Gridiron guide: Underdogs can cover 3 of 4 in divisional round

SATURDAY

CARDINALS (11-6) at SAINTS (13-3)

Line: Saints by 7

Over/Under: 57

TV-Radio: Ch. 5, WFAN (660), 4:30 p.m.

Once upon a time, the No. 1 seed usually dominated its playoff opener. Gone are those days, because the top-seeded Colts ('05), Chargers ('06), Cowboys ('07) and Giants ('08) all were one and done. Will the Saints join them? When they routed the Patriots Nov. 30, they looked like the class of the league, but since then they're 2-3 (no covers). Last year the Cardinals sleepwalked through December before flipping the switch and reaching the Super Bowl. Can the Saints do the same? Maybe, but if they show rust, Arizona will be dangerous. The pick: Cardinals

RAVENS (10-7) at COLTS (14-2)

Line: Colts by 6 1/2

Over/Under: 44

TV-Radio: Ch. 2, WFAN (660), 8:15 p.m.

For years the script has been the same: The Ravens keep Peyton Manning under control most of the time but lose anyway. A 17-15 win at Baltimore Nov. 22 extended the Colts' series streak to seven, including playoffs. The Ravens can play keepaway with their strong ground game, but if they fall behind by double digits, they'll be in a deep hole. Joe Flacco is slumping and his wideouts are hurting and mediocre. Unlike Tom Brady, Peyton is healthy and not missing a key receiver. The pick: Colts

SUNDAY

COWBOYS (12-5) at VIKINGS (12-4)

Line: Vikings by 3

Over/Under: 451/2

TV-Radio: Ch. 5, WFAN (660), 1 p.m.

Did liberal Cowboys fans feel conflicted when George W. Bush and Jerry Jones shook hands to celebrate a TD against the Eagles? Maybe for an awkward moment, if at all, because deep down your logo means more than your politics. To Vikings fans, Dallas' 13-year playoff drought didn't seem so long. The Cowboys have five rings, five more than Minnesota, which hasn't been to the Super Bowl since 1977. The Vikings usually find a way to self-destruct in big games. If the peaking 'Boys put serious heat on Brett Favre, his long-awaited meltdown could happen. The pick: Cowboys

JETS (10-7) at CHARGERS (13-3)

Line: Chargers by 7

Over/Under: 42

TV-Radio: Ch. 2, ESPN (1050), 4:40 p.m.

Buddy Ryan loved making outrageous remarks, and Rex is his father's son. The Ryans don't do vanilla, and they have five Super Bowl rings - Buddy (Jets, Bears), Rex (Ravens),; Rob (Patriots twice) - to back up the talk. I like Rex's style, but I don't see him getting No. 6 this year. That doesn't mean the Jets can't give the Chargers (11 straight wins) a game. The Jets have lost by more than 10 only twice (Saints, Pats). Although Philip Rivers is a brilliant QB, San Diego played a weak schedule, and its defense is good but not great. If the Jets can run the ball and grind the clock, a cover is within reach. The pick: Jets