, look for the Bengals, rallying around the death of Chris Henry, to pull out a tough road win.

1. Adrian Peterson

The Panthers strength of its defense lies in stopping the pass, not the run. Adrian Peterson will receive 25 carries and easily top the 100 yard mark with 2 TDs on Sunday Night.

2. Ray Rice vs. Chicago Bears

Ryan Grant took the 1st hand off in Week 14 to the house for a 62 yard TD. Overall, he finished with 137 yards and 2 TDs. Rice is hot right now (166 yards, 1TD vs. Det) and the Ravens will use their 2nd year back heavily against the Bears.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Indianapolis Colts

There’s a great possibility that the Colts will not play their starters the entire game. This would be excellent for Jones-Drew, who will receive between 20-25 carries and be utilized as a receiver out of the backfield. Look for a big game with another return trip to the end zone.

4. Cedric Benson vs. San Diego Chargers

San Diego has shored up its run defense over their eight game winning streak but can still be hurt on the ground. The Bengals, in a bit of an offensive funk themselves, will look to re-establish the running game and Benson, who totaled 96 yards vs. the Vikings, will top the century mark with a score on Sunday.

Sleepers

1. Justin Forsett vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have consistently worn down late in games against the run and make most opposing RBs look like fantasy football stars. The Seahawks will win big on Sunday and Forsett will top 100 yards with a TD.

2. Chris Wells vs. Detroit Lions

“Beanie” Wells ran with authority against the Niners (79 yards, 1TD) and has a considerably easier task against the Lions. He’ll  top the 100 yard mark with a TD in round two of the playoffs and is an excellent fantasy sleeper.

Others We Like

Chris Johnson vs. Miami Dolphins

CJ is easily the top fantasy football RB in 2009 and is dominating this season as DeAngelo Williams did last year. He’s now run for over 100 yards in eight straight games and scored nine rushing TDs over that span. While Miami’s pretty good against the run and might slow Johnson a little,  he’ll be hard to keep under wraps the entire game.

Frank Gore vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Gore’s improved running between the tackles has helped his overall game. He rushed for 167 and a TD on Monday Night in an impressive effort against Arizona. This week he gets Philly, whose defense pales in comparison to the days when Jim Johnson was running the show. Expect a solid game from No. 21.

Thomas Jones vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Jets are wisely taking the ball out of their QB’s hands and placing it into the hands of Thomas Jones. He has five 100 yard games in his last eight and 6 rushing TDs. The Jets offensive line should have its way against a smaller Falcons defense so look for another big game from Jones.

A Few More

Steven Jackson vs. Houston Texans

Jamaal Charles vs. Cleveland Browns

Brandon Jacobs vs. Washington Redskins

1. Indianapolis Colts (-7) vs. Denver Broncos

With a win on Sunday, the Colts will wrap up home field advantage in the AFC. The Broncos, who are still fighting for a Wild Card, have beaten the Giants and Chiefs in consecutive weeks but will find that the Colts are a different beast.

Look for Peyton Manning to have success through the air and force Denver into a shootout, which is not their style of play. Defensively, Freeney and Co. will shut down Kyle Orton en route to an easy win in Week 14.

Next In Line

2. Cincinnati Bengals (+6.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings

Although Minnesota is a tough place to play, it’s tough to bet against the Bengals in a big game situation this year. They’ve won every single one they’ve played in. And still vying for the No. 2 seed in the conference, expect Cincinnati to pull out a close victory on the road behind the legs of Cedric Benson and arm of Carson Palmer. The loss of MLB EJ Henderson to the Vikings’ defense will be difficult to overcome.

3. New England Patriots (-13.5) vs. Carolina Panthers

The Patriots are finally back to a place they can win: home. They’re 6-0 in New England and just 1-5 on the road. The Panthers will likely have to go with Matt Moore at QB and even the beleaguered Patriots defense can handle this assignment. Offensively, look for Brady and Co. to put between 25 to 30 on the board and wear the Panthers down late.

4. Miami Dolphins (+3) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

See Money Line Analysis

Others We Like

Dallas Cowboys (-3) vs. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers are on a roll right now but have mostly feasted off a soft schedule during their seven game winning streak. And while the Cowboys certainly have issues of their own – can’t win in December, this is a must-win game for them. Their ability to run the ball will end up being the deciding factor in the game.

Philadelphia Eagles (+1) vs. New York Giants

The Giants potentially saved their season with their win over Dallas in Week 13. And while they did a lot of good things in that game, they’ve still got a number of issues rushing the passer and getting off the field on 3rd down. Andy Reid always has his teams prepared against New York and will attack the Giants porous pass defense with the Eagles talented young pass catchers (DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek).

Also, the +1 point spread suggests that the odds makers think Philly will win; home teams are usually alloted a 3 point spread if the book makers think the game is even.

Arizona Cardinals (-3.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers hopes for the post season will come to an end on Monday Night when the Cards head out to San Francisco. Kurt Warner is playing extremely well and Fitzgerald and Boldin will be too much for the Niners secondary. Defensively, the Cards will take Frank Gore out of the game and force Alex Smith to beat them.

Money Line

Miami Dolphins (+120) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags are the most unimpressive 7-5 team in the NFL.  Outside of Maurice Jones-Drew and the running game, they don’t do anything particularly well; the passing game is inconsistent and the defense is soft against both the run and pass.

The Dolphins are by no means a powerhouse, but they’ve won three of their last four (including a 22-21 win over the Patriots on Sunday) to move to .500. Chad Henne is slowly getting better and the improvement to the offensive side of the ball reflects his growth as a QB.

Offensively, Miami will focus on the running game with Ricky Williams to set-up the pass. Look for Henne to then execute a safe passing attack designed to keep the clock/chains moving and wear Jacksonville down. Miami will score at least 21.

Defensively, Miami will focus its efforts on stopping the run, which it’s quite good at. They’ll force David Garrard to beat them and he’ll struggle against an improving secondary.

When clock hits 0:00, Miami will win 21-17 to move even with the Jags at 7-6.

1. Chris Johnson

Johnson’s streak of 125 yard games ended at six after he  managed only 113 rushing yards against the Colts. This week he gets the Rams, and you can bet that he’ll respond with a huge game on Sunday. Look for over 150 yards and 2 TDs as he remains on pace for 2,000 yards.

2. Rashard Mendenhall vs. Cleveland Browns

Mendenhall rushed for over 100 yards and a TD in their demoralizing loss to the Raiders. He faces another defensive slouch and will top the century mark with another score on Thursday.

3. Ray Rice vs. Detroit Lions

Ray Rice is a fantasy football force because of his running as well as receiving ability out of the backfield. The Lions don’t stop either particularly well so look for over 150 total yards and one TD on Sunday.

4. Marion Barber vs. San Diego Chargers

The Cowboys need this game more than the Chargers and will rely heavily on their running game against an average run defense. Barber should receive at least 20 carries and will top 100 yards with a goal line TD.

Sleepers

1. Mike Bell vs. Atlanta Falcons

Bell’s carries have increased due to Reggie Bush’s injury and he remains the team’s primary goal line runner. The Saints should easily beat Atlanta in Week 14 and Bell’s is looking at a potential two TD game. He’s a great fantasy sleeper here.

2. Justin Forsett vs Houston Texans

Forsett’s been much better on the  road than at home and faces a mediocre Texans defense in Houston on Sunday. Look for Seattle to pound the rock and for Forsett to score in Week 14.

Others We Like

Cedric Benson vs. Minnesota Vikings

The loss of EJ Henderson to the Vikings defense changes its entire complexion against the run.  He was the rock in the middle of that defense. Benson’s best games have come against top tier defenses so expect another strong outing on Sunday.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Miami Dolphins

MJD was kept in check (76 yards) vs. Houston but will see a bigger role against Miami. Look for him to get back on track with over 100 vs. the Dophins.

DeAngelo Williams vs. New England Patriots

The Patriots defense is soft all around and Williams, who was out nursing an ankle injury in Week 13, will top 100 yards with a score in New England.

A Few More

Brandon Jacobs vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Adrian Peterson vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Pierre Thomas vs. Atlanta Falcons

1. Chris Johnson

Can he rush for over 125 yards seven games in a row? We think he can – and will. Look for Johnson to amass over 175 total yards and score a few times on Sunday. Right now he’s the most dangerous player in fantasy football.

2. Adrian Peterson vs. Arizona Cardinals

The wheels have seemingly come off to the once top ranked Cardinals run defense. They’ve been torched each of the past three weeks (150 yards, 1TD to Johnson on Sunday) and face a monster task on Sunday Night. AD will find huge running lanes and should top 100 yards with 2 TDs.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Houston Texans

The last time these two teams met MJD topped 100 yards with 3 TDs. He’ll be relied on heavily once again and will top the century mark with a few scores on Sunday.

4. Rashard Mendenhall vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders possess one of the worst run defenses in football. They allowed nearly 200 yards on Thanksgiving Day to the Cowboys trio of backs. Look for Pittsburgh to get back into the win column riding the legs of Mendenhall and he’ll easily top 100 yards with a few TDs.

Sleepers

1. LeSean McCoy vs. Atlanta Falcons

The potential absence of DeSean Jackson on Sunday will mean the Eagles rely more heavily on McCoy. And he’ll find ample running room against a soft Falcons D. He’s a great fantasy sleeper in Week 13.

2. Cadillac Williams vs. Carolina Panthers

The Bucs offense has received a jump start with the insertion of QB Josh Freeman who has provided better balance to the unit. Look for Tampa to run the ball on Sunday and Williams to be the main guy receiving carries.

Others We Like

Cedric Benson vs. Detroit Lions

It appeared as if Benson would be a go last week but the Bengals, playing the porous Browns, decided to hold off another week. Cincinnati won’t want a rusty Benson for the post season and have already said he’s starting this week. He’ll run all over a very suspect Lions run defense.

Ricky Williams vs. New England Patriots

Williams has taken the No. 1 spot by storm and notched two consecutive 100 yard games with four total TDs. The Dolphins will pound the rock in an attempt to keep Tom Brady and the Patriots high powered offense off the field and we like him to reach 100 yards in Week 13.

LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Cleveland Browns

While this is an extremely easy matchup, Tomlinson has been unable to capitalize on the poorer teams this year and we don’t think he’ll do so here. However, he should score a few TDs, making him a quality start.

A Few More

DeAngelo Williams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Marion Barber vs. New York Giants

Ray Rice vs. Green Bay Packers

Thomas Jones vs. Buffalo Bills

Matt Forte vs. St. Louis Rams

Steven Jackson vs. Chicago Bears

1. Adrian Peterson

Some of AD’s best games in his career have come at the expense of the Bears. In his rookie year, he went for 224 yards and 3 TDs and has consistently eaten up Chicago’s defense. This week will be no different; expect 150 plus yards with a few scores.

2. Steven Jackson vs. Seattle Seahawks

No. 39 has been a one man wrecking crew the past few weeks gaining over 100 yards and a TD against both the Saints and Cardinals. This week, he has an easier matchup than the past two and will top 100 yards with 2 TDs.

3. Marion Barber vs. Oakland Raiders

The Bengals No. 2 option, Bernard Scott, torched the anemic Raiders defense for 119 yards. The Cowboys should enjoy a healthy lead on Thursday and Barber will get 20 plus carries and top the 100 yard mark with 2 TDs.

4. Cedric Benson vs. Cleveland Browns

Benson took Week 11 off to rest his hip but should be ready to go in this one. Look for another 25 plus carries with 100 yards and a score against a very soft Browns defense.

Sleepers

1. Knowshon Moreno vs. New York Giants

While the Broncos offensively have hit a wall, Moreno has a chance to have a nice game against the Giants on Thanksgiving Night. New York’s defense has been plagued by poor scheming and opposing RBs have had success against their front seven. He’s a solid fantasy sleeper in Week 12.

2. Jamaal Charles vs. San Diego Chargers

Charles’ speed make him a dangerous threat as a receiver out of the backfield as well as when running the ball. The Chargers have addressed some of their run defense issues but will be tested by the 2nd year back on Sunday. He could break 100 total yards and find the end zone.

Others We Like

Ricky Williams vs. Buffalo Bills

The Bills did an excellent job stopping Maurice Jones-Drew as they committed extra men into the box. But overall they’ve been extremely poor against the run in 2009. Look for Williams to enjoy an excellent day and top 100 yards with a few TDs.

DeAngelo Williams vs. New York Jets

The Jets have been unable to overcome the loss of DT Kris Jenkins and opposing RBs have pretty much had their way with this unit. Williams has put up impressive numbers over the past month and Carolina will once again rely on the running game to set-up the pass. Look for Williams to top 100 yards with a TD.

Chris Johnson vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals top five rushing defense has given up 100 yards and a score in consecutive weeks. This week they face the most dangerous RB in the game right now; Johnson can beat you on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield and we think he’ll top 150 totals yards with two scores here.

A Few More

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. San Francisco 49ers

Thomas Jones vs. Carolina Panthers

Kevin Smith vs. Green Bay Packers

LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Ryan Grant vs. Detroit Lions