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The four wild card round games are almost here and it won’t be long until the 1st kick-off on Saturday. This week we have two underdogs that we think are going to cause a ruckus and win against the spread. Our strongest pick against the spread this week is the New York Jets at +2.5, but we also like the Chiefs at +3 this weekend over the Ravens. If you’re wondering why we’ve chosen these two underdogs to make it through to the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Playoffs continue reading our analysis below.

New York Jets +2.5 vs. Indianapolis Colts –2.5

Indianapolis Colts needed to win their last four games in order to get into the playoffs and although they managed to do so, the four games they needed to win weren’t against extremely tough competition. The Colts needed to beat the Titans twice, Raiders once and the Jaguars once. These teams aren’t pushovers, but they aren’t on the same level that the Jets are on. I think a lot of people are underestimating the Jets this season because of their miracle run last season.

New York should be able to utilize their 4th ranking rushing offence against the poor Colts rushing defence that has given up an average of 127 rushing YPG this season. If Tomlinson and Greene can get going then it’ll make life a lot easier on Sanchez, as he won’t need to try and force the ball downfield. Everyone knows that the Colts will be throwing the ball the majority of the time with Manning, but with Addai back, the Jets need to keep an eye on him.

Another reason why I like the Jets this weekend is because they’re looking for revenge after last season’s AFC Championship Game where the Colts knocked the Jets out of the playoffs. Indianapolis is an excellent 6-2 at home, but the Jets also have a 6-2 record on the road so there isn’t a huge advantage here in my opinion.

Baltimore Ravens –3 vs. Kansas City Chiefs +3

Everyone is talking about the huge experience difference between the Chiefs and Ravens this weekend, but I don’t think it’s going to play a huge factor. Kansas likes getting out to an early start and if they’re able too this Sunday they should be able to keep this game close right down to the wire. The Chiefs aren’t going to amaze you with any crazy plays, but they know how to play hardnosed football and I think they match-up well with the Ravens.

For the Chiefs to have a legitimate shot at winning this game they’ll need to be efficient on the ground. If Charles and Jones are unable to get going against the Ravens 5th best rushing defence it could cause a lot of problems. I expect to see a steady dose of Ray Rice in the 1st half of the game on Sunday and it’ll be important to keep him under control. The Chiefs have been mediocre this season with stopping the run and pass, but the Ravens aren’t a top tier offence.

With this game being played at Arrowhead Stadium I fully expect the Chiefs to keep out possessed. They haven’t made the playoffs in awhile and probably won’t next year, as they have an extremely tough schedule. Now is the time for this team to try and make a push to the Superbowl and if they can knock off the Ravens they’ll have a great chance.