[mmarra82]

NFC Matchup
1:00 on FOX
New York Giants (10-6) at Detroit (9-7)

The Giants got off to the early lead 10-0 when Collins hit Toomer early and Mike Hollins connected on a short field goal, however, that would not last long as Joey Harrington and company got rolling. The Lions scored 14 unasnswered points and led at the half 14-13.

In the second half the teams exchanged touchdowns before Detroit took control. Hambrick and Mahe would each score on rushing touchdowns and the Detroit D would hold the Giants to three drives in the fourth quarter all resulting in three and outs.

The Lions rolled off 430 yards in total offense, led by Harrington who completed 22 of 33 passes for 290 yards, 2 touchdowns and one interception. Troy Hambrick continued to be solid rushing the football, he would rush for 90 yards on 18 carries and add another 27 yards receiving on four catches. Detroit heads to the two time Super Bowl Champions next week, Tampa Bay while the Giants head home after yet another early exit from the playoffs. the Giants face a tough off-season, as Kerry Collins, their leader will test the free agent market. Collins has been 21-11 as the team's starer the last two seasons and has posted 50 touchdowns against just 21 interceptions during that span.

AFC Matchup
4:30 on CBS
Miami (9-6-1) at Denver (9-7)

The Dolphins won this tight battle 27-20. All areas of the statistics are balanced. Denver outgained Miami 370-357, both teams ran and threw the ball effectively, perhaps the only difference was that Miami's starting quarterback, Jay Fiedler started the game and lasted three quarters, compared to Jake Plummer who was unable to play once again, leaving the reigns of the Broncos in the hands of rookie quarterback, Ell Roberson. Plummer played in just 5 games this season, the team had depended on Charlie Batch who started 9 games, however, the Broncos released Batch when it appeared Plummer was coming back to the starting lineup. Plummer did come back and played, however, a shoulder injury in week 17 sent him to the bench and Roberson took the helm. Roberson did play well, (20-29-220-2td's) but was unable to drive the Broncos down the field at the end.

Fielder was knocked out late in the third quarter with a shoulder injury as well, and if the Dolphins plan on returning to the League Championship and perhaps the Super Bowl they will have to do it with Sage Rosenfels who threw just one pass during the regular season. Miami heads to Tennessee next week, the site of where their season ended last year, as the Titans advanced to the Super Bowl.