NFL divisional round

Past meetings: The Ravens won 17-14 on the road in Week 4; the Steelers won 13-10 on the road in Week 13. Both games came down to Baltimore's last-gasp possession. Joe Flacco made one game-winning play, and Steelers safety Troy Polamalu made the other vs. Flacco.

What's different: This is the AFC North rivals' eighth matchup in three years, so the familiarity and mutual contempt is there. There are no secrets—as usual, it figures to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring affair that comes down to the fourth quarter, and the team that executes better will advance.

"It's going to be just like it always is," Flacco said after Sunday's wild-card win at Kansas City. "It's going to be a big, physical football game that will be a lot of fun to play in and a lot of fun to watch."

Position to watch: Wide receiver. Both teams will struggle to run, so spreading the field with a quick passing game will be best plan. The Steelers hope to slip speedster Mike Wallace behind the Ravens' defense, and the home team must deal with a physical Anquan Boldin after the catch.

N.Y. Jets at New England, Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS)

Past meetings: The Jets won 28-14 at home in Week 2; the Patriots won 45-3 at home in Week 13. Rex Ryan got the better of Tom Brady in the second half in the new Meadowlands, but it's hard to remember if the Jets even showed up at Foxborough.

"Obviously, they didn't have a good night that night," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Sunday. "But they do a good job running the ball. They've got big-play receivers and tight ends. They do what they do on defense—a lot of man coverage, and they're pretty physical on the front line.

"I don't think they're a whole lot different than, really, what they've been all year. They do a lot of things well."

What's different: It's the playoffs, and both teams have a renewed sense of swagger. Brady would seem to have a big edge over Mark Sanchez, but the second-year Jets quarterback is proving again to be most comfortable in crunch time.

Position to watch: Running back. Not surprisingly, LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Green facilitated the win over the Colts. As well as Brady is playing, the Patriots won't mind at all going run heavy with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead if Ryan deploys extra defensive backs to stymie Brady.
NFC

Green Bay at Atlanta, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Fox)

Past meeting: The Falcons won 20-17 at home in Week 12. Although the Packers racked up 418 yards, Atlanta outrushed them 117-77 and squeaked out the victory because of a key Aaron Rodgers goal-line fumble, the game's only turnover.

What's different: Green Bay has found some pop in its running game with rookie James Starks, and its defense has been a lot stingier vs. the run and forcing takeaways of late. Atlanta will come with the same M.O. of a balanced offense and putting pressure on Rodgers.

"(Starks) really learned the last month or so how to be a professional, and that this is a seven-day-a-week job," Rodgers said Sunday. "You have to practice well if you are going to play on Sunday. His practice habits have really improved in the last month and he has been reenergized."

Position to watch: Edge pass rusher. The offensive lines must gear up for two of the league's most disruptive upfield players. The Packers must keep John Abraham away from Rodgers. Clay Matthews, coming off a terrific game in Philadelphia, will be relentless in attacking Matt Ryan.

Seattle at Chicago, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

Past meeting: The Seahawks won 23-20 on the road in Week 6. Seattle dominated the game with a turnover-free offense, and the defense sacked Jay Cutler six times. The Bears' lone bright spot was special teams, where a late Devin Hester punt return touchdown made the final score close.

What's different: Not much for the Seahawks. They are coming off another strong offensive performance backed by a good pass rush. As for the Bears, they are running Matt Forte more to help take pressure off Cutler.

Position to watch: Linebacker. The Bears' Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs will be charged with slowing Marshawn Lynch after his biggest game as a Seahawk. On the other side, if Mike Martz gives him enough touches, Forte can wear down Seattle's front seven and perhaps break free for big plays as a receiver.